Coach Jarod Hickle’s Vipers (11-3, 17-12) were one out away from clinching at least a share of their first ever district title on Saturday (4/18), only to see Westwood score the two winning runs in the bottom of the 9th inning after the Vipers had taken the lead in the top of the frame. That title is still theirs for the taking if they can be resilient enough to take at least one of the two games vs. the Dragons.
Vandegrift entered the season with as many questions marks as players, with only five starters back from last year’s squad that won the first playoff game in program history. Fortunately for the Vipers, that list included pitchers Karston Coffey and Carson Tan who have both pitched multiple complete games this season. That duo, combined with pitcher Jacob Vitek and a tough, consistent defense, have helped an offense that’s slowly improving after a sluggish start. Senior outfielder Marshall Linenberger and junior infielder Braylon Jones have both torched opposing pitchers at the plate. While senior second baseman Ethan Ha was the only other returning starter, Tyler Miller, Jack Knapp, Kalum Jackson, Dax van Stavern and others have settled in nicely to put the Vipers on the cusp of program history.
Round Rock, on the other hand, is used to making deep playoff runs just as they did last season when they won the district title and reached the regional semifinals. While it’s not surprising that veteran coach John Carter has his Dragons back in the playoff mix, it’s a bit of a surprise that they’re not the ones leading the 5-way scrum. Still, the Dragons (10-4, 19-11) are on the verge of yet another 20-win season and can still defend that district title with a sweep of the Vipers.
And they’ve got the veteran leadership back to make it possible, headlined by three All-District pitchers in Josh Horvath, Luke Rodriguez and Isaac Rodriguez, who also plays first base. Add in the rest of their returning senior starters -- JP Kazmann (All-District 2B); Luke Broaddus (3B); Jack Appl, (IF/OF/P); Quinn Barthelette (C/DH); Cade Goddard (OF/P); Jace Kivett; and Brandon Smith (P) – and it’s no wonder that they’re back in the hunt.
The Vipers have been redistricted out of 25-6A, so this is the last chance these two will meet as district foes for a while. And the stakes couldn’t be higher.
While the situation isn’t quite as dramatic for Cedar Park and Liberty Hill, since both teams are safely in the post-season, there is still a ton riding on this final series of the year. Technically, Liberty Hill still has a mathematical chance at sharing the district title, although it would require a complete collapse by league-leading Rouse against last-place Lockhart.
More realistically, the Panthers (9-3, 19-8-1) are battling Hays and Cedar Park for second place – and battling with the Timberwolves for the top Division 2 seed out of District 25-5A.
First year Head Coach Stephen Johnson didn’t inherit a ton of guys from last year’s 30-win state semifinalists, but those returning starters are good ones. Senior catcher/pitcher Carson Sharp (1st Team All-State, District Co-MVP) and pitcher/first baseman Jordan Andrews (All-State Honorable Mention, District Co-MVP) lead the charge with senior pitcher Tyler Dominguez (All-District Honorable Mention) providing another valuable arm. Other returning starters include senior shortstop Caleb Calvert (2nd Team All-District) and juniors Journey Lowry (1st Team All-District) and Brady Gage (All-District Honorable Mention).
Cedar Park is trending in the right direction as they try to return to the form that saw them regularly make deep playoff runs. Coach Ben Huffman’s Timberwolves (8-4, 14-14-1) reached the playoffs last year despite a sub .500 overall record and have improved on that mark in this, his second season at Cedar Park.
And the future looks bright. Of Cedar Park’s eight returning starters, just four are seniors, including 1st Team All-District relief pitcher Damian Alonzo, infielder Owen Mansfield, outfielder Tanner Richardson, and pitcher Griffinn Giltrap. District Defensive MVP Hudson Cuevas and catcher Brandon Washburn are just juniors while Kayaan Kotharia and Cooper Camacho are just sophomores.
Historically, these two rivals have really gone at it over the past few years. Sadly, however, this will also be the last matchup between them for a while as Cedar Park will be moving to 6A next season. So, while playoff positioning and momentum are important, never overlook the power of bragging rights when it comes to a rivalry series like Cedar Park vs. Liberty Hill.
What: Vandegrift vs. Round Rock
When: Tuesday 4/21 and Friday 4/25*, 6:45 pregame
Where: Tues. @ Dragon Diamond, RRHS; Fri. @ Venom Field, VHS
Who: Merle Bertrand
Watch: Broadcast Lineup on https://www.vype.com/
What: Cedar Park vs. Liberty Hill
When: Tuesday 4/21 and Friday 4/25*, 6:50 pregame
Where: Tues. @ Matt Arellano Park, CPHS; Fri. @ Panther Field, LHHS
Who: Brad Cone, Maddie Cuellar (CP Crew); Bryan Reed (LH crew)
Watch: Broadcast Lineup on https://www.vype.com/
* Weather permitting
12PM - Baseball: Anderson vs. Westlake
