Vandegrift offensive lineman Abib Garcia (60) celebrates a touchdown by running back Sam Brown (40) during the game against Hutto at Hutto High School on Friday, October. 24, 2025 in Hutto, Texas.

Vandegrift offensive lineman Abib Garcia (60) celebrates a touchdown by running back Sam Brown (40) during the game against Hutto at Hutto High School on Friday, October. 24, 2025 in Hutto, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

The Texas high school football season is rapidly approaching 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 four matchups that he’s really interested in. 

Be sure to check statesman.com this weekend for coverage of Week 10 Central Texas high school football action.

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High school football: Top Week 10 games in the Austin area

Hutto at Vista Ridge

Is there a wilder playoff race in the state than District 25-6A?

Five teams enter Week 10 with at least 4-2 records in the district, and there will likely be a tiebreaker needed — similar to 2023 — to determine who makes the postseason.

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Hutto (6-2, 5-1) will try and rebound after suffering its first district loss last week against Vandegrift. The Hippos continue to be prolific on offense behind quarterback Kaden Stefek, who threw for 484 yards and four touchdowns against the Vipers, wideout Jaiden Fields and running back Keilan Chavies. Yet they’ve struggled on defense most of the year.

Vista Ridge (6-2, 4-2) is quietly having one of the surprise seasons in Central Texas. The Rangers lost starting quarterback Kaden Arnot in Week 3 to an injury. But backup Cameron Lacek has performed brilliantly since taking over with 1,214 yards and 12 touchdowns passing. Vista Ridge can also run the ball, evidenced by its 399 yards on the ground last week against Manor.

The first one to 45 wins this game, and don’t be surprised if the teams combine for more than 900 yards of offense. 

Gordon’s pick: Hutto 47, Vista Ridge 42

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Austin High at Bowie 

As it did a year ago, this District 26-6A game — which is essentially a play-in game for the district’s fourth playoff spot — has far-reaching implications in Texas high school football. The outcome determines whether Westlake will be in Division I or II for the Class 6A playoffs.

Due to enrollment sizes, if Austin High (2-6, 2-2) pulls off the upset like last fall, Westlake gets bumped up to Division I and a theoretically tougher path to a state title. If Bowie (5-4, 2-3), which is playing its final game of the regular season thanks to a bye in Week 11, takes the victory, the Chaps will be in Division II.

Austin High is a young team with a lot of promise. But the Maroons are a season away. Bowie running back Rhys Moreno, who is one of the area’s best players the public may not know about, will be the difference. 

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Gordon’s pick: Bowie 35, Austin High 14 

Georgetown at Lake Belton

Georgetown will clinch at least a share of the District 8-5A Division I title with a victory. 

The Eagles (7-1, 5-0) are on a six-game winning streak and seem to be peaking at the right time. Though their offense is scoring at will, their defense has allowed 14 points or less three times in the last four weeks.

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Lake Belton (4-4, 3-2) has talent and should still make the playoffs, but expect Georgetown to be too much here. 

Gordon’s pick: Georgetown 45, Lake Belton 21

Round Rock at Stony Point

Round Rock would do its playoff hopes out of District 25-6A a favor with a victory. The Dragons (4-4, 4-2) play district leader Vandegrift in the season finale and don’t want to enter that contest in a must-win situation.

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Stony Point (3-6, 1-6) ends its season this week. The Tigers don’t have a flashy record, but they have the personnel to hang around with anyone.  Round Rock wideouts Dylan Jaeger and Daniel Barry could be the difference here. 

Gordon’s pick: Round Rock 33, Stony Point 12 

Last week: Plotkin 14-1, Cantu 12-3, Gordon 11-4, Tijerina 9-6

The season: T1. Cantu 101-34, T1. Plotkin 101-34, 3. Gordon 94-41 (-7), 4. Tijerina 86-49 (-15)

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Week 10 picks

Hutto at Vista Ridge: Hutto — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina; Vista Ridge — None

Lockhart at Anderson: Lockhart — None; Anderson — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina

Westwood at Vandegrift: Westwood — None; Vandegrift — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina

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Round Rock at Stony Point: Round Rock — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina; Stony Point — None

Pflugerville at Bastrop: Pflugerville — None; Bastrop — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina

Elgin at Connally: Elgin — None; Connally — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina

Rouse at East View: Rouse — ; East View — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina 

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Georgetown at Lake Belton: Georgetown — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina; Lake Belton — 

Leander at Cedar Park: Leander — None; Cedar Park — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina

Austin High at Bowie: Austin High — None; Bowie — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina

Hays at A&M Consolidated: Hays — None; A&M Consolidated— Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina

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LBJ at Taylor: LBJ — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina; Taylor — None

Giddings at La Grange: Giddings — ; La Grange — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin 

Marble Falls at Lampasas: Marble Falls — None; Lampasas — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina

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Hyde Park at Brentwood Christian: Hyde Park — Gordon, Cantu, Plotkin, Tijerina; Brentwood Christian — None