For that matter, did anyone catch a glimpse of Westlake, Vandegrift, Dripping Springs, Cedar Park, LBJ, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Bastrop or Wimberley at this year's state championship weekend in the Metroplex?
They were among the usual suspects of Central Texas high school football teams that had big hopes of reaching the state finals this fall. The state championships kicked off Wedensday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington and wrapped up Saturday without any area teams in the mix. Although it's happened before — most recently in 2023 — it's rare for Austin-area teams to all miss out on the biggest weekend of the year. Since 2000, at least one area team has reached state 23 times.
So, what happened in 2024?
How our 2025 Central Texas top 10 preseason power poll teams finished this season:
1. Westlake (7-4, 3rd in 26-6A): Chaps were 6-1, but lost 3 of their last 4 and fell in bi-district to Vandegrift.
2. Vandegrift (12-3, won 25-6A): Caught fire after a 3-2 start, won 9 straight till 6A DII semifinals loss.
3. Lake Travis (14-1, won 26-6A): Looked like area's best hope till 6A DI semifinals loss to North Shore.
4. Cedar Park (8-4, won 8-5A DI): Took 8-1 stretch into playoffs, but got bumped out in the area round.
5. Liberty Hill (9-3, won 11-5A DII): Had won 9 straight until a 2nd-round playoff upset to Brenham.
6. Bastrop (11-2, 2nd in 11-5A DII): Posted 62-0 and 69-42 playoff wins till a 3rd-round blowout loss (83-20).
7. Georgetown (9-3, 2nd in 8-5A DI): Defense faltered late (102 total points in 2 of last 3 games, both losses).
8. Weiss (10-3, 4th in 12-5A DI): Looked strong late in season, but fell to Barbers Hill in OT in third round.
9. Dripping Springs (12-2, 2nd in 26-6A): Tigers' best season ever — regional finalists, plus wins over Vandegrift and Westlake.
10. Round Rock (5-6, 3rd in 25-6A): Made the playoffs as a 5-5 team, but started 0-3, went 5-3 in district and lost in first round.
It depends on which team you're referring to.
Lake Travis Cavaliers
It's hard to knock a team that went 14-1 and was the last Central Texas' last undefeated team. In the end, though, it was a case of an offense that couldn't handle a tenacious Galena Park North Shore defense in the Class 6A Division I state semifinals. Lake Travis, which had an excellent offense all year, finished with a total of 40 yards and four first downs in the 28-6 loss. A defense led by ends Carter Buck (TCU bound) and Ben Duncum (Kentucky) kept the Cavs in every game.
"You can't score six points and expect to win," Lake Travis senior wideout Lark Sidle said after the season-ending loss to North Shore. "I tip my hat to (North Shore). ... We had a good game plan coming in. I feel like some things didn't go our way, and we got behind the sticks. You can't do that."
Westlake Chaparrals
By Westlake standards, a 7-4 season is completely out of character. After all, the Chaparrals aspired for greatness after finishing with a 15-1 record and a Class 6A DI state runner-up season in 2024. Westlake had its share of injuries this season, including TCU-bound defensive end Maddox Flynt, who got hurt in late October and missed the team's 16-14 playoff loss to Vandegrift. The biggest weakness was a rushing offense that was exposed. The team's top rusher, Jarren Lopez, averaged 45 yards a game.
Vandegrift Vipers
Truth be told, the Vipers were overachievers this fall. With only two returning defensive starters from a team that won the Class 6A DII state championship, coach Drew Sanders' team surprised many by reaching the state semifinals. While quarterback Miles Teodecki (bound for Kansas State) and receiver Brock Chilton (Air Force) had big seasons and a big game, the defensive dam broke in last week's 58-41 semifinals loss to Houston King.
"I'm sad because I really wanted to get it done for the community," Chilton said after the loss to King. He had 21 catches for 276 yards in the loss, and scored on touchdown catches of 56, 19, 50 and 2 yards. The fact we were able to get (to the semis) is great. Everyone remembers their last game. But I would have traded everything for a win today, no doubt."
Dripping Springs Tigers
Arguably the best team in school history, the Tigers were beaten 27-20 in a Class 6A DII regional final by battle-tested Vandegrift. A team still looking for its first state appearance should be good next year with quarterback Chase Ames (47 TD passes) back in the fold.
Cedar Park Timberwolves
A two-time state champion (2012, 2015), the Timberwolves had the pieces to reach state again. Offensive pieces, anyway. Led by running back Trae Hill (2,300 yards, 34 touchdowns), they averaged 43 points in 12 games. Unfortunately, the defense surrendered at least 30 points in seven games, including a 43-36 area playoff loss to Wakeland that ended their season.
Georgetown Eagles
Still looking for their first state football championship, the Eagles were led by all-state running back Jett Walker, who has signed with the Texas Longhorns. Walker ignited the offense, averaging 135 rushing yards a game and scored a team-high 24 touchdowns. Like Cedar Park, defense was Georgetown's weakest link, giving up 30 more points in six of its 12 games.
Liberty Hill Panthers
Another two-time state champion (2006, 2007), the Panthers were on a nine-game winning streak before losing to Brenham 27-24 in an area playoff. Considering it was David Seaborn's first year as the Panthers' head coach, a 9-3 season must be rated a success.
Bastrop Bears
Led by quarterback Weston Nielsen, who has committed to Arizona State, the Bears scored at least 50 points in 11 of their 13 games. But their defense fell apart in the final four games, giving up a total of 173 points during that span. With Nielsen returning in 2026 for his final season, look for Bastrop to have another good year. On offense, anyway.
Wimberley Texans
Yet another two-time state champion (2005, 2021), Wimberley finished 8-5 under first-year head coach Wesley Lambert. Considering the Texans were playing without the graduated 2024 Central Texas offensive player of the year, quarterback Cody Stoever, they were still solid on offense, scoring at least 30 points in eight of their games.