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The 2025 edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine released last month with complete season outlooks and district rankings for high school programs across the state — including some positive local projections.
The biannual magazine saw the Elgin and Bastrop rosters register as playoff hopefuls, while Cedar Creek, Smithville and McDade look to rebuild under new leadership.
ELGIN & BASTROP
Elgin is slated to finish fourth in District 11-5A Division II, behind Pflugerville, Bastrop and Liberty Hill.
The Wildcats are coming off a strong 2024 season that included a third-place finish and their first playoff victory in a decade — a 43-16 bi-district win over San Antonio Jefferson.
The program enters a new era under Head Coach Rich Lucera, stepping up from offensive coordinator following the departure of former Head Coach Heath Clawson. He takes the reigns missing standout quarterback Dylan Owens, who transferred to Hutto during the offseason this summer.
Coaching staff said Owens was instrumental in last year’s postseason run.
A few steps ahead, Bastrop is projected to finish second in the district after capturing the title last season, capped by a key win over Liberty Hill.
The Bears return senior quarterback Weston Neilson, who threw for 37 touchdowns in 2024, and linebacker Tiki Hola, a disruptive force on defense.
Despite the experience on both sides of the ball, Bastrop will need to replace key contributors in wide receivers Ramonz Adams and Keyshon Moore, along with running back Ladainian Merino.
CEDAR CREEK, SMITHVILLE & MCDADE
The Cedar Creek, Smithville and McDade programs were each projected to finish last in their respective districts.
The Eagles head into the season under new leadership. Head Coach Jared Shaw takes over a Cedar Creek lineup still searching for its first win in nearly three years, and will need to nurture signs of growth to see progress and rebuild this fall.
Smithville will lean on senior running back Justin Gurley to carry the load again this year. The offensive standout averaged 82 rushing yards per game despite a difficult campaign for the Tigers last season.
McDade returns to the field after forfeiting the final stretch of its 2024 schedule due to low roster numbers. The Bulldogs managed one win last year, a 28-6 result over Compass Rose, and are aiming for stability as they regroup.
With the 2025 season fast approaching, teams across Bastrop County are readying for the heat, the lights and the grind of Texas high school football — be it chasing gold or just looking to turn the corner.
