Dripping Springs Tigers quarterback Chase Ames (1) sends a pass against the Westlake Chaparrals during the second quarter at the District 26-6A football game on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Westlake High School in West Lake Hills, TX.

Dripping Springs Tigers quarterback Chase Ames (1) sends a pass against the Westlake Chaparrals during the second quarter at the District 26-6A football game on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Westlake High School in West Lake Hills, TX.

JOHN GUTIERREZ PHOTO/John Gutierrez for American Stat

At the midway point of the Texas high school state football playoffs, the Austin area has been carried by Class 6A teams. While most Central Texas teams have been eliminated, Lake Travis, Dripping Springs and Vandegrift have reached one of their goals by playing into December. The most intriguing matchup this week pits defending Class 6A Division II state champion Vandegrift against red-hot Dripping Springs. This will be a rematch of the season opener, a 41-14 win for the Tigers on Aug. 29.

Player of the week: Chase Ames

The Dripping Springs quarterback was perfect in a 45-14 regional semifinal win over Medina Valley, completing all 18 of his passes for 318 yards and six touchdowns. A junior in his first season as the starter, Ames has had a tremendous year, throwing 45 touchdowns while averaging 259 passing yards a game.

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Anderson wide receiver Jay Fullmer (21) hurdles McCallum defensive lineman Tucker Satterfield (53) as the McCallum defense attempt to bring him down in the first half of the Shoal Creek Showdown as the McCallum Knights and Anderson Trojans open their football season at House Park in Austin, Aug. 28, 2025. The Trojans won the game 37-2.

Anderson wide receiver Jay Fullmer (21) hurdles McCallum defensive lineman Tucker Satterfield (53) as the McCallum defense attempt to bring him down in the first half of the Shoal Creek Showdown as the McCallum Knights and Anderson Trojans open their football season at House Park in Austin, Aug. 28, 2025. The Trojans won the game 37-2.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanMcCallum Head Coach Tom Gammerdinger yells to his team in the first half of the Shoal Creek Showdown as the McCallum Knights and Anderson Trojans open their football season at House Park in Austin, Aug. 28, 2025. The Trojans won the game 37-2.

McCallum Head Coach Tom Gammerdinger yells to his team in the first half of the Shoal Creek Showdown as the McCallum Knights and Anderson Trojans open their football season at House Park in Austin, Aug. 28, 2025. The Trojans won the game 37-2.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanMcCallum warms up ahead of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025

McCallum warms up ahead of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanMcCallum quarterback Aiden Ilai (12) dives over the play to score a touchdown in the first half of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

McCallum quarterback Aiden Ilai (12) dives over the play to score a touchdown in the first half of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanMcCallum Head Coach Thomas Gammerdinger walks the field as his team warms up ahead of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

McCallum Head Coach Thomas Gammerdinger walks the field as his team warms up ahead of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBastrop takes the field ahead of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Bastrop takes the field ahead of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanIn Bastrop wide receiver Zac Wilkinson (17) catches a pass in the end zone to score a touchdown in the first half of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

In Bastrop wide receiver Zac Wilkinson (17) catches a pass in the end zone to score a touchdown in the first half of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBastrop walks out of the locker room ahead of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Bastrop walks out of the locker room ahead of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBastrop quarterback Weston Nielsen (13) carries the ball as McCallum defensive lineman Nash Wegner (50) gives chase in the first half of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Bastrop quarterback Weston Nielsen (13) carries the ball as McCallum defensive lineman Nash Wegner (50) gives chase in the first half of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanBastrop lineman Tiki Hola (55) gestures for a call In the first half of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Bastrop lineman Tiki Hola (55) gestures for a call In the first half of the game between the McCallum Knights and Bastrop Bears at House Park in Austin, Sept. 25, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanHays huddles on the field ahead of the game against Pflugervile at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Hays huddles on the field ahead of the game against Pflugervile at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanPflugerville receiver Qualyn Penson (14) jumps into the endzone for a touchdown during the game against Hays at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Pflugerville receiver Qualyn Penson (14) jumps into the endzone for a touchdown during the game against Hays at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanHays captains take the field for the coin toss ahead of the game against Pflugervile at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Hays captains take the field for the coin toss ahead of the game against Pflugervile at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanPflugerville defensive back Jaedon Walker (30) intercepts a dropped pass intended for Hays receiver Jayden Gingrow (8) during the game at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Pflugerville defensive back Jaedon Walker (30) intercepts a dropped pass intended for Hays receiver Jayden Gingrow (8) during the game at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanPflugerville receiver Qualyn Penson (14) runs the ball down the sideline during the game against Hays at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Pflugerville receiver Qualyn Penson (14) runs the ball down the sideline during the game against Hays at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanHays players huddle on the field during the game against Pflugervile at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Hays players huddle on the field during the game against Pflugervile at the Pfield on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanQuarterback Rees Wise (9) leads his team in a prayer as the Westlake Chaparrals take the field ahead of their against the Steele Knights at Chaparral Stadium in West Lake Hills, Sept. 19, 2025.

Quarterback Rees Wise (9) leads his team in a prayer as the Westlake Chaparrals take the field ahead of their against the Steele Knights at Chaparral Stadium in West Lake Hills, Sept. 19, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanQuarterback Rees Wise (9) hypes up his team as the Westlake Chaparrals take the field ahead of their against the Steele Knights at Chaparral Stadium in West Lake Hills, Sept. 19, 2025.

Quarterback Rees Wise (9) hypes up his team as the Westlake Chaparrals take the field ahead of their against the Steele Knights at Chaparral Stadium in West Lake Hills, Sept. 19, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-StatesmanLBJ defensive back Antione Baker (7) plays against Manor New Tech on Oct. 9, 2025 at Nelson Field in Austin, Texas.?

LBJ defensive back Antione Baker (7) plays against Manor New Tech on Oct. 9, 2025 at Nelson Field in Austin, Texas.?

Paul Knight/Special to American-StatesmanLBJ wideout Javarlyn Smith (0) picks up yards after the catch against Manor New Tech on Oct. 9, 2025 at Nelson Field in Austin, Texas.??

LBJ wideout Javarlyn Smith (0) picks up yards after the catch against Manor New Tech on Oct. 9, 2025 at Nelson Field in Austin, Texas.??

Paul Knight/Special to American-StatesmanHays Hawks kicker Wyatt Deleon (45) for the field goal against the Hays Hawks during the first quarter at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

Hays Hawks kicker Wyatt Deleon (45) for the field goal against the Hays Hawks during the first quarter at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

John Gutierrez/Special to American-StatesmanHays Hawks charge the field before the game against the Weiss Wolves at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

Hays Hawks charge the field before the game against the Weiss Wolves at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

John Gutierrez/Special to American-StatesmanReferee Terance McCann tosses the coin between the Hays Hawks and the Weiss Wolves at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

Referee Terance McCann tosses the coin between the Hays Hawks and the Weiss Wolves at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

John Gutierrez/Special to American-StatesmanWeiss Wolves charge the field before the game against the Hays Hawks at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

Weiss Wolves charge the field before the game against the Hays Hawks at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

John Gutierrez/Special to American-StatesmanWeiss Wolves head coach Malcolm Hill talks to his team after the 50-8 win against the Hays Hawks at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

Weiss Wolves head coach Malcolm Hill talks to his team after the 50-8 win against the Hays Hawks at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

John Gutierrez/Special to American-StatesmanHays Hawks head coach Mark Torres talks to is team after the 50-8 loss against the Weiss Wolves at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

Hays Hawks head coach Mark Torres talks to is team after the 50-8 loss against the Weiss Wolves at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

John Gutierrez/Special to American-StatesmanWeiss Wolves rush the field to begin the second half against the Hays Hawks at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

Weiss Wolves rush the field to begin the second half against the Hays Hawks at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

John Gutierrez/Special to American-StatesmanHays Highsteppers team perform during halftime at the District 12-5A football game against the Weiss Wolves on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

Hays Highsteppers team perform during halftime at the District 12-5A football game against the Weiss Wolves on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

John Gutierrez/Special to American-StatesmanWeiss Wolves wide receiver Dallas Schad (11), left, rushes over to give his brother quarterback Jaxon Schad (15) a chest bump for the keeper touchdown during the third quarter at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

Weiss Wolves wide receiver Dallas Schad (11), left, rushes over to give his brother quarterback Jaxon Schad (15) a chest bump for the keeper touchdown during the third quarter at the District 12-5A football game on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at the Bob Shelton Stadium in Hays County, Texas.

John Gutierrez/Special to American-Statesman

Game balls

Dripping Springs Tigers wide receiver Merrik Bloomgren (7) completes the pass against the Westlake Chaparrals during the second quarter at the District 26-6A football game on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Westlake High School in West Lake Hills, TX.

Dripping Springs Tigers wide receiver Merrik Bloomgren (7) completes the pass against the Westlake Chaparrals during the second quarter at the District 26-6A football game on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Westlake High School in West Lake Hills, TX.

JOHN GUTIERREZ PHOTO/John Gutierrez for American Stat

Merrik Bloomgren, Dripping Springs WR: Had 4 catches for 105 yards and 2 TDs in the win over Medina Valley

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Carter Buck, Lake Travis DE: Had 4 sacks in a 45-7 playoff win over Laredo United

Luke Davis, Vandegrift LB: Had 8 solo tackles, 1 assist and 2 sacks in 24-7 win over San Marcos

Jack Devine, Regents QB: Was 17 of 28 for 257 yards and 3 TDs in a 49-35 loss to Fort Worth All Saints

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Maverick Jacobs, Wimberley RB: Rushed for 129 yards and a TD in a 35-26 loss to Sinton

Noah McPeak, Weiss LB: 14 tackles, caused a fumble and blocked a punt in a 34-31 loss to Barbers Hill

MORE: Jett Walker, Trae Hill highlight All-District 8-5A team

MORE: Georgetown lineman flips to join Texas Longhorns

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Other notable performances

Hugo De La Vara Vasquez, Vandegrift DE: Harassed San Marcos with 6 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 QB pressures.

Cody Greenwood, Llano LB: Earned 10 tackles in a 31-7 win over Goliad.

Vann Hopping, Lake Travis RB: Rushed for 141 yards and a touchdown in the victory over United.

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James Montgomery, Dripping Springs WR: Finished with 5 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in the win over Medina Valley.

Cooper Reid, Dripping Springs WR: Arizona-State bound Tiger had 6 catches for 84 yards and 2 TDs against Medina Valley.

Jaxon Schad, Weiss QB: Contributed 102 passing yards and 2 touchdowns and rushed for 94 yards in the loss to Barber’s Hill.

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