HS Countdown to Kickoff: Maroons hope to recapture success of last year

Austin High had a solid 2020, going 5-4 overall, 4-3 in district play and making their first playoff appearance since returning to the 6A level.

The Maroons defeated San Marcos in Austin on Oct. 30, 56-28. Austin High returns 20 lettermen, including 11 starters — five on offense and six on defense. But to compete at the same level as it did a year ago, the team will have to find ways to replace 21 graduates, including its best player from last season.

Charles Wright was the most prolific passer in District 26-6A, leading the division with 306.6 yards per game en route to becoming District MVP and committing to Texas. He also led the offense with 442 yards and five touchdowns rushing. In total, Wright accounted for 80.3% of Austin High’s yards and 62.3% of its points.

There won’t be an easy answer to sustaining the same production with Wright now gone. Senior wideout Jax Rush will be the go-to target after reeling in 39 receptions for 618 yards and eight touchdowns. But the Maroons have to find someone to throw to him first. Herd Holland is the leading candidate to take over at quarterback, though primarily played receiver his junior season, catching 19 balls for 173 yards and a touchdown, Holland did make a few cameos behind center, completing four of his eight passes for 44 yards with one interception.

The offense could try to balance things out by leaning on the ground game more often. Senior running backs Esau Lopez and Joshua Garcia combined to gain 451 yards and four scores on 105 carries (4.3-yard average). But aside from senior Patrick Wallace, the entire offensive line has to be rebuilt.

The defense struggled to support the offense at different times throughout the year, allowing 39.5 points per game. But the group will be the more experienced of the two and should see more consistency. Senior defensive lineman Jack Nelson posted 45 tackles and three sacks. Senior linebacker Andrew Mosser racked up 72 tackles. And senior defensive backs Zach Mercado and Diego Rosales will anchor the secondary after causing six turnovers combined.

Austin High will travel to San Marcos Toyota Rattler Stadium on Oct. 15 to face the purple and white. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine predicted the Maroons to finish in sixth place in the district, narrowly missing the playoffs.