By Michael Adams
madams@onthesidelinessports.com

DRIPPING SPRINGS – Dripping Springs’ first season in Class 6A was a bit of a bumpy ride.

The Tigers (15-2-2 in 2023) started last year’s campaign 1-4-1 and lost three of their first four District 26-6A games.

Dripping Springs managed to squeak into the playoffs, edging out Westlake by a single point in the standings for the final playoff berth from the district.

Then the unimaginable happened.

“I think it was a lot of passion,” said junior midfielder Joey Svoboda. “We had a lot of seniors last year that we were playing for, honestly. We didn’t want to let it end for them.”

The Tigers upset District 15-6A champion Westwood 3-2 in the first round of the playoffs and then upset a talented San Antonio Reagan in the area playoffs.

Nets up was a showdown with Stony Point in the regional quarterfinals, a match Dripping Springs won 5-3 to advance to the regional semifinals.

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After a pair of back-to-back 2-1 victories over Laredo Alexander and Brownsville Rivera, respectively, the Tigers were back in the state tournament for the second straight year.

“I think the talk was that our run was a fluke, but I don’t think it was a fluke,” said junior midfielder Parker Johnson. “We had good chemistry, and we really turned it on in the playoffs.”

Dripping Springs’ improbable run wasn’t quite finished.

The Tigers upset No. 2 seed Allen in the state semifinals by way of a shootout to reach the Class 6A state championship game, and their second straight title game appearance.

Unfortunately, Katy Seven Lakes defeated Dripping Springs 2-1 to claim the state championship.

“What’s the saying, always a bridesmaid, never the bride, that’s what we’ve felt like the last couple of years” said head coach Josh Hill. “There’s so many good teams in this area and in the state of Texas, so we are hoping we can give ourselves a chance.”

The Tigers players and Hill are confident about this year’s squad, which returns five starters, including Johnson and Svoboda, who scored Dripping Springs’ lone goal in last year’s state championship game.

In fact, Svoboda said he thinks this year’s team is a tad better.

“Last year’s team was special, but I think we have a lot more talent this year,” he said. “We’re going to be able to get going a little earlier in the season, I think. That way we don’t have to get into must win situations.”

Dripping Springs at a glance

2023 record: 15-12-2

State tournament appearances: 3 (2010, 2022, 2023)

Key returnees: Parker Johnson, junior forward; Joey Svoboda, junior midfielder; Eduar Miranda, junior midfielder

Key newcomers: Trent Trotter, sophomore forward; Logan Kraham, junior defender; Kyle Kreuz, sophomore defender

Season opener: Jan. 4-6 at Dr. Pink Frisco Tournament, Frisco.