Bi-District Preview: Vista Ridge vs. Travis

By Sam Bohmfalk

Vista Ridge fans will be out en force for the game against Travis. Photo by 50%Chanceofrain.

Friday, 7:30 p.m., Nelson Field

The Vista Ridge Rangers matched their win total from their first four seasons combined as they improved on last year’s 1-9 campaign by going 8-2 this season. The Rangers played most of their games close this year, with seven of their 10 games being played within 10 points. In those affairs, the Rangers went 6-1.

The Rangers will have to deal with a diverse Travis attack that suffered its worst offensive output at the hands of Crockett last week. In the game, quarterbacks Jonathon Sterling and Adam Solis were held to a combined 45 yards, while running back CJ Herrera missed his second straight game.

The Vista Ridge Rangers have been a new team ever since Blake Estes took the helm. The dual threat quarterback was the Rangers’ leading rusher over the last six games, and pitched in 289 yard and 211 yard passing performances against Vandergrift and Cedar Park. The Rebels haven’t played against many dual threat quarterbacks this season, but they looked vulnerable against LBJ’s Darius Collins (137 passing, 85 rushing).

The key for Travis will be holding onto the ball. In losses against Lampassas and LBJ, the Rebels turned the ball over a combined seven times.

The only common opponent the two teams played was McCallum. The Rangers drubbed the Knights 31-6, while the Rebels handed the Knights their only district loss, 36-33.

Prediction: Vista Ridge 28, Travis 20

Bi-District Preview: Marble Falls vs. Crockett

By Sam Bohmfalk

Marble Falls attempts to pressure Lake Travis in a game earlier this year. Photo by jrandallc.

Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Marble Falls High School

The Marble Falls Mustangs alternated wins and losses throughout district play, sealing a playoff birth in the last week by virtue of a 21-6 victory over Vandergrift.  Statistically speaking, the Mustangs are led by junior quarterback Zed Woerner, who threw for over 1600 yards.  However, as the season progressed, Marble Falls began to rely more on the legs of running back Austin Sparks.  Sparks, a senior, saved his best game for senior night as he rushed for 182 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over Vandergrift.

Against Crockett though, the Mustangs may have to turn back to the aerial attack.  In last week’s win over Travis, the Cougars shut down a Rebels rushing attack that had amassed the most rushing yards in the district.   Offensively, the Cougars are led by dual-threat quarterback Paul Wagner who rushed a season-high 26 times for 84 yards before throwing a game-winning touchdown to tight end Dylon Fleming with less than two minutes left in Crockett’s 10-7 victory.

Flashback – 2009: Crockett threw for 35 more yards, rushed for 75 more yards, was penalized for 32 less yards, and lost 51-6.  Marble Falls rushed, or more accurately pass, their way to a 51-point lead through three quarters.  Quarterback Zed Woerner was 11-12 for 254 yards and 4 touchdowns in a game that was never close.

Series: Last 5 Games

2009: Marble Falls 51, Crockett 6

2008: Marble Falls 27, Crockett 14

2007: Marble Falls 42, Crockett 14

2006: Marble Falls 34, Crockett 6

2005: Crockett 50, Marble Falls 37

Prediction: Crockett and Marble Falls had two common opponents, Dripping Springs and Vandergrift.  UPDATE: Against Dripping Springs, Crockett was blown out 49-0, while Marble Falls destroyed Dripping Springs, 46-10. Crockett fell to Vandergrift in week 4, 41-2, while Marble Falls needed the aforementioned 21-6 week 10 victory over the Vipers to make the playoffs.

Marble Falls 42, Crockett 13