​Connally quarterback Trajin Alexander in action during the 2026 Central Texas high school football season.  (Provided by Chris Miles)
The Central Texas high school football season is entering its final playoff push as the calendar hits late October. With schools in the back half of district play, the American-Statesman looks at 75 Austin-area players who are having breakout performances this fall. (Players listed alphabetically. Note: Those who were first-team all-district selections a year ago are not eligible as they don’t meet the definition of “breakout.”)Frank Accetta, Dripping Springs: Electric junior running back has rushed for 966 yards and 17 TDs in seven games. Avery Ash, Georgetown: Sophomore safety is already making a name for himself on the perennially good Eagles and is a critical piece of their special teams. Trajin Alexander, Connally: Dynamic quarterback has thrown for 1,934 yards and 18 TDs. Micah Antoun, Hutto: Strong-armed and precise sophomore quarterback already has 2,392 yards and 34 TDs passing. Josiah Bowens, East View: Ran for 175 yards and two TDs Friday in a win over Vista Ridge. Kenneth Boyd, McCallum: Averaging more than 6 yards a carry, he’s been a jolt to the Knights rushing attack. Nick Briggs, Anderson: Part of a two-headed rushing attack along with Kam’Ron Hornsby, the junior has run for 546 yards and three TDs. Caden Bruton, East View: At 6 feet 1, 305 pounds, the junior defensive lineman has been a force when healthy. He recorded three sacks Friday against Vista Ridge. Jason Carter, Lake Travis: With 1,444 yards and 13 TDs passing, the junior quarterback is having a stellar first year as a starter. Nick Coffman, Weiss: Part of a loaded Wolves linebacking corps, the senior has 49 tackles, a sack, four tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Will Cunningham, Legacy Ranch: Maybe people shouldn’t be surprised the Wranglers are one result away from a playoff berth. The junior quarterback has thrown for 1,398 yards and 15 TDs and added six touchdowns on the ground. Omar’e Dawson, Austin High: The brilliant cover cornerback has only given up 15 completions while recording eight pass breakups, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a defensive TD and 21 tackles. Logan David, Westwood: Against a brutal schedule, the sophomore wideout has impressed with 364 yards and four TDs receiving. CJ Davis, Wimberley: Physical junior has made an impact in the trenches with six tackles for loss, a sack and a defensive TD. Larsen De Waal, St. Michael’s: Physical sophomore offensive lineman will be a staple up front for the Warriors for the next two years. Amauri Dickson, Rouse: Tallying 969 all-purpose yards and eight TDs, the sophomore has become an integral part of the Raiders offense. Austin Doane, Lake Travis: An impressive starter on the defensive line, the sophomore has 26 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks and one. Ben Donahoe, Dripping Springs: A dangerous hitter in