Projected Playoff Teams:
Westlake, Austin High, Seguin, San Marcos

Vitals:

    
     Traditionally, this district tends to get lost in the conversation because it’s been considered the “Westlake Invitational” given the Chaps’ domination of district play since moving into the 5A classification in the 90s.  However, last season the Chaps were not only knocked from the top perch but finished in third place. They lost to city rivals Austin High, which would have been unthinkable even just three years ago.  So, needless to say, this district has taken on a new dynamic recently and we should see that continue to play out as the greater Austin area continues to grow.

    The Austin High Maroons begin 2007 as a co-favorite to win this district thanks to seven returning all district players, five of which were first team.  Talented junior Emory Blake (6’2 180) is one of the best players in the program.  Blake leads the offense at QB this fall, and is extremely versatile.  He is one of the top 2009 recruits in the state.  Senior RB Davis Collins (1^st team AD) and senior WR Trey Cannon (2^nd team AD) are quality players who will make defending the Maroons a real challenge.  Senior tackle Mark Buchanon (6’5 260) is the top OL in the district.  On defense, senior LB Hayden Bowers (5’11 230) has all-state potential.  Senior DB-WR Chris Young and junior DB Kris Green add more experience on defense.  Austin High could emerge as a darkhorse in Region 4 if they perform well in this district as expected. 

Despite being knocked down in district, Westlake rebounded admirably to ride a wave of momentum all the way to the state championship game before coming up short against Southlake Carroll.  The Chaps’ run served notice that the program is still very much alive and well despite the district setback.  No doubt, the Chaps will be out to re-stake their claim in 2007.  Senior Walker Kobelan looks set to take over for Michigan State-bound Nick Foles at QB.  Kobelan doesn’t have Foles’ size, but gives the Chaps a dual threat.  Athletic junior Ryan Swope spearheads the Chap running attack along with junior Jeff Ballew and senior Brad Dornak.  Senior WR Jordan Etier is the most experienced returning receiver.  Also, junior WR Mike Walker should see an increased role in the offense this season.  Big senior OLs Forrest Justice and Spencer Kainz lead the push up front.  Senior Mike Joyce adds experience on defense at linebacker.  Also, senior DB-K Justin Tucker is a versatile talent who gives Westlake one of the state’s very best legs at kicker.  Senior FS-RB Ryan Ambrose is another all-purpose talent on the roster.  Gifted junior LB-TE Omar Ontiveros is a young talent to watch.  Seniors TE-LB Blair Brannan and DB Aaron Perez add more experience.  The Chaps have some reloading to do, but don’t be surprised when they put another strong team on the field.

    Seguin ran the table to a perfect 7-0 district record in 2006, but lost several integral members of that team to graduation.  However, four returning all-district players give Seguin a solid foundation to build on this season.  Senior QB Kevin Smith (6’4 200) had a very good junior season, and is one of the top quarterbacks in Class 5A.  Senior DT Sam Martinez and senior DB Jordan Hennessy are two of the most experienced players on defense.  Senior DL Malcolm Hillary is another very experienced player.  We could find out just how far the Matador program is coming along based on how they perform this year after graduating key parts of what some consider the most talented class Seguin’s ever had.

    Fourth place should come down to a battle between San Marcos and Bowie.  We give San Marcos the advantage in that match-up because they have Bowie at home this season after beating them 17-3 away last season.  Senior TE Chris Garcia is San Marcos’ best returning player on offense along with OL Michael Moreno.  The defense is led by senior DL D.J. Hemphill.  Bowie has one of the district’s top offensive linemen, senior John Skelton (6’4 280), and best kickers, senior Nick Grasshoff.

    Anderson, Bastrop and Akins look to play themselves into the playoff race.  Anderson has the best chance of those three teams.  Senior WR Adam Dacierno is one of the top players in the district as is senior RB Patrick Kurunwune.  Senior QB Duncan McGee also returns.  Senior TE Tyler Ferguson (6’5 220) is the only returning all-district player for Bastrop.  Akins’ top talent is senior ILB Dominque Williams.  Overall, Austin High is a pretty clear favorite followed by Westlake and Seguin.  San Marcos is the favorite to earn the last playoff spot, and Anderson is the prime spoiler candidate.