Ethan Schlotterback hits an RBI double for Lake Travis on May 16, 2026 during a Class 6A Division I regional semifinal playoff series against Laredo United South at the San Antonio ISD Sports Complex.
Paul Brick/Special to American-Statesman
Though they haven’t played this season, Lake Travis and Cedar Ridge won’t be strangers when they meet in a Class 6A Division I regional final series starting Wednesday at Concordia University in the UIL playoffs.
It’s a rematch from the bi-district round last year that the Cavs won and features many of the same faces.
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“We have a lot of guys back and they have a lot of guys back,” said Lake Travis coach Ryan Rogers, who led the Cavs to the state semifinals a year ago. “I think that almost kind of helps them because (they were so young) and they’re a year older. Right now, they kind of remind me of us last year.”
Cedar Ridge coach Daryl Reeves said there will be some knowledge of the other since each team has so many returning players, but that ultimately it’s a new series.
“Anytime you match up with the same opponent, there will be some carryover,” said Reeves, who is in his 11th year leading the Raiders. “But you’ve got to understand … they’ve made some adjustments. … Each year is independent, but there is information for sure that you want to take a look at and be aware of, just to know your opponent.”
Cedar Ridge is peaking when it needs to
Cedar Ridge (25-11-3) has caught fire at the right time.
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Qualifying for the playoffs on the last day of the regular season out of a brutal District 25-6A, the Raiders have knocked off three quality programs in Bowie, San Antonio Reagan and Johnson, including sweeping the last two.
While Lake Travis has Texas-bound Cooper Webb, the team’s ace who is thought of as one of the state’s better pitchers, and catcher Yanuell Molina, who will play at UT-Arlington next year, Cedar Ridge seems to be a collection of very good players who will start their college careers at junior colleges or smaller four-year schools. (Sophomore infielder Kasen Langherhans may get plenty of attention the next two years, though.)
The Raiders’ gritty mentality is something that has helped spur them to their best playoff run in program history.
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“The word ‘toughness’ … we’ve tried to instill that the past month,” Reeves said. “When you get in that batter’s box, we need you to fight for the team. … Results will come because you’re going to be a tough out and your team needs you to be that.”
Outfielders Christian Olivas, Jake Shoemaker and Kai Rice, catcher Riggs Gordon, designated hitter Paul Hernandez Jr. and first baseman Matt Mabry are just a few of the Cedar Ridge players who have been clutch at the plate in the playoffs, in addition to Langerhans.
But the Raiders have also excelled in the game’s other two phases. Luke Irwin, Sawyer Neugent and Bryson Batton have all thrown well on the mound. And though Cedar Ridge has scored at least seven runs in four of their playoff wins, they’ve also committed few errors in the field.
“When you look at it, our pitching and defense haven’t been giving away (free runs),” Reeves said. “It’s a rarity this year that opponents have gone out and earned a lot of runs against us.”
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Is Lake Travis the area’s Goliath?
The Cavs (28-11-1) are going for their second straight regional title and just won their 15th district title in 16 years.
Lake Travis rarely lacks in talent, but Rogers said this team has jelled and impressed him with how it’s won two straight series in elimination games.
“We’ve kind of won a different way every round,” he said. “Last week (against Laredo United South), our pitching and defense carried us. Against San Antonio Johnson, we kind of outscored them. Against Westwood, it was pitching and defense in Game 1 and then offense in Game 2. So our guys have been able to find different ways to win and respond, especially to the adversity the last couple of rounds.”
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Webb, Molina, outfielders-pitchers CJ Hansford and Luke McBride, and infielders Ethan Schlotterback and Nelson Molina were also key players a year ago and give the Cavs a good core. However, Lake Travis has received notable contributions in district games and the postseason from infielder James Tudor, designated hitter Elliot Su, outfielder Elliott Proppe and pitcher Daniel Womack.
Womack provided arguably the season’s biggest performance when he threw a three-hit shutout in Game 3 against United South.
Living in the moment
Texas high school baseball coaches are known for their straightforward manner, and Reeves and Rogers are no different in that regard.
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But both are enjoying the journey the playoffs have provided.
“You keep that coach’s face and that composure, and sometimes I get a hard time from my friends and family who have known me a long time for that stern face,” Reeves quipped. “… But this is a great time of year and I’m excited to be a part of it. … I’ve had a lot of fun in the dugout.”
The teams will play at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with Game 3, if necessary, at a time to be determined Saturday.
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“This is the best time of the year,” Rogers said. “This is what you do all the work for. You hope that you’re getting to this point every year and having to work around graduation.”
Matthew Mabry on the mound for Cedar Ridge. Round Rock won a district baseball game at Cedar Ridge 5-1 on March 18th, 2026.
Henry Huey @HenryHueyPhoto