No. 9 Cedar Park
2023: 9-4, 5-2 in District 11-5A Division I (3rd). The Timberwolves defeated New Braunfels Canyon and Angleton in the playoffs before losing 44-20 to A&M Consolidated in the regional semifinals.
2024: Cedar Park received no relief from UIL in realignment after spending the last two years in the “District of Doom,” with solid teams from top to bottom. Like nearby Georgetown, the Timberwolves were placed in District 8-5A Division I, moving into Region II, one of the deepest districts in the state.
Not having to play College Station and A&M Consolidated is a plus, but those two will be replaced by a strong Lake Belton team and an always tough program in Rouse. Cedar Park has the talent to win this district, but it certainly won’t be easy. Returning starters – 5 on offense, 4 on defense
Notable losses: QB Ayden Arp, WR Blake Suber and All-Central Texas picks DB Garrison Cockrell, DL Grayson Alex and LB Reid Vines
WHAT ABOUT THESE EAGLES: No. 10 Georgetown enters the 2024 season as one of the best football teams in Central Texas
About the Timberwolves: Cedar Park always has a packed out-of-district schedule, and this year’s slate is particularly tough, with Harker Heights, Vandegrift and Huntsville. An 0-3 start is unlikely, but possible. But if it happens, there’s no need to panic.
A strong offense led by Trae Hill and an underrated offensive line with four starters is a bonus. That will help break in a new quarterback and receivers. The linebacker corps is talented with Jahiem Porter and Logan Wicketts and defensive back Garrett Nichols is outstanding, but the rest of the defense is inexperienced.
You probably didn’t know this: Porter, a junior, may be the best player in the Austin area you don’t know about. Despite being overshadowed by last year’s defensive stars, he still managed 90 tackles and already has an offer from North Texas.
Key game: Lake Belton, Oct. 25 – This could very well decide the district title. Cedar Park should be 4-0 entering the game, so a win would give them the lead. With the district facing a tough District 7 in the bi-district round of the playoffs, winning a district title could be the key to making the playoffs.
Countdown to the Top 10 in Central Texas
No. 10 Georgetown Eagles
Georgetown will rely on its defense for a change
— Colby Gordon
