9 Central Texas teams, 19 players to watch in the UIL high school football playoffs
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Central Texas high school football teams are perennial threats to make deep runs in the UIL playoffs.
But who has the best chance in 2026? And what players should Austin-area fans be keeping an eye on?
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With the postseason getting underway Thursday - though most teams play Friday - the American-Statesman takes a look at teams and players to watch.
MORE:Central Texas high school football primer for the UIL playoffs
The teams range from Lake Travis to Thorndale in size and distance, and the players represent programs from East View to Hays.
These are the teams that should play into at least the third round, and the players listed give their teams a chance to win any game.
Here are nine teams and 19 players to watch from Central Texas in the UIL playoffs:
Teams to watch
Anderson
The fact the Trojans are on this list, let alone in the postseason, tells one how far they've come. It's the first time in program history they've made the playoffs three years in a row. Quarterback Cove Darbyshire gets the headlines, but Anderson has talent all over its offense in running backs Nick Briggs and Kam'ron Hornsby and wideouts Jay Fullmer, Kyler Sharp and Gage Willis. Zach Cecalek, who has seven sacks, leads an underrated defense. Expect Anderson to still be alive Thanksgiving weekend in Class 5A Division I.
Cedar Park
The Timberwolves might be able to play the disrespect card. Despite being 10-0, they still probably don't get the attention they deserve statewide. David Cooper (2,243 yards, 20 TDs passing), Lucas Viloria (887 yards, 12 TDs rushing) and Brayden Jahns (1021 yards, 6 TDs receiving) pace a balanced offense, while Deshaun Stewart, CJ Rogers and Olujimi Aluko lead a talented defense.
Cedar Ridge
The Raiders are no longer a surprise. After going 9-1 and beating Lake Travis in the regular season, Cedar Ridge could make a playoff run. Defensive lineman Jeremiah Passmore, linebacker Ayden O'Brien Brown and defensive back Trent Bell would start for any team in Central Texas, and quarterback Dylan Snoga paces an electric offense. The Raiders have a tough first-round matchup against Dripping Springs, but if they get past that, they should have a rematch with Westlake in the Class 6A Division II regional finals.
Hutto
It's not a question of if the Hippos will be effective on offense, but how many points they'll score. The wideout trio of Jaiden Fields, Dylan Owens and Carson Fields is one of the best in the state, and quarterback Micah Antoun is a rising star. If Hutto comes together on defense, it will stick around in Class 6A Division I.
Lake Travis
The Cavs may be the most intriguing team in the Austin area. They could lose in the second round or make a run to the Class 6A Division I semifinals. Lake Travis has the talent to hang with most teams in the state, and wideouts Westin Smith and Luca Antoun will give any defense fits. If the defense is effective against the run, the Cavs should make the regional finals.
Thorndale
One of a few undefeated teams in Central Texas, the Bulldogs should make some noise in Class 2A Division I. Hudson Thigpen is one of the area's top producing running backs with 1,395 yards and 28 TDs, and Thorndale's defense gives up less than 13 points per game.
Weiss
The Wolves' offense is built for the postseason. Wideout and Washington commit Tre Moore will be the focus of opposing defenses, but quarterback Jaxon Schad has several other options to throw to, including Jordan Ibn Anderson El, Audric Williams and Dallas Schad. Weiss' defense will benefit from the recent return of linebackers Noah McPeak and Tylan Henderson. The Wolves should make the Class 5A Division I regional semifinals, and if they get past that round, they have a shot to go all the way.
Westlake
With quarterback Patton Jones, running back C.J. Jones, a road-grating offensive line led by Zion Guevara and Texas commit Jackson Cook, and a technically sound defense paced by linebacker Eric Abraham, the Chaps will stick around awhile. Expect Westlake to play at least into December in Class 6A Division II.
Wimberley
The Texans are undefeated and will be a factor in Class 4A Division II. This may not be a team full of stars, but it's one that is talented across the board. Wimberley should coast into the regional semifinals, and if it wins a likely matchup with Waco La Vega, it will have a shot to win the state title.
Players to watch
(Note: players cannot be from a team above)
Frank Accetta, Dripping Springs:A candidate for newcomer of the year, he's rushed for 1,088 yards and 16 TDs.
Kru Allen, Hays: One of the area's top linebackers, he's made an eye-popping 124 tackles.
Chase Ames, Dripping Springs:The senior has thrown for 2,273 yards and 34 TDs and has playoff experience from last year.
Spencer Ballew, Liberty Hill:Experienced linebacker gives Panthers a chance to play past Thanksgiving.
Reagan Bollinger, Georgetown: Talented linebacker has 76 tackles and is one of the team's defensive leaders.
Bryce Byrn, Liberty Hill:Leads the slot-T offense with 1,275 yards and 12 TDs rushing.
Dallas Crescenzo, Bastrop:Speedy wideout is always a threat on the outside for the Bears.
Jalani Culpepper, East View:The future FBS player - he has 23 offers - gives the Patriots a dangerous presence on both sides of the ball at running back and safety.
Will Cunningham, Legacy Ranch:Junior has accounted for 2,402 yards and 24 TDs.
Caleb Gaston, Pflugerville:Dynamic quarterback has accounted for 2,222 total yards and 32 TDs.
Breland Hill, Pflugerville:Senior wideout has 39 catches for 499 yards and seven TDs.
Preston James III, Vandegrift:With 1,350 yards from scrimmage and 16 TDs, he's a dangerous offensive threat.
Dylan Jaeger, Round Rock: Despite being the center of attention of every defense, the TCU commit still caught 52 passes for 896 yards and 12 TDs. He's one of the top three wideouts in Central Texas.
Drew Langford, Legacy Ranch:Junior edge has an impressive 16.5 sacks.
Rhys Moreno, Bowie:Electric at running back, he's rushed for 1,857 yards and 26 TDs. He gives the Bulldogs a chance to advance.
Weston Nielsen:Arguably the top quarterback talent in Central Texas, the Arizona State commit will keep the Bears in any game.
Gabriel Peach, Hays: Paces the Hawks' offense with 1,147 yards and 15 TDs rushing.
Trent Potts, Johnson:Leads the Jaguars with 80 tackles from his linebacker spot.
Dov Stickler, Round Rock:When Stickler is on, he's as good as any quarterback in Central Texas. He's thrown for 2,386 yards and 28 TDs and gives the Dragons a shot in any contest.
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