Aug. 28: Leander at Pflugerville, 7:30

Both traditional powerhouses have something to prove in this nondistrict renewal of a once-fierce district rivalry.

 

Sept. 4: Westlake at Lake Travis, 7:30 p.m.

 

 

It’s been a long, long time since Lake Travis lost (30 games, in fact), but the Chaps were the last ones to beat the Cavs. Buckle up the chin straps for this burgeoning rivalry.

 

Sept. 11: Lake Travis at Cedar Park, 7:30 p.m.

Another tussle with a Class 5A heavyweight confirms this CenTex football truth: the 4A state champ Cavs aren’t afraid of a nondistrict fight.

 

Sept. 18: Hendrickson vs. Elgin, 7:30 p.m.

A pair of 2008 playoff teams meet for a second straight year, and both seek momentum on the eve of district play.

 

Sept. 25: Lexington at Lago Vista, 7:30 p.m.

The District 25-2A opener for both teams should match the thrills of last season’s 32-26 Lexington win, and it should play a pivotal role in the race for the playoffs.

 

Oct. 2: Bastrop at Connally, 7:30 p.m.

If these two darkhorse candidates hope to capture a playoff spot, a win in this early-season meeting in District 25-5A would prove critical.

 

Oct. 9: Vista Ridge at McNeil, 7:30 p.m.

The Mavs held off District 16-5A neophyte Vista Ridge by six points a year ago, but the Rangers see McNeil as just another stepping stone on the climb to the top.

 

Oct. 15: Round Rock at Leander, 7 p.m.

Pivotal district games have become the norm between these longtime foes, so expect another defensive slugfest.

 

Oct. 23: Stony Point at Cedar Park, 7:30 p.m.

The speed of Stony Point meets the power of Cedar Park in what should be a brawl for the District 16-5A title.

 

Oct. 30: Smithville at Giddings, 7:30 p.m.

A late autumn evening spent in the Buffaloes’ backyard separates District 25-3A’s playoff contenders from the pretenders. Where does Smithville fall?

 

Nov. 5: Westwood at Vista Ridge, 7 p.m.

Expect, say, 400 combined yards rushing in this running back duel between Vista Ridge’s Calvin Thompson and Westwood’s Princeton Collins.