By Michael Adams
michael@otssports.com
Here are five Central Texas games to follow in Week 5 as we reach the midpoint of the 2023 high school football regular season:
1. The Battle of the Lakes
Sure, there are other games in Central Texas this weekend. But there’s not any game bigger than the annual Westlake vs. Lake Travis rivalry game. These two perennial Central Texas powerhouses will meet for the 18th time on Friday at Cavalier Stadium in Lakeway.
As has been the case since Lake Travis moved up to Class 5A in 2012 (6A in 2014) and placed in Westlake’s district, it will most likely determine the district championship.
The Cavaliers have dominated this rivalry and hold an 11-6 advantage over the Chaparrals. Lake Travis won 10-straight games against their crosstown rival from 2008-2016. However, Westlake has won 4 of the last 5 meetings. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and it’s sure to be a sellout.
2. Bowie at Dripping Springs
Bowie has won their first two District 26-5A games after an 0-2 start. The Bulldogs (2-2, 2-0) will look for a 3-0 startin District 26-6A action Friday at Dripping Springs. While Westlake and Lake Travis battle it out for sole possession of first place, one of these teams will move into a tie for second place and take an advantage in the race for the final two playoff spots. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
3. Johnson at Anderson
District 26-6A has three key matchups on Friday that will have playoff implications. One of those will be Buda Johnson (2-2, 1-1) at Anderson (2-2, 1-1) at House Park.
Anderson was four points shy of upsetting Bowie last week after beating Austin High 17-14. A win would put the Trojans in the hunt for a playoff berth.
Johnson (2-2, 1-1) defeated Del Valle 37-0 last week, Junior running back Kael Hatnot rushed for 168 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
4. Glenn at Hendrickson
It’s opening week for District 11-5A-I action after all schools had their bye week in Week 4. There are a few good games to keep an eye on, but the one we’re watching is Glenn at Hendrickson at The Pfield.
Glenn was still feeling the sting of losing to rival Rouse by three points in Week 3 while Hendrickson is riding a two-game win streak into Friday’s game after losing its season opener to Belton. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
5. Boerne Champion at Hays
It’s hard to get a read on either team based on their schedules. Boerne Champion is undefeated heading into Friday’s District 12-5A-I contest with Hays, while the Hawks are 3-1.
Both teams won their district opener in Week 4. Boerne Champion defeated New Braunfels Canyon 34-31 and Hays beat San Antonio MacArthur 28-14.
The Chargers lack an impressive win in their first four games and their opponents have a combined record of 5-7. Champion has wins over Eagle Pass (27-26), Laredo United South (27-27), and Class 4A Canyon Lake (42-20).
Hays also lacks an impressive win. The Hawks’ opponents have a combined record of 4-12 with San Antonio Churchill (3-1) being the only team they’ve faced with a winning record. Regardless, a win on Friday will give either team a jump start in the district championship race.