Neighborly quarrels aside, this game is dripping with playoff implications. Head Coach Michael Quinteros’ T-wolves come in at 5-3 overall and, at 4-1 in District 8-5A Division 2, tied for second with East View and a game up on Lake Belton for the final playoff spot. Cedar Park also sits one game back of league-leading Georgetown, who they will face in next week’s finale, so a win would keep their title hopes alive.
Junior David Cooper has had a solid season in this, his second season as Cedar Park’s starting quarterback. Effective through the air (113-169, 1,447 yds., 15 TD, 4 INT) and on the ground, (56-361 rushing yards, 5 TD), Cooper has guided the Cedar Park offense to 41.1 points and 447.2 yards per game. Senior running back Trae Samuel Frost Hill (180-1,255, 7.0 YPC, 18 TD) has powered the traditionally strong ground game while senior Jamal Porter and junior Brayden Jahns have caught the bulk of Copper’s passes.
Seniors Jahiem Porter and Bennet Patton, along with sack leader Olujimi Aluko have led a defense that, while not quite the vaunted “Black Rain” defense of a decade ago, are doing enough to win football games.
Although the Leander Lions (3-5, 2-3) are currently tied with Rouse a game behind Lake Belton, an upset over their archrival would inject Head Coach Mike Price’s squad back into the playoff picture heading into their finale next week vs. East View.
Senior quarterback Mason Montgomery has arguably done more damage with his legs (70-535, 7.6 YPC, 8 TDs) than with his arm (91-185, 1,106, 4 TD, 11 INT) this season. Senior running back Kemarion Gordon (116-797, 6.9 YPC, 10 TD) is the leading ballcarrier while senior receivers Dominic Jaramillo (17-261, 15.4 YPC, 2 TD) and Aidyn Passe (23-233, 10.1 YPC) have been Montgomery’s favorite targets.
Seniors Evan Perkins (64 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, sack) and Luis Ruiz-Williams (33T, 7.0 TFL, Sack) key the Lions defense.
Leander ISD has added four more high schools since Cedar Park HS sprang into existence, leading to newer intra-school district matchups and rivalries. Yet, nothing quite beats the original LISD rivalry like Leander vs. Cedar Park.
Especially since “Leander vs. Catfish High” would have just sounded silly.
What: Cedar Park vs. Leander
When: 6:45 Pregame, 7:00 Kickoff
Where: John Gupton Stadium
Who: Josh Willard, Brad Cone, Cecil Coconougher
Watch: https://www.vype.com/7pm-football-cedar-park-vs-leander-2674237933
Also watch on the KVUE+ mobile app.
