2016 Region Outlooks: 5A Region IV

Photo by Robert WardThe 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 III / 6A Region IV / 5A Region I / 5A Region II / 5A Region IIIClass 5A Region IV The reputation as the weak-link won’t disappear this cycle for Region IV. The absence of programs like Cedar Park, Vista Ridge and Vandegrift leave championships up for grabs. The defending champions from 2014 and 2015 are no longer in the region and programs like Austin High, Austin LBJ, Boerne Champion, Calallen and Kerrville Tivy now have clearer shots to the state semifinals. Austin High The Maroons were a big winner on reclassification day. Not only did Austin High move down from Class 6A, but the Maroons were also put in the weakest region on paper. The old District 25-5A was formed by Leander ISD schools that dominated Region IV for the past two seasons. That grouping moved to Region III and now that district is occupied by smaller Austin ISD schools. Mike Rosenthal’s team will face in-district competition from Austin LBJ, which made a long run in 2014. Not facing Westlake and Lake Travis in district play will be welcomed by the Maroons. C.C. Calallen The Wildcats were originally in District 29-5A with a few San Antonio schools, Alice, Uvalde Eagle Pass Winn and Floresville. The mileage traveled would have been impressive for head coach Phil Danaher’s team, though the competition wouldn't have been daunting. Instead, they're in a mega district with 10 other teams closer to home, no room for error at the beginning of the season, and only four playoff spots up for grabs. There are many potential pitfalls. It's the kind of competitive scenario that stacks the odds compared to the one they were originally in (though their reasoning for getting out of it is obvious and understandable). Still, the Wildcats are a year removed from an 11-3 season that ended in the Region IV Division II finals to eventual champion Cedar Park. The Timberwolves are no longer in Region IV, opening the door for a program like Calallen to shakeup the state semifinals. Victoria West Head coach Leonard McAngus put together an impressive season in 2015 to build momentum towards a bright future, but he's moved on to be Victoria ISD's athletic director, and Courtney Boyce is now tasked with continuing the momentum. The Warriors were 11-2 on the year and had its season ended by now Class 6A program and eventual Region IV Class 5A Division II champion Vista Ridge. The Rangers no longer stand in the way from an even deeper run in the playoffs. The only other loss in 2015 came to Calallen. Victoria West no longer must contend with Calallen in district play, but Port Lavaca Calhoun and a few others should prove worthy competition before the playoffs begin. Dripping Springs The Tigers are the surprise team on the list. A quick search won’t show any recent playoff appearances or success. The reason was the district competition. Dripping Springs was stuck in a district with Cedar Park, Vista Ridge, Vandegrift and the Georgetown ISD schools. Cedar Park won a state championship and is now in Region III with Georgetown and East View. Vandegrift and Vista Ridge are now Class 6A. The door is wide open for a talented Dripping Springs squad that can compete for a championship in District 26-5A, along with Boerne Champion and Kerrville Tivy, who could just as easily be on this list.

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