UIL football playoffs: Game predictions for Austin-area games, including Lake Travis vs Laredo United

The Texas high school football season is into the third week of the playoffs. As part of the American-Statesman’s weekly coverage, our team of sports editor Rich Tijerina, reporters Rick Cantu and Colby Gordon and contributor Jay Plotkin are sharing our weekly picks of the top games in the Austin area. Gordon this week will go into detail on five matchups that he’s really interested in.

Be sure to check statesman.com this weekend for coverage of regional semifinal playoff Central Texas high school football action.

High school football: Top playoff games in the Austin areaLake Travis vs Laredo United

The Cavs may have played a competitive game in the area round when they beat San Antonio Brennan 13-7, but don’t expect that to happen two weeks in a row. Lake Travis should roll to a dominant win and book a spot in the regional final for the third straight year.

Gordon’s pick: Lake Travis 45, Laredo United 6

Vandegrift vs San Marcos

This is an intriguing matchup between two Central Texas schools. Vandegrift has impressed in the postseason by beating Westlake and blowing out San Antonio Brandeis, while San Marcos is in the third round of the playoffs for the first time since 2006. The Rattlers have had a good year, but their run ends here.

Gordon’s pick: Vandegrift 26, San Marcos 14

Dripping Springs vs Medina Valley

Dripping Springs will get challenged at some point in the postseason. However, it won’t come this week. The Tigers should win by at least four touchdowns and set up an all-Central Texas regional final matchup with Vandegrift.

Gordon’s pick: Dripping Springs 49, Medina Valley 10

Weiss vs Barbers Hill

Weiss seems to be playing its best football at the right time. The Wolves routed Lufkin 52-14 in the area round for their third straight impressive win after topping Anderson and La Porte. This will be a competitive contest, but expect Weiss’ talent to be the difference.

Gordon’s pick: Weiss 42, Barbers Hill 28

Bastrop vs Richmond Randle

Bastrop’s offense has almost scored at will this season. The Bears have tallied at least 60 points nine times and in their 11 wins never scored less than 48. But Richmond Randle has won 28 straight and looks to be on pace to repeat as Class 5A Division II state champions. Bastrop’s phenomenal year comes to a close here.

Gordon’s pick: Randle 50, Bastrop 32

Last week: Plotkin 13-2, Gordon 13-2, Cantu 12-3, Tijerina 9-6

The season: 1. Plotkin 152-42, 2. Cantu 151-43 (-1), 3. Gordon 144-51 (-8), 4. Tijerina 132-63 (-20)

Regional semifinal playoff picks

Lake Travis vs. Laredo United: Lake Travis — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina; Laredo United — None

Vandegrift vs. San Marcos: Vandegrift — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina; San Marcos — None

Dripping Springs vs. Medina Valley: Dripping Springs — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina; Medina Valley — None

Weiss vs. Barbers Hill: Weiss — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin; Barbers Hill — Tijerina

Bastrop vs. Richmond Randle: Bastrop — None; Randle — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina

Wimberley vs. Sinton: Wimberley — Gordon; Sinton — Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina

Llano vs. Goliad: Llano — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin; Goliad — Tijerina

Granger vs. Junction: Granger — Gordon, Plotkin, Tijerina; Junction — Cantu

Regents vs. Fort Worth All Saints: Regents — Gordon, Tijerina; All Saints — Cantu, Plotkin

UIL football playoffs: Game predictions for Austin-area games, including Lake Travis vs Laredo United

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