Austin, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The Texas high school football season has begun in the Austin area, featuring eight private schools alongside UIL and SPC teams. Regents stands out as a strong contender with a powerful roster, while St. Stephen’s returns to the field after a long absence. Teams like the Bears and Knights, equipped with several returning starters, promise to deliver exciting matches. Despite previous challenges, teams are restructured and ready to compete for titles. The opening games have already commenced, setting the stage for a competitive season.
Austin Kicks Off the 2024 High School Football Season with Promising Lineups
The 2024 Texas high school football season is underway in the Austin area, marking the start of competitive play for UIL, TAPPS, and SPC schools after a month of rigorous training camps. A total of eight private schools in the region are participating in 11-man football, with teams gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season.
Strong Contenders in the Mix
Regents, a well-established powerhouse in Texas high school football, is set to make a significant impact this season with a robust roster that has playoff ambitions. The team aims for another deep playoff run, bolstered by the skill and experience of its returning players.
St. Stephen’s is making a notable return to 11-man football after nearly a decade off the field, poised to integrate into the mix of Austin area private schools competing for glory this season. Their re-entry adds depth to the local football landscape, as they seek to establish their competitiveness against seasoned opponents.
Highlighted Teams and Players
The Bears are another team to watch, entering the season with great optimism thanks to seven returning starters, including quarterback Brayden Jennings and all-state wideout Zach Czerlinsky. Czerlinsky’s prowess extends beyond offense, as he is also recognized as one of the area’s top defensive backs. The Bears will rely on solid defensive support from seasoned players like linebacker Esteban Gutierrez and edge rusher Luke Weed.
Meanwhile, the smallest TAPPS school in the Austin area is eyeing the District 3-DIII title, making the most of its robust roster, which features 15 returning starters. The team’s offense will center on the talents of all-state wide receiver Ty Vacek, who aims to make a substantial impact on the field. Under new head coach Ross Roby, the Panthers are also looking to refine their strategies moving forward, relying on versatile player Houston Shaw, who had standout stats last season.
Powerful Offenses and Improved Defenses
Traditional powerhouse teams like the Knights are expected to excel this year, particularly with key players like quarterback Jack Devine and top receivers Kade Millington and Blake Smith returning. Their roster also contains several strong defensive returners, positioning them as favorites in the TAPPS Division II state title race.
This season’s competition also includes teams that are looking to bounce back from challenging previous seasons. After a tough 1-9 season, the Eagles have restructured their team with several returning players, including wideout Patrick Engesser and defensive backs Ethan Horvath and Jack Dial, aiming for improvement this year.
The Warriors, with fresh momentum from an 8-3 season, will look to continue their success, guided by quarterback Nico Anderson and his primary wideout, who are also back for another season. The Spartans are transitioning back to 11-man football with quarterback Basil Baldwin at the helm as they prepare for an eight-game schedule, presenting a fresh challenge for opponents.
Initial Matchups and Future Outlook
In the opening game of the season, the Round Rock Dragons faced the Shoemaker Wolves, suffering a challenging 56-28 loss. Rusher Brandon Brown Jr. made a significant contribution for the Wolves during this encounter. Round Rock will aim for redemption against Temple in their next game, while Shoemaker is set to face another Varsity opponent on September 5th at 7:30 p.m.
The 2024 high school football season in the greater Austin area is poised to produce intense competition, exciting matchups, and talented young athletes making their mark on the field. As the season progresses, fans can expect riveting plays and unforgettable moments from these passionate teams.
FAQ
What schools are participating in the Austin-area high school football season?
The Austin area features eight private schools participating in 11-man football this fall, along with UIL and SPC schools.
Which team is expected to be a strong contender this season?
Regents is expected to be a key contender, known for its strong roster and history of playoff success.
What notable players should fans look out for this season?
Fans should keep an eye on players like Brayden Jennings and Zach Czerlinsky from the Bears, as well as Jack Devine of the Knights.
When do the teams’ first games take place?
The first games took place after a month of training camp, with Round Rock’s match against Shoemaker marking the beginning of the season.
How are teams preparing for the season?
Teams are fine-tuning their skills and strategies through rigorous training camps, preparing for competitive play in the upcoming season.
Key Features of the 2024 Austin High School Football Season
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Participating Schools | Eight private schools, along with UIL and SPC schools. |
| Strong Contender | Regents, known for a solid roster and playoff history. |
| Notable Players | Brayden Jennings, Zach Czerlinsky, Jack Devine. |
| Season Start | First games follow a month of training, with Round Rock vs. Shoemaker as the opener. |
| Competitive Landscape | Intense matchups expected across various divisions. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas High School Football Rankings Update for Week 2
University of Texas at Austin Launches Hollister Feel Good Fest
Texas A&M Aggies Triumph Over UTSA in Season Opener
Austin FC Dominates San Jose Earthquakes
Houston Cougars Kick Off Season with Historic Shutout
Anderson Trojans Defeat McCallum Knights in Shoal Creek Showdown
Central Texas High School Football Season Kicks Off
Arch Manning Signs Autographs After Longhorns’ Victory
Texas High School Football Season Set to Kick Off
University of Texas at Austin to Showcase Humann Logo in Sports Venues
Additional Resources
- Statesman: TAPPS Football – Regents, Austin Area
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- MaxPreps: Round Rock Starts Season with Defeat
- Google Search: Texas High School Football
- Express News: UIL Football Class 6A – Westlake & Lake Travis
- Google Scholar: Texas High School Football
- MSN: Texas High School Football Austin Area Season Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Statesman: Round Rock Dragons – Jack Appl
- Google News: Austin High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
