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Author: Tucker Stephenson

Texas Basketball 2019

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

Every school has expectations, but the ones in Austin remain as high as the Texas sky.

Just ask Rick Barnes.

Longhorns men’s basketball coach Shaka Smart will find out exactly how tough it is to coach on the hot seat this season after Texas won the NIT a year ago to salvage a topsy-turvy 2018-19 campaign. There’s only one acceptable tournament to be invited to this time around — the Big Dance in March.

Smart himself acknowledged that fact last March, and UT athletic director Chris Del Conte echoed the sentiment even after the Longhorns won the NIT, saying “we’re not where we want to be, but we’re making progress.”

Texas pulled in another solid crop of recruits this year after snagging three of the top 75 prospects in the nation — shooting guard Donovan Williams, center Kai Jones and homegrown product Will Baker, who played center for Westlake while rising up the ranks to become the No. 35 overall recruit in the country.

Baker is expected to start at center this season, while Williams and Jones have opportunities to work their way into valuable roles.

The Longhorns’ starting lineup for 2019-20 is also projected to include guards Matt Coleman and Courtney Rainey, who averaged 9.8 and 8.1 points per game last year, respectively. Coleman, who was the only Texas player to start all 37 games a season ago, added 3.4 assists per outing and was the lone Longhorn to earn preseason acclaim from the Big 12 after taking home honorable mention.

Rainey returns after shooting a team-best 38.6% from beyond the 3-point arc and proving to be another capable scorer. The same can be said for wing player Jase Febres, who knocked down 37.2% of his 3s while putting in 8.9 points per contest.

Jericho Sims is expected to lock down the starting power forward spot and has shown plenty of athleticism during his time on the 40 Acres. Sims has even drawn comparisons to current NBA players Mo Bamba and Jaxson Hayes, but he still has to show that he can turn potential into reality.

The biggest fan favorite on the team will undoubtedly be guard Andrew Jones, who touched the hearts of many Longhorn fans as he took time off to battle Leukemia last season. Jones was cleared to return to basketball activities in early August, and his comeback story will be one of the best in all of college hoops.

Meanwhile, wing player Gerald Liddell and big man Kamaka Hepa will likely fight for minutes as reserves.

Texas was picked to finish fourth in the Big 12 during the preseason coaches’ poll behind Kansas — no surprise there — Baylor and Texas Tech. Bringing up the rear were West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Kansas State and TCU.

But before the Longhorns begin conference play on Jan. 4. 2020, Texas will look to navigate an early portion of the schedule that includes games against Purdue, Georgetown and Providence. The Longhorns and Aggies will even reprise their old rivalry on the hardwood during a Dec. 8 meeting in Fort Worth for the Lone Star Showdown.

Smart should be able to get away with a loss to a rival here or there, though. After all, this isn’t football. But it’s still Texas, and another season without March Madness will be viewed as a colossal failure.

Texans enter October 2-2

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in NFL FOOTBALL.

If the Houston Texans were a roller coaster, they would get sued for whiplash every other week.

After four uneven weeks, the Texans stand at 2-2 despite a flurry of trades made in the off-season deigned to harness Houston’s championship window. Former top pick Jadeveon Clowney was dealt to Seattle for a pair of players and a draft pick, while OT Laremy Tunsil and WR Kenny Stills were brought in from Miami for two players and two picks. 

The Texans bounced back from an opening-week loss to the Saints by edging the Jaguars 13-12 at home, and fans had to think that Houston had some momentum going when it beat the Chargers 27-20 on the road.

But on Sunday, the Texans came crashing back down to earth against former Houston Cougar Kyle Allen this past Sunday during a frustrating 16-10 setback against a middle-of-the-road Carolina team.

In past years, a record around .500 would be little cause for concern. After all, Houston plays in the AFC South, which is the AFC’s longest-running joke now that Cleveland isn’t terrible anymore.

However, Jacksonville appears to have found a living, breathing, functional quarterback in Gardner Minshew, aka “Uncle Rico.” Minshew spent the 2018 season slinging the ball for Mike Leach at Washington State, and he’s brought some moxie with him to South Florida.

The Texans have more then enough talent to rise to the top of the division once again, but it’s more than a little alarming that Houston has consistently looked mediocre under Bill O’Brien. Perhaps a coaching change is in store soon. 

Some Texans fans would say the sooner that happens, the better.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though — in fact, far from it. Houston still has certified superstars in QB Deshaun Watson, WR DeAndre Hopkins and DE J.J. Watt. There are also plenty of complimentary pieces, including WRs Will Fuller, Stills and Keke Coutee and RBs Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson.

The Texans have the potential to be explosive on offense, but the play-calling and personnel management could definitely use some more imagination.

Defensively, Houston has been able to create six total takeaways thus far, which ranks them tied for 11th in the NFL. However, the Texans are 17th in terms of yardage allowed.

That means Houston had better hope the turnovers keep coming. 

There’s still plenty of time for things to gel, but it’s hard to trust O’Brien and his staff at this point. The outcome of the season could very well be riding on how far Watson can drag the team by himself.

NBA Preview: Texas teams

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in NBA.

As the calendar turns toward October, a new NBA season lies on the horizon.

The landscape of the entire league has shifted thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s departure from Toronto and subsequent arrival in Los Angeles with Paul George. Of course, that’s not the only shakeup that has basketball fans patiently awaiting the arrival of the 2019-20 campaign.

The three Texas teams all look loaded for a run at the playoffs — and perhaps even more. Here’s a quick look at all three, beginning with the biggest burning question for each Western Conference Southwest Division squad.

Houston Rockets

Can James Harden and Russell Westbrook really coexist in the backcourt? 

This will be one of the most interesting sagas of the entire season. But if the duo can find a way to merge their strengths and properly share the lone basketball on the floor, then this could be the year that Houston finally earns a berth in The Finals come next June.

Houston still has plenty of firepower alongside the tandem, as SG Eric Gordon, SF P.J. Tucker and PF/C Clint Capela are expected to round out the starting five. The Rockets also made an under-the-radar move this offseason by bringing back 3-point marksman Ryan Anderson following a subpar year in Phoenix.

San Antonio Spurs 

Is Dejounte Murray 100 percent healthy? 

The young point guard out of the University of Washington developed into a Third Team All-NBA defender in a short amount of time before suffering a torn ACL during last year’s preseason. Derrick White stepped up in a big way to fill the PG role, and a potential Murray-White combo has Spurs fans salivating.

Shooting guard DeMar DeRozan returns for his second season in San Antonio, and former Longhorn LaMarcus Aldridge is also back in the starting five, as is veteran small forward Rudy Gay. Guard Bryn Forbes could take on a starting role until Gregg Popovich gets his rotation worked out.

Spurs fans also can’t wait to see second-year pro Lonnie Walker get some minutes after he lost a large portion of his rookie season to a torn meniscus. 

Dallas Mavericks 

Can Kristaps Porzingis realize his potential? 

The “Unicorn” had his moments in New York prior to a torn ACL and is now in Dallas alongside the 2018-19 Rookie of the Year — point guard Luka Doncic. The Mavericks were thrilled when Doncic fell to them in the 2018 draft and he had an incredible debut season, averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. Adding Porzingis to the mix is a scary proposition for the future.

Dallas is expected to also start PF/C Dwight Powell, SG Delon Wright and SF Justin Jackson. Expect the Mavericks to continue to search for a third star to pair with Doncic and Porzingis.  Just send the bill to Mark Cuban. He can afford it.

Astros World Series or Bust

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in MLB.

By Tucker Stephenson

With the type of lineup and pitching rotation that they possess, it would make sense for the Houston Astros to start buying champagne in bulk.

The Astros closed the month of September as the first team in the majors to win 100 games and have already clinched the American League West division crown — their third in a row. But those are mere appetizers for manager A.J. Hinch’s squad. 

The main course is yet to come.

Expectations are sky high in Houston, which just became the sixth franchise all-time to post three consecutive 100-win seasons. The Astros have everything a team could want in a batting order — power, speed, discipline and plenty of depth. Houston also has one of the most complete pitching staffs in Major League Baseball. 

An already stacked group of hitters gained outfielder Michael Brantley in the off-season, and he’s rewarded the front office by batting .315 with an .881 OPS through Sept. 23.

Then there are the old reliables — Jose Altuve, George Springer, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa. All four have become household names nationwide and are as dangerous as ever, and when combined with Yuil Gurriel’s production, those five Astros could combine for 170 home runs this season. 

Houston Astros’ George Springer, right, celebrates his two-run home run off Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Jose Rodriguez with Michael Brantley during the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) Houston Astros’ George Springer, right, celebrates his two-run home run off Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Jose Rodriguez with Michael Brantley during the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

The Astros also have a few young guns in Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker and Myles Straw. Alvarez appears to be a superstar in the making with his unreal power, while Tucker and Straw have been able to add a little speed and situational hitting. 

The signing of former St. Louis Cardinal infielder Aledmys Diaz was also key, as the utility player helped the team stay afloat when Altuve and Correa were out with injuries earlier in the season. 

Houston’s pitching depth is almost as ridiculous as its batting order.

The rotation includes certified aces Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Zack Greinke, plus two solid hurlers in Brad Peacock and Collin McHugh. Framber Valdez was also added to the mix in August after being called up from Triple-A Fresno.

Verlander and Cole both have ERAs under 3.00 and are on pace to strike out over 600 batters combined in the regular season alone. The only real question mark at the moment is lefty Wade Miley, whose late-season slump could leave him out of the postseason rotation. 

Former Toronto Blue Jay Roberto Osuna has also settled nicely into the closer’s role after a few rocky moments last season stemming from an off-the-field incident.

Last year, the Astros simply ran into a better team that was firing on all cylinders — the Boston Red Sox. This season, the MLB’s most fully-loaded freight train appears to be departing from Houston, although the Yankees could be a potential roadblock. 

But the Astros have that covered as well if it comes down to a grueling seven-game series. Houston can lean on its core group that has been there before, including Hinch.

The expectation level has been set. Now it’s World Series or bust. 

Cavs lose week 1 but not out History Shows

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.

AUSTIN — When a team as good as Lake Travis drops its season opener, it’s always going to become statewide news.

But does that mean that head coach Hank Carter’s Cavaliers are in for a rough go in 2019? A quick look at the history books offers a resounding no to that inquiry.

In fact, the last two times that Lake Travis opened a season at 0-1 under Carter — in both 2016 and 2017 — Lake Travis ended up playing for a Class 6A state championship on both occasions. Each season-opening loss came against perennial powerhouse Converse Judson.

Following a 35-28 setback against Judson to kick off the 2016 campaign, Carter and the Cavs responded by embarking on a 15-game winning streak that led to the program’s sixth state title. A year later, Lake Travis lost 65-45 to the Rockets in a shootout but managed to bounce back by advancing to yet another championship game.

In the end, the Cavaliers fell short of a seventh title, as Allen prevailed 35-33 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

It was another DFW-area team — Arlington Martin — that knocked off Lake Travis in the 2019 debut for both teams. Martin struck for three scores in the second half to break open a tie game and secure a 35-14 triumph.

It was just the second non-district regular season loss for the Cavaliers in the past three seasons combined. However, there’s no need for panic among the Lake Travis faithful.

The Cavs are still loaded offensively with Texas commit Hudson Card at quarterback and talented skill players such as wide receiver Kyle Eaves, tight end Lake McRee and running back Weston Stephens around him. Defensively, linebackers Maui Trevino and Nick Villarreal will look to help tighten a few screws after Martin quarterback Zach Mundell broke loose for 176 rushing yards and three scores in the opener.

Give Martin some credit as well. It’s not like Lake Travis lost to an upstart team or even a fringe playoff contender. From 2010 to 2017, Martin won 10 or more games six different times and was expected to compete for a state championship last season before limping to a disappointing 5-6 finish.

One of those losses was a 35-14 setback against the Cavaliers in the 2018 opener.

So while Martin exacted a bit of revenge and has the solid start it was after to 2019, it would be extremely foolish to write off Lake Travis or expect a down season from Carter and company.

The smart bet is that the Cavaliers will right the ship before District 25-6A play arrives and still end up playing past Thanksgiving once the playoff arrive. If that’s the case, the loss to Martin will be nothing more than a footnote — and also another example of why Lake Travis is one of the premier programs in Texas.

Cavs Baseball Future Bright

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in High School Baseball.

The 2019 baseball season appears to be the gift that keeps on giving for the Lake Travis Cavaliers.

Even as the highly-powered Cavs prepare to unveil another gridiron powerhouse, the ink on the final list of accolades from the diamond has barely had time to dry. 

Following a 37-5 overall campaign and a trip to the Class 6A state tournament in Round Rock, Lake Travis recently received word that four players — Brett Baty, Jimmy Lewis, Kal Edmundson and Austin Plante — had earned postseason honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA).

Baty headlined the quartet by being named the 2019 TSWA player of the year. The third baseman batted .602 with 19 home runs this past season and was also selected 12th overall by the New York Mets in the 2019 MLB draft.

Lewis and Edmunson, both pitchers, landed on the TSWA first team.

Brett Baty, a third baseman from Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, places his name on the draft board after being selected No. 12 by the New York Mets in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft, Monday, June 3, 2019, in Secaucus, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Lewis, who was chosen 78th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2019 draft, compiled a 9-0 record with a minuscule 0.52 ERA and 83 strikeouts. Edmundson , a junior southpaw, went 5-0 this season with a 2.78 ERA and 26 punchouts en route to earning a first team nod as a reliever.

Plante, an outfielder, was selected to the TSWA second team after posting a batting average of .352 to go along with 38 runs scored, 38 RBIs and 11 doubles.

Texas. LSU

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, UT FOOTBALL.

For fans of college football, the spicy Sept. 7 matchup between Texas and LSU in Austin is a can’t-miss clash of two storied programs looking to challenge the status quo and end the conference championship reigns of both Oklahoma and Alabama.

But only one side will be able to seize the inside track to a possible berth in the College Football Playoff — assuming, of course, that both the Longhorns and Tigers take care of business during the opening week.

Texas is loaded with top-tier returnees like quarterback Sam Ehlinger, wide receiver Collin Johnson and safeties Caden Sterns and Brandon Jones. The offensive line looks as reliable as it has in years, as left tackle Sam Cosmi, center Zach Shackelford and guard Parker Braun, a Georgia Tech transfer, all have the potential to be All-Big 12 performers.

The Longhorns also have plenty of play-making ability in the backfield with running backs Keontay Ingram and fantastic freshman Jordan Whittington of Cuero, who has already been seeing reps at multiple positions. Wide receivers Devin Duvernay and John Burt have the afterburners to break free from most defensive backs — and Texas’ power running game will only create more space down the field.

Defensively, there are plenty of fresh faces along the front seven, including defensive tackle Keondre Coburn, defensive end Ta’Quon Graham and linebacker Ayodele Adeoye. Coburn and Adeoye are each redshirt freshmen. 

The Longhorns’ secondary still features hard-hitting sophomore safety/nickelback B.J. Foster, but corners Jalen Green and Anthony Cook will see a big jump in playing time as sophomores. 

Historically, breaking in a new set of defensive backs against LSU would mean preaching the importance of run support over covering receivers in open space, but the Tigers are determined to break free from their plodding style that has produced such notable rushers as Leonard Fournette, Derrius Guice, Jeremy Hill and Spencer Ware.

LSU hired former New Orleans Saints coach Joe Brady to revamp the passing game, and he’s brought a more wide open style that Big 12 fans are no doubt used to by now. The Tigers may use some run-pass options with quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been running the spread since middle school.

Burrow has a legitimate No. 1 target in receiver Justin Jefferson, and the tandem of running backs Clyde Edwards-Helaire and freshman John Emery Jr. — the nation’s No. 2-ranked RB prospect — will fight for carries until a clear pecking order is developed.

LSU will definitely be a handful, even for a Longhorns team brimming with confidence and looking as though they have the key ingredients to turn another major corner in 2019. The Tigers welcome back 15 total starters this season, including eight on defense, where LSU is notoriously stingy.

Defensive lineman Rashard Lawrence is a major disruptor at the point of attack and was named last season’s Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP. Thankfully, the Tigers lost a major impact player at linebacker in 2018 Butkus Award winner Devin White, but true to form, LSU has athletes all over the field.

The Tigers possess a standout safety of their own in Grant Delpit, who is an early favorite to earn All-American honors this year. 

Texas QB Sam Ehlinger is fired up after completing a rushing touchdown against the Sooners in the 2018 Big 12 Championship game last December.

LSU went 10-3 last season and defeated Central Florida 40-32 in the Fiesta Bowl. Texas was 10-4 in 2018 and upset Georgia 28-21 in the Sugar Bowl. Both teams will likely enter the 2019 campaign ranked in the top 10 in the nation.

Bottom line, it should be an interesting and competitive early-season matchup. The home field advantage will be with the Longhorns, who are scheduled to play their first two games within the friendly confines of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Texas had better use that advantage while it still can. Next season, the home-and-home series shifts to one of the toughest places to play in all of sports — Death Valley in Baton Rouge. 

Cowboys Reboot 2019

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in NFL FOOTBALL.

ARLINGTON — Slowly but surely, the Dallas Cowboys have built themselves into one of the youngest, most dangerous teams in the NFL.

First, the offensive line was rebuilt with the selections of tackle Tyron Smith, center Travis Frederick and guard Zack Martin. Then, Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott were drafted to do extensive damage behind Dallas’ great wall.

Last season, the Cowboys traded for stud wide receiver Amari Cooper, giving themselves a “Triplets 2.0” template. And just for good measure, Jason Witten — one of the greatest tight ends in football history — rejoined the mix just in time for 2019.

But it’s not just the offense that is loaded with Pro Bowl-caliber talent. 

Defensively, Dallas possesses perhaps the top linebacking corps in the NFL with veteran Sean Lee and young standouts Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. The combination of athleticism and intelligence among that trio is staggering, to say the least.

The Cowboys also have an elite pass rusher in DeMarcus Lawrence, who was signed to a five-year, $105M deal in the offseason. Dallas also brought in veteran defensive end Robert Quinn to add depth to the D-line, which is rotated heavily by Rod Marinelli in order to keep players fresh. 

Coming off a season in which the Cowboys qualified for the playoffs and fell to the eventual NFC champion Rams, expectations in the DFW area are sky high. With Frederick set to return from his bout with Guillain-Barré syndrome, the O-Line looks to return to form as one of the NFL’s top units.

Coaches have also displayed plenty of excitement regarding veteran WR Randall Cobb, who was signed to replace Cole Beasley’s contributions in the slot. Young wideout Michael Gallup is also expected to take on an expanded role after a solid rookie campaign. 

Elliott remains one of the few legitimate bellcow backs in the league, but Dallas added depth by drafting Tony Pollard out of Memphis and Mike Weber from Ohio State. Pollard is seen as the perfect complement to Elliott given his pass-catching ability and quickness in the open field.

There are, of course, a few question marks surrounding the Cowboys. How will new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore fare in his role? How many snaps will Witten play? Can the secondary be as effective as it was in 2018?

Those inquiries will be answered in due time, but one of the main focal points will be finding a way to create more turnovers. The more often Dallas has the ball, the more likely it is that the Cowboys will be able to wear out defenses with a steady diet of Zeke, Dak and play-action passes.

Still, it won’t be easy. While the AFC has been viewed as the league’s “JV conference” on occasion, the NFC is comprised of a minefield of solid teams.

The NFC East appears to be a two-horse race between the Eagles and Cowboys for the time being, but the Giants and Redskins have the potential to make noise quickly with youngsters like Saquon Barkley and Dwayne Haskins on the rise.

If Dallas wants to give Witten the storybook ending he deserves, the time to strike appears to be now. Apparently Jerry Jones agrees, as oft-criticized head coach Jason Garrett was not given an extension in the offseason.  It looks as though 2019 will be a pivotal year for America’s Team.

Battle of the Lakes:15

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.

AUSTIN — The budding rivalry between Central Texas powerhouses Westlake and Lake Travis is one that doesn’t need any additional fuel added to the fire.

But that didn’t stop former Cavalier Baker Mayfield from pouring a can of gasoline onto the blaze back in June when he took a shot at former Chap and current Longhorn Sam Ehlinger.

“He couldn’t beat Lake Travis, so I don’t really care [about] his opinion on winning,” Mayfield said. “Westlake is a great program, but the two best quarterbacks to come out of there are Drew Brees and Nick Foles. Sam can stay down there in Texas.

“That will stir the pot. He doesn’t like me, and I hope he knows I don’t like him either.”

To fans and competitors on either side of the “Battle of the Lakes,” those kind of feelings are nothing new — and they’re often mutual. 

In each of the past two seasons, the Chaps have earned bragging rights, including last year’s surprisingly one-sided 44-14 drubbing at Chaparral Stadium. Westlake’s 21-14 win in 2017 snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Cavaliers, who still lead the overall series 10-4.

Last year’s matchup decided the District 25-6A championship and pundits expect the same stakes for this season’s meeting, although Lake Travis is the early favorite to get back in the win column and claim the 25-6A title this time around.

It’s not difficult to see why. The Cavs bring back 15 starters from a team that went 12-2 in 2018 and advanced to the Class 6A Division I state semifinals. 

Quarterback Hudson Card, a Texas commit, is back to lead an explosive Lake Travis passing attack, and despite the loss of all-everything receiver Garrett Wilson, there are plenty of targets for Card to zero in on. Versatile wideout Kyle Eaves leads the charge, and teammates Lake McRee and Grayson Sandlin have the size to play either receiver or tight end.

Lake Travis QB Hudson Card targets his receiver in the Battle of the Lakes match-up in 2018 vs Westlake. Photo: Texas Sports Monthly- Stan Martin

Running back Weston Stephens also returns, as do linebackers Maui Trevino and Nick Villarreal. Meanwhile, sophomore defensive back Derrick Johnson could become an impact performer right away.

The Chaps will look to replace graduate Taylor Anderson at QB and the heir apparent looks to be either Kirkland Michaux or Drew Willoughby. Both got playing time in 2018 due to injuries, and whoever wins the starting battle will likely rely on weapons like WRs Mason Mangum and Jackson Coker.

Westlake, which was 13-2 last season and made it to the 6A DII state semifinals, also welcomes back standout defensive backs Sage Luther and Leo Lowin, defensive end Bobby Duncum and offensive tackle Connor Halverson. Running back Jax Crockett was lost to an injury during the 2018 postseason, but he appears poised to pick up where he left off as a sophomore. The 15th meeting all-time between Lake Travis and Westlake is set for Friday, Oct. 11 at Cavalier Stadium.

Drew Sanders Vandegrift Vipers 2019 Preview

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.

AUSTIN — The current era of football has become known as the golden age of offense.

However, Vandegrift head coach Drew Sanders isn’t ready to concede anything to the high-octane, spread-it-out attacks that have been piling on the points across the Lone Star State.

“We take pride in our defense at Vandegrift,” Sanders said. “We had the No. 1-rated defense in our district last year and we’re excited to see if we can do that again. It’s definitely a challenge. Every team we play has one to two to even three Division I players on the offensive side of the ball.”

The Vipers emerged as the District 13-6A champions last season behind a stingy defense that held opponents to a mere 13.8 points per game before allowing 56 in a third-round playoff loss to Longview. Vandegrift, which went 12-1 overall in 2018, will look to once again put the clamps on its district foes this season and will be led by all-state linebacker Jax McCauley, who made 156 tackles as a junior.

Sanders said McCauley is the complete package.

“Jax’s effort is tremendous,” Sanders said. “He never takes a play off, and because of his great effort he’s always around the ball because he’s equipped with some size and speed. Then there’s his preparation. The guy studies the game — he will actually watch tape every day of his opponent and will report back to us on what he finds out.”

McCauley is one of several returnees to the defensive side of the ball in 2019, along with defensive end Trevor Harrison and defensive backs Tyler Mongauzy, J.J. Parker and Kaleb Lewis. Sanders said junior defensive back Logan Arnold may also join the mix this season to add even more ability to the back end of the Vipers’ defense.

“Our secondary will be very experienced and athletic,” Sanders said. “We’ll have to replace some losses at linebacker and defensive line, but we feel good about the guys we have coming up.”

On offense, Vandegrift welcomes back quarterback Dru Dawson and his top target — wide receiver Trey Mongauzy. Junior running back Bowen Lewis, who is Kaleb’s twin brother, looks primed to step into a starting role. Sanders also said sophomore wide receiver Blake Youngblood could make his presence felt on the outside.

Up front, the Vipers have a pair of all-district offensive linemen in Harry Witt and James Collyer, who will try to pave the way for another balanced attack. Last season, Vandegrift averaged close to 200 yards passing and rushing in each contest while scoring just over 31 points per game.

Those impressive numbers helped the Vipers put together the best season in program history, but Sanders said no one is looking too far ahead as his squad prepares to tune up for an encore performance.

“We’d love to have continued playoff success, but in order to have playoff success, you’ve got to get there,” Sanders said. “A state championship is still the ultimate goal for us and we talk about that. We haven’t been there yet. We’ve been in the third round several times, the fourth round and even the fifth round one year, but we’ve had a hard time trying to get to that state game, so we’re striving hard to do that.”

The Vipers will once again compete against eight other foes in 13-6A. The field includes Cedar Ridge, Hendrickson, Round Rock, Stony Point, Westwood, McNeil, Leander and Vista Ridge.

Sanders said it certainly won’t be smooth sailing, but he also acknowledged one advantage of being in such a sizable league.

“Because you’re in a nine-team district, you can lose one and be a district champ,” Sanders said. “It isn’t just a top-heavy district — everybody is pretty good. You’ve got to make sure your preparation is really on point because you only have a couple of games to prepare for the ones that matter.”