2016 Region Outlooks: 6A Region IV

Photo by Graham StaniforthThe UIL recently realigned the district for the 2016 and 2017 football seasons. Realignment not only changes district races. Regional championships can be decided with new groupings competing once the playoffs begin. We’ll take a closer look at the frontrunners in each region throughout the spring doldrums. Previous Outlooks:6A Region I / 6A Region II / 6A Region IIIClass 6A Region IV For years, Region IV was dominated by San Antonio-based schools Cibolo Steele and Converse Judson. Those two programs will have plenty of say in the 2016 race, but two new contenders for a regional title are now on this side of the bracket. State finalists Westlake and Lake Travis moved over to Region IV, giving it much more depth and competition. Westlake The Chaparrals were one game short of capturing a state crown in 2015. The return of quarterback Sam Ehlinger for his senior season has head coach Todd Dodge and his program favored for a state championship return. Ehlinger, a Texas Longhorn commit, already holds the majority of school passing records for a program that produced NFL quarterbacks Drew Brees and Nick Foles. The defense will be stout, led by linebacker Levi Jones. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound outside linebacker played great in 2015 and is already receiving major FBS attention in the recruiting process. Cibolo Steele The reigning king of Region IV faces stout competition in 2016 due to influx of schools. Not only will Westlake and Lake Travis compete for crowns, but so will former Class 5A programs like Vista Ridge and Vandegrift. Steele is in great position to claim another regional title, thanks in large part to quarterback Xavier Martin. The Texas Tech commit has running back Travell Lumpkin and a physical defense led by defensive tackle Josh Croslen to rely on for help. Katy potentially going Division I in Region III opens up the road for a usual Division II school like Steele to make more noise in the playoffs. Lake Travis The Cavaliers almost claimed their first title in the state’s highest classification in 2015. After beating Westlake to win the district championship, Lake Travis marched through the playoffs before being bested in the championship game. A move to Region IV opens up doors, even if District 25-6A is likely to be the toughest non-DFW 6A district in the state. Quarterback Charlie Brewer showed he was capable of leading a winner. He’ll have plenty of weapons at his disposal and offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes to anchor the trenches. Converse Judson Judson is a step away from claiming a state championship and returning the program to the top. In 2014 and 2015, Judson lost in the state semifinals. It was a painful lesson, but one the inexperienced Rockets needed with a 2018 quarterback at the helm since his freshman season. Julon Williams could be the most experienced junior quarterback in the state and he’ll have fellow junior running back Jay Miller in the backfield. The defense is buoyed by defensive tackle Darren Thomas. The two teams likely split once playoffs begin because of enrollment, but the district showdown between Steele and Judson usually decides a district championship and is the best big-school matchup south of Austin.

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