​Hutto running back Kevin Cooper (4) breaks a tackle during the game against Vista Ridge at Hutto High School on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
As the 2026 high school football season enters Week 7 in Central Texas and around the state, the American-Statesman’s seasonlong staff picks for the week’s 15 top Austin-area matchups feature high school reporters Colby Gordon and Shaun Chornobroff, high school correspondent Jay Plotkin and sports editor Richard Tijerina. Gordon is our defending champion.This week is headlined by a pair of crucial district matchups. In District 25-6A Lake Travis takes on an undefeated Cedar Ridge team in its first game at its home stadium in more than a year. Also, in District 24-6A, 6-0 Cedar Park is taking on Hutto, a team that’s 5-1 but has averaged more than 60 points per game this season.MORE:After nearly $50M renovation, new-look Cavalier Stadium in Austin ready for Lake TravisHere are some Austin-area matchups that we’re really interested in this week:Cedar Ridge at Lake Travis Cedar Ridge has been one of the area’s most fun surprises, starting off its season with six straight wins. The Raiders have a game-wrecking defensive line led by Jeremiah Passmore and a well-rounded offensive attack. The 6-0 Raiders should not be overlooked. However, Lake Travis is the top team in the Statesman 6A area rankings for a reason. The Cavaliers’ 2-1-1 record doesn’t tell the story of this team’s quality. Not to mention that this will be a rabid home crowd. Chornobroff’s Pick: Lake Travis 33, Cedar Ridge 24Hays at BowieHays will look to respond from a loss to Austin High in a crucial District 26-6A clash Thursday. The Hawks, now 4-2, were riding high before last week, and will look to regain momentum. Bowie is 4-1 and has one of the area’s top backs in Rhys Moreno, who will likely surpass 1,000 rushing yards in this matchup. The Bulldogs also have a solid passing attack led by junior quarterback Connor O’Dea, as well as a dominant defensive line. Chornobroff’s Pick:Bowie 27, Hays 20MORE:Westlake volleyball rides home court to key district wins over Round Rock and Lake TravisHendrickson at Glenn Hendrickson has won three of its last four games and sits at 3-2 heading into this matchup with Glenn. The Hawks defense has given up 15.3 points per game over its last three games. Glenn opened its season with a win against Stony Point but has dropped five straight since. The Grizzlies will need to be much improved if they hope to win this week. Chornobroff’s Pick: Hendrickson 31, Glenn 14Hutto at Cedar Park Hutto has one of the area’s top offenses, led by Division I receiving talent and a sophomore quarterback in Micah Antoun that has thrown 25 touchdowns against only four interceptions. The Hippos defense has also been much improved in recent weeks. Cedar Park quarterback David Cooper has also been exceptional, tossing 17 touchdowns and only having one pass intercepted. The Timb