Austin, Texas, August 4, 2025
News Summary
Central Texas high school football teams are ready to begin their season with the Taco Shack Bowl, featuring a match between Anderson and McCallum. With notable players like Miles Teodecki and Rowan Wells, the community anticipates a thrilling journey towards the state championship. Preseason practices start soon, fostering teamwork and camaraderie among athletes. Fans are set to rally behind their teams as contenders like Vandegrift and Lake Travis gear up for competitive play.
AUSTIN, Texas – Central Texas high school football teams are poised to kick off the 2025 season with the highly anticipated Taco Shack Bowl on August 28, featuring Anderson High School battling McCallum High School. This match marks the official start of a four-month journey for local teams who are focused on clinching a coveted state championship.
Among the players to watch this season is Miles Teodecki, the senior quarterback for Vandegrift High School, who showcased his skills in the Class 6A Division II regional final against San Antonio Harlan on December 6, 2024. Teodecki’s remarkable performance contributed to his team’s impressive season, and he ended the year with 3,256 passing yards and 48 touchdowns, leading Vandegrift to the state title.
Several other local athletes made notable contributions in the previous season as well. Rowan Wells, a receiver for Bowie High School, recorded 676 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, helping to support the Bulldogs’ efforts in the tightly contested bi-district title game against McNeil Mavericks. In that game, Bowie celebrated their first touchdown only to see McNeil rally for a 17-14 victory.
Additionally, Drew Norrell from Westwood High School achieved a district victory over Stony Point, leading his team to dominate with a 49-20 win. The Cedar Park Timberwolves look forward to continued strength with linebacker Jahiem Porter, who competed fiercely against Rouse Raiders, while Aldric Trotter, quarterback for Harlan, faced tough opposition from Vandegrift’s CJ Mooring in the regional final.
As teams convene for preseason practices, scheduled to begin this week for schools not involved in spring workouts and next week for those that did, the anticipation in the community continues to grow. Families and fans are rallying behind their schools, fostering a supportive atmosphere conducive to personal growth, teamwork, and discipline.
Aside from defending champions Vandegrift, potential contenders for the state championship include Dripping Springs, Lake Travis, Westlake, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, and Weiss, all of whom aim to establish strong seasons. Player performances like those from Nico Anderson of St. Michael’s, Jack Appl from Round Rock, and Kaden Arnot of Vista Ridge—who amassed over 1,400 and 1,800 passing yards respectively—have made an impression on scouts and fans alike.
The local spectator turnout is expected to be robust this year, uniting the community and providing the young athletes with unwavering support. With hopes riding high and preparations ready, the upcoming high school football season not only represents athletic competition but also a commitment to building camaraderie and resilience among student-athletes.
Key Players to Watch in 2025
- Nico Anderson, QB, St. Michael’s – 20 touchdowns, 8-3 finish
- Jack Appl, QB, Round Rock – 1,439 passing yards, 23 total touchdowns
- Kaden Arnot, QB, Vista Ridge – 1,880 passing yards, 19 touchdowns
- Rowan Wells, WR, Bowie – 676 receiving yards, 9 touchdowns
- Miles Teodecki, QB, Vandegrift – 3,256 yards, 48 touchdowns
Upcoming Events
Taco Shack Bowl: August 28
Preseason Practices Start: This week for some schools, next week for others
FAQ
What is the Taco Shack Bowl?
The Taco Shack Bowl is a high school football event that marks the beginning of the football season, featuring a match between Anderson and McCallum High Schools.
When does the 2025 high school football season begin?
The season kicks off with the Taco Shack Bowl on August 28, 2025.
Who are some key players to watch this season?
Notable players include Miles Teodecki of Vandegrift, Nico Anderson of St. Michael’s, and Rowan Wells of Bowie, among others.
What kind of community support can be expected for the season?
Local fans and families are expected to show strong support for their teams, emphasizing growth and teamwork among players.
Chart: Key Features of Upcoming High School Football Season
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Kickoff | Taco Shack Bowl on August 28, 2025 |
| Key Players | Miles Teodecki, Nico Anderson, Rowan Wells |
| Community Involvement | Strong support from fans and families |
| Preseason Practices | Starts this week for some schools |
| Potential Contenders | Vandegrift, Dripping Springs, Lake Travis, Westlake |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Vandegrift High School Wins Breazeale Cup
Tragic Passing of Promising Engineer from University of Texas
University of Texas at Austin Names New Provost Amid Major Investment
Community Remembers Beloved Austin Resident Gary Woods
Remembering Sheila Nunley: A Life of Love and Community
Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life in Pampa
Austin Remembers Beloved Attorney and Alumni Sam Johnson
Community Mourns the Loss of Ryan Robert King
Tribute to Renowned Attorney Samuel James Johnson
Additional Resources
- Statesman: Top 100 Football Players Texas 2025
- Go San Angelo: Top West Texas High School Football Players
- Sports Illustrated: 2025 High School Football Rankings
- Fox 7 Austin: Texas High School Football Playoffs
- KVUE: Girls High School Flag Football Debuts
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: Texas High School Football
- Google Scholar: Texas High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas High School Football
- Google News: Texas High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
AUSTIN STAFF 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.
