The Lake Travis (Austin, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Round Rock (TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 6A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Lake Travis vs Round Rock
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D1
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Game preview: Lake Travis vs Round Rock

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, the highly anticipated matchup between Round Rock and Lake Travis is drawing significant attention. Both teams have proven themselves to be dominant forces in the state of Texas, each with impressive records and exceptional individual performances. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from these two powerhouses.

Team Records and Rankings

Round Rock enters the game with an 8-2 overall record, boasting a solid 6-2 district record. The team has shown strong performance at home with a 4-1 record, but has also been competitive on the road with a 4-1 mark. Their offense has averaged 30.1 points per game, a testament to their potent scoring ability, though their defense has allowed 170 points on the season.

In comparison, Lake Travis stands at 9-1 overall and 5-1 in district play. The Cavaliers have been particularly dominant at home, with a perfect 5-0 record. Their offensive output has been impressive, averaging 47.1 points per game, and their defense has limited opponents to just 156 points throughout the season. This high-powered offense and solid defense make Lake Travis a formidable opponent.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

When it comes to offensive production, both teams have significant strengths. Round Rock has averaged 301.9 total yards per game, with a balanced attack of 160.1 rushing yards and 141.8 passing yards. Meanwhile, Lake Travis has excelled with 424.2 total yards per game, driven largely by their impressive 204.4 rushing yards per game and 219.8 passing yards. Lake Travis’s ability to generate big plays through both the air and on the ground gives them a versatile and explosive offense.

On the defensive side, Round Rock has averaged 49.8 tackles per game, but Lake Travis has the advantage with 75.8 tackles per game. While Round Rock’s defense has recorded 3.1 sacks per game, Lake Travis follows closely with 2.3 sacks per game. This difference could be crucial in the game, as pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run will be key to securing a victory.

Key Players to Watch

Round Rock:

• Joaquin Maldonado (RB): With 78.2 rushing yards per game, Maldonado has been a key offensive weapon for Round Rock. His ability to break through defenses and gain crucial yards on the ground will be vital in this matchup.
• Jack Appl (QB): Appl has been solid, averaging 141.5 passing yards per game. His ability to move the ball through the air and make key throws will be critical in Round Rock’s offensive attack.
• Noah Cockerham (LB): Cockerham leads the team with 5.5 tackles per game, providing leadership and playmaking ability on the defensive side.

Lake Travis:

• Vann Hopping (RB): Hopping is a force to be reckoned with, averaging 102.0 rushing yards per game. His power and speed will pose a significant challenge to Round Rock’s defense.
• Chaston Ditta (QB): Ditta has been a dual-threat, accumulating 201.8 total yards per game, showcasing his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground.
• Easton Aird (LB): Aird leads Lake Travis with 9.4 tackles per game, and his ability to read plays and stop opposing offenses will be key in this matchup.

Scoring Breakdown:

Round Rock has shown a tendency to start slow, averaging just 6.2 points in the first quarter, but they pick up the pace in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, where they average 10.9 points. However, their scoring drops off in the fourth quarter, where they average just 3.4 points.

Lake Travis, on the other hand, has been a fast starter, averaging 15.0 points in the first quarter. Their offense remains consistent throughout the game, averaging 11.0 points in the second quarter and 13.2 points in the third, with a final average of 47.1 points per game. This consistent scoring puts a lot of pressure on opponents to keep pace.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

While both teams have faced off in various competitions over the years, this game could be pivotal for the district standings. Neither team has faced each other this season yet, but their common opponents will provide clues as to how they might match up. Both teams have been dominant in their non-league and district games, and this rivalry is expected to be an intense battle.

Conclusion

As Round Rock and Lake Travis take the field, expect a thrilling game filled with explosive plays, strong defensive performances, and strategic coaching. Lake Travis’s high-scoring offense and tough defense make them the favorites, but Round Rock’s ability to stay competitive and their balanced offensive attack could make for an upset. Fans are in for a treat as these two Texas football powerhouses clash in what promises to be one of the season’s most exciting matchups.