This 2026 high school football season is roaring into Week 4 across Central Texas, and while we’ve got some absolute bangers on the schedule, nothing screams “must-watch” like Round Rock (2-1) heading to Vandegrift (2-1) tonight. This isn’t just another nondistrict game, folks, this is a clash of two top-tier programs throwing down with everything on the line.
Vipers Defense vs. Dragons Firepower: What Gives?
Round Rock is coming off a massive 35-25 win over Dripping Springs last week, and their offense is absolutely electric, racking up more than 37 points per game. You’ve got to respect what quarterback Dov Stickler, running back Ryan Sirwaitis, and wideouts Simon Sylvain and Dylan Jaeger are doing out there. That’s a formidable offense, no doubt. But Vandegrift isn’t just showing up to play, they’re showing up to shut you down. The Vipers are looking healthy at exactly the right time, and their defense put on a clinic last week, mostly shutting down Liberty Hill’s tricky slot-T offense in a dominant 45-14 win. They’ve also got a double threat at running back with Evan Williamson and Preston James III who can chew up yards. Colby Gordon, our defending staff picks champ, sees this one being tight, maybe even a shootout. But he’s got Vandegrift taking it 36-33, and he thinks that Vipers’ defense will be the *real* difference maker. This one could be insane.
Cavs Look to Clean Up Before District Play, Rouse on a Roll
Over in San Marcos, Lake Travis (1-0-1) is battling Cornerstone Christian (3-1) after last week’s game got called due to weather. The Cavs are trying to snag a crucial win before diving headfirst into District 26-6A play, and their offense with quarterback Jason Carter and running back Teddy Lofgren has looked solid. Cornerstone, a private school running an independent schedule, only lost to IMG Academy way back on August 29. They’ve got some serious talent too, with offensive lineman Jai’Storm Knight and defensive lineman Ahzan Bacote both holding more than 10 Power 4 offers, and running back Jaylen Mckane snagging an offer from Miami. Expect points, and lots of ’em, with Gordon picking Lake Travis 38-31. Meanwhile, Rouse (3-0) is the area’s shocker team through three weeks, beating three quality opponents. Quarterback Dylan Snoga is leading an electric offense, and running backs Aubryn Davis and Amauri Dickson are a dangerous combo. After topping Georgetown in Week 2 and crushing McNeil 55-3, they’re heading into a tight one against Cedar Ridge. Gordon’s calling it Rouse 29-28, which feels about right for a squad turning heads like this.
Playoff Hopes and District Showdowns
Then there’s Lockhart (3-0) at Anderson, and the big question: are the Lions for real? They kicked off District 13-5A Division I play by beating Lehman, putting themselves in a fight for the playoffs. Anderson’s coming off an off week, but they’re clearly on a different level than Lockhart’s previous opponents. Gordon isn’t shy with his pick here, going Anderson 40-14. And finally, you can’t ignore College Station at Weiss. This is a massive District 12-5A Division I game, plain and simple. Weiss (2-1) has rebounded, and the winner of this one takes the crucial first step toward a district title. The stakes are sky-high, and you know both teams are leaving it all on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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