Football | Hill Country News

Texas defensive back Jerrin Thompson (28) returns an interception 27 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of last Saturday's game against Wyoming.

Texas begins Big 12 play at Baylor Saturday

After a comfortable, but unflashy 31-10 win over Wyoming, the Texas Longhorns travel to Waco this Saturday for their final Big 12 matchup against Baylor. Saturday’s win over Wyoming saw … more

Staff Reports | 9/22/23

Vandegrift head coach Drew Sanders will lead his undefeated squad into a matchup with Manor next week in a drive to return to the state title game after last year's state finals appearance.

This week's football schedule

Friday: Cedar Park (2-1) vs East View (1-2) Birkelbach Field, 7 p.m.; Glenn (1-2) vs Hendrickson (2-1) The Pfield, 7 p.m.; Lago Vista (2-2) vs Smithville (1-3) … more

Staff Reports | 9/21/23

Round Rock quarterback Mason Cochran hands the ball off to running back Aidan Garlington during a high school football game between Cedar Park and Round Rock on September 7, 2023 in Cedar Park.

High School Football Roundup

Cedar Ridge 7, Vista Ridge 28 : JD Jackson had a game-high 109 rushing yards and a score and Jackson Arnot completed eight passes for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Vista Ridge's 28-7 win … more

Staff Reports | 9/17/23

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) prepares for a snap during the Longhorns' 34-24 win over Alabama on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.

Longhorns display potent offense and stifling defense in upset of No. 3 Alabama

After last season's close game against Alabama, the Texas Longhorns were looking to make a statement in year three of Steve Sarkisian's time on the 40 acres. A road game at No. 3 Alabama … more

Staff Reports | 9/10/23

Utah quarterback Nate Johnson (13) scores on a 7-yard touchdown run during an NCAA football game between Baylor and Utah on September 9, 2023 in Waco, Texas. Utah won, 20-13.

Baylor loses close matchup with No. 12 Utah

On the brink of upsetting a top-15 team, Baylor gave up two touchdowns in the last two minutes and lost to 12th-ranked Utah, 20-13, Saturday afternoon at McLane Stadium in a game the … more

By Jerry Hill, Baylor Bear Insider | 9/10/23

Cedar Park tight end Joshua Pecci carries the ball after a catch during a high school football game between Cedar Park and Round Rock on September 7, 2023 in Cedar Park.

High School Football Recaps

With the non-district portion of their schedules coming to a close for Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD teams, the 5A teams will all take their bye week this week ahead of district play starting next … more

Staff Reports | 9/9/23

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers passes the ball during last year's game against Alabama. Ewers left the game after sustaining a shoulder injury.

ESPN Analyst Kirk Herbstreit looks ahead to Texas vs Alabama matchup

“If you're going to win this game, you've got to come in swinging,” ESPN Analyst Kirk Herbstreit said on Wednesday, looking ahead to Saturday’s showdown between No. 11 Texas and No. … more

By SCOTT W. COLEMAN | 9/8/23

Cedar Park head coach Michael Quintero during the Timberwolves' openening game against Cedar Ridge on August 25. Cedar Park will host Round Rock on Thursday.

Football Schedule

Thursday: Cedar Park vs Round Rock Gupton Stadium, 7 p.m.; Rouse vs Glenn Bible Stadium, 7 p.m.; Friday: Vandegrift vs Waco Midway UMHB Cru Stadium, 7 p.m.; Vista Ridge vs … more

STAFF REPORTS | 9/7/23

Glenn running back JJ Oritz carries the ball during a game against San Antonio Pieper on August 25. The Grizzlies beat Victoria West 52-17 last week.

High School Football Roundup

Vandegrift quarterback Deuce Adams passed for 309 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Vipers over the Timberwolves on Friday. A trio of running backs shared the … more

STAFF REPORTS | 9/3/23

Texas State quarterback TJ Finley (7) looks to pass the ball as Texas State safety Justin Strong (40) grabs on for an attempted sack during an NCAA football game between Baylor and Texas State on September 2, 2023 in Waco, Texas. Texas State won, 42-31.

Texas State shocks Baylor with first win over Power 5 opponent

Texas State shocked Baylor with the biggest upset of the college football kickoff weekend with the Bobcats beating the Bears 42-31 at McLane Stadium in Waco on Saturday. It was Bobcats head coach GJ … more

By Brandi Chionsini | 9/2/23

Texas running back Jonathan Brooks (24) carries the ball on a 37-yard touchdown reception in Saturday's home opener against Rice.

Sophomore QB Ewers leads Longhorns to 37-10 win over Rice in opener

Eleventh ranked Texas opened the 2023 season with a 37-10 victory over Rice on Saturday at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers completed … more

STAFF REPORTS | 9/2/23

Cedar Park Timberwolves fans during a high school football game between Cedar Park and Cedar Ridge on August 25, 2023 in Cedar Park.

Game Schedule

THURSDAY High School Football Westwood at Austin High House Park, 7:30 p.m. Leander vs Bastrop Bible Stadium, 7 p.m. FRIDAY High School Football Cedar Park at Vandegrift … more

8/31/23

Cedar Park running back Trae Hill (21) escapes from Cedar Ridge defensive back Davon Crank (23) on a carry during a high school football game between Cedar Park and Cedar Ridge on August 25, 2023 in Cedar Park.

High School Football Roundup

Vista Ridge 21, Bowie 14 ; Vista Ridge quarterback Jackson Arnot was 10-for-19 passing for 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Rangers' 21-14 win over Bowie last Friday. Josaan Gaines had a … more

8/26/23

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron gestures after scoring a touchdown during the 2022 football season.

Longhorns ranked No. 11 in Associated Press preseason poll

The University of Texas Football program, entering its third season under head coach Steve Sarkisian, is ranked No. 11 in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll, which was released on Monday. The … more

sports@hillcountrynews.com | 8/19/23

Texas Longhorns senior linebacker Jaylan Ford is the first Longhorn to earn the conference's preseason defensive player of the year accolade since Malik Jefferson was chosen ahead of the 2016 season.

Longhorns linebacker named to Badnarik Award watch list

Texas senior Jaylan Ford has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Monday. The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented annually to the most outstanding … more

sports@hillcountrynews.com | 8/17/23

Texas Longhorns sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers was named to the 2023 Maxwell Award watch list ahead of the upcoming season. Ewers and junior wide receiver Xavier Worthy were both nominated for the annual award, given to the College Player of the Year each year since 1937.

Texas Longhorns Worthy, Ewers named to Maxwell Award watch list

Texas junior wide receiver Xavier Worthy and sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers were named to the 2023 watch list for the Maxwell Award, the Maxwell Club announced on Monday. The Maxwell Award has … more

sports@hillcountrynews.com | 8/2/23