By Michael Adams
michael@otssports.com
Week 9 of the 2023 Austin area high school football season is packed with big games with several teams able to punch their postseason ticket this week. Here’s five we’re going to keep an eye on:
Lake Travis (6-1) at Dripping Springs (5-2)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m., Friday at Tiger Stadium
The details: The winner is assured a playoff berth and takes over second place in District 26-6A. This is the 10th meeting between the two schools and the only blemish to the Cavaliers’ dominance in this series came last year in a 38-31 loss to Dripping Springs. The Tigers should worry Lake Travis, however. Dripping Springs made district front-runner Westlake sweat out a 27-14 win last week. And, the Tigers are the only team to hold a halftime lead over the Chaps this season.
Hutto (2-5) at Copperas Cove (1-6)
Kickoff: 7 p.m., Friday at Bulldawg Stadium, Copperas Cove
The details: Austin-area leading passer Will Hammond (163-262-6, 2,587 yards, 16 TDs) and the Hippos can get back in the playoff picture with a win over District 12-6A last-place Copperas Cove on Friday. Hutto (2-5, 1-2) may need some help depending on how other games play out this weekend.
Georgetown (5-2) at College Station (6-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m., Friday at College Station High School Stadium
The details: There’s probably not a bigger game featuring Austin area teams than Friday’s showdown between Georgetown and College Station. Both teams have already clinched a playoff berth, but this one will likely determine the District 11-5A-I champion. The Eagles have won four straight.
Waco University (5-2) at Rouse (6-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m., Friday at AC BIble Stadium
The details: Speaking of district championships, the Rouse Raiders can clinch at least a share of the District 11-5A-II championship with a win on Friday. The more certainty is that Rouse can also punch its postseason ticket this week. With a lot on the line, and it being homecoming week for the Raiders, Friday could be a big night in Leander.
Pflugerville (1-6) at Elgin (3-5)
Kickoff: 7 p.m., Friday at Wildcat Stadium
The details: Two teams with losing records will get overlooked as a game to watch, but Friday’s match between Pflugerville and Elgin is intriguing. For one, the loser of this game is likely eliminated from playoff contention. If Pflugerville wins, the Panthers will move to 2-2 and be right in the thick of the playoff picture. The other part that makes this game interesting is the athletes in this game. Pflugerville QB Cole Tayler has thrown for 1,639 yards and has 14 TDs. Elgin QB Nathen Lewis has thrown for 1,163 yards and ran for 646 with a total 22 touchdowns.