By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
The 2024 UIL Texas high school football playoffs get underway Thursday night. With a slate of 29 first-round games featuring Austin-area teams, here are five intriguing matchups that have the greatest upset potential.
Point spreads for each game were determined on a number of factors, including point differential and points scored and points allowed per game. The home team was automatically awarded 3.5 points.
1. McNeil (5-5) at Dripping Springs (7-3)
7 p.m., Friday at Tiger Stadium, Dripping Springs
Once the doormat of District 25-6A, McNeil (5-5) is making their second straight playoff appearance. Quarterback Jadon Sultz (1,245 passing yards, 15 touchdowns) is healthy after missing four games. Running back Joshua Williams (984 yards, 14 touchdowns) has been there when needed. The key in this game will be if the Mavericks’ defense can slow down Dripping Springs’ (7-3) passing attack.
Favorite: Dripping Springs (-7.5) Upset risk: Medium
2. Weiss (8-2) at Angleton (9-1)
7 p.m., Friday at Wildcat Stadium, Angleton
Weiss had all the elements of a state championship team in the preseason, but adversity hit when senior quarterback Jax Brown suffered a season-ending injury in the last scrimmage before the regular season kicked off, and four-star running back and Oklahoma State pledge DJ Dugar decided to forego his senior season. However, this Weiss team is still loaded and could make a deep run if the Wolves can get by a tough Angleton team.
Favorite: Angleton (-3.5) Upset risk: High
3. LBJ (8-2) vs. Fredericksburg (4-6)
7 p.m., Friday at Mustang Stadium, Marble Falls
While LBJ is the heavy favorite, this is an intriguing game because it’s a rematch of the 2021 Class 4A Division I Region IV final. The Jaguars won that game 45-25. LBJ’s explosive offense is a reason many experts think LBJ will be playing well into December. Quarterback Ali Scott has 2,600 yards of total offense and scored a combined 40 touchdowns. Scott has a sleuth of weapons at his disposal, including running back Caleb Crenshaw (1,252 yards and 19 touchdowns) and wide receiver Louis Hickman (732 yards 11 touchdowns). Just watching that offense is worth the price of a ticket.
Favorite: LBJ (-23) Upset risk: Low
4. Thorndale (7-3) vs. Riesel (5-5)
7 p.m., Friday at Cougar Field, Jarrell
Regular season rematches from the regular season always turn into intriguing games, especially if the game was played early in the season. That’s the case with Friday’s Class 2A Division I bi-district game between Thorndale and Riesel. The Bulldogs defeated Riesel 27-6 in a home game on Sept. 19. Both teams will look a lot different; however, Thorndale has been playing really good football as of late. Running back Noah Crabtree has 1,284 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns, while senior Gunner Ferguson has thrown for 1,180 yards and 14 touchdowns. Riesel has a solid defense but will have a hard time slowing down the Bulldogs.
Favorite: Thorndale (-7.5) Upset risk: Medium
5. Burleson Centennial (5-5) at Georgetown (9-1)
7 p.m., Friday at Birkelbach Field, Georgetown
Georgetown is a heavy favorite, but this is the game for you if you’re an fan of a lot of offense (who isn’t?). The Eagles enter the game averaging 40.9 points per game, while Burleson Centennial is averaging 30.4 points per game. The Spartans may not be able to keep that up against a stingy Georgetown defense that’s only allowing 17 points a game. What will make it fun is watching prolific running back Jett Walker, who has ran for 2,028 yards and 31 touchdowns. First-year quarterback sophomore Kaleb McDougle plays with the poise of a senior and has thrown for 1,974 yards and 26 touchdowns. Friday should be the beginning of a long playoff run for the Eagles.
Favorite: Georgetown (-16) Upset risk: Low
