The Express-News Game of the Week features a power matchup between Steele and Lake Travis, a battle between two of the top-ranked Class 6A teams in the region. The two squads meet Friday at 7 p.m. at Lehnhoff Stadium in a game that could set the tone for both programs heading into district play.
Steele is looking to make a statement against six-time state champion Lake Travis.
Rankings and Records
Steele is ranked No. 25 in the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Class 6A rankings. Lake Travis is ranked No. 13. Both teams are unbeaten in district play at 0-0, with Steele competing in District 27-6A and Lake Travis in District 25-6A.
The series history favors Lake Travis, which leads 6-1.
The coaching matchup features two veteran leaders. Steele’s David Saenz holds a 92-25 record in 10 years, all with the Knights. Lake Travis’ Hank Carter has compiled a 192-32 record in 17 years, all with Lake Travis.
Steele’s Path to a Statement Win
Steele is coming off its first loss of the season, a 38-23 contest at Humble Atascocita. The Knights now face tough out-of-town competition before district play begins, and a win over Lake Travis would signal that Steele belongs among the state’s elite.
The key for Steele lies in its pass defense. Lake Travis is an offense that isn’t afraid to throw the ball, so the Knights’ secondary will need to lock in from the opening snap. On the other side of the ball, quarterback DJ Green offers valuable experience that could help against one of Austin’s top teams.
Green has been efficient through two games. He has completed 24 of 41 passes for 406 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. His ability to spread the ball around and make plays under pressure will be critical against a Lake Travis defense.
The running game provides balance. Liam Jones has carried 24 times for 181 yards and two touchdowns, giving Steele a ground threat that should keep the Lake Travis defense honest. Jamin Harvell leads the receiving corps with eight catches for 158 yards and a touchdown.
Pike Kempe has been all over the field with 30 tackles. The sack total is spread across the roster, with Dean Jeffords, Lucas Pelletier, Angel Maldonado, Zaqeim Petit and Kempe each recording one sack. The Knights have no interceptions so far this season, which makes their pass defense a point of focus against a Lake Travis team that likes to throw.
Lake Travis Looks to Build Momentum
“Steele is looking to make a statement against six-time state champion Lake Travis.”
Lake Travis opened its season with a 38-21 victory over Pflugerville Weiss. The season got off to a delayed start after the death of Lake Travis player Odin Hensley, who suffered a medical emergency during an August practice. The team canceled its first game against Dripping Springs in the aftermath.
Quarterback Jason Carter completed 18 of 25 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. His command of the offense will be a major test for a Steele defense that has yet to record a pick this season.
Teddy Lofgren anchors the running game with 18 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown. The ground attack isn’t flashy, but it provides enough balance to keep defenses from keying entirely on the passing game. Luca Antoun has emerged as Carter’s top target with five receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown.
Jeremiah Strong leads the team with eight tackles. Austin Doane has recorded 1.5 sacks. Neither team has recorded an interception this season, which sets up a matchup between two secondaries still looking for their first takeaway.
The key for Lake Travis will be staying disciplined and putting together a complete effort on defense to stop a balanced Steele offense.
Stakes for Both Teams
This game carries weight beyond the rankings. For Steele, it is a chance to prove the Knights can compete with a program that has won six state championships. A victory would be the kind of statement win that builds confidence heading into District 27-6A play.
For Lake Travis, the game is about maintaining momentum after an emotional start to the season. The team has dealt with tragedy and a delayed opener, and a win over a ranked opponent would show it has moved forward.
Both teams are 0-0 in district play, so this non-district matchup won’t directly affect the standings. But the psychological impact could be significant. A win here provides a boost that carries into the grind of district competition.
Key Matchup to Watch
The most important battle will be Steele’s pass defense against Lake Travis’ passing game. The Knights have not intercepted a pass this season, and Lake Travis has a quarterback who has thrown for 292 yards in a single game.
Steele’s defensive line has generated pressure from multiple sources. Jeffords, Pelletier, Maldonado and Petit have each recorded a sack, and Kempe adds pressure while also leading the team in tackles. If the Knights can get to Carter and force him into quick decisions, they can disrupt the rhythm of the Lake Travis offense.
On the flip side, Lake Travis will need to contain Green and the Steele offense. Lake Travis has limited data with just one game played. Steele’s balanced attack presents a different challenge than what Lake Travis saw in its opener.
Coaching Matchup
Saenz has built Steele into a consistent winner over the past decade. His 92 wins in 10 years at the school demonstrate a program that expects to compete at a high level. A win over Lake Travis would be one of the signature victories of his tenure.
Carter’s resume speaks for itself. With 192 wins in 17 years, he has established Lake Travis as one of the premier programs in Texas. The program has won six state championships, and Carter’s team will face a test against a hungry Steele squad.
The coaching matchup adds another layer to an already compelling game. Two veteran leaders with proven track records will put their schemes and adjustments to the test under the Friday night lights.
Game Information and Key Facts
The game kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday at Lehnhoff Stadium. It is the Express-News Game of the Week, a designation that brings extra attention to an already high-profile matchup.
- Teams: No. 25 Steele (1-1) vs. No. 13 Lake Travis (1-0)
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday at Lehnhoff Stadium
- Series: Lake Travis leads 6-1
- Steele leaders: DJ Green (406 passing yards, 5 TDs); Liam Jones (181 rushing yards, 2 TDs); Pike Kempe (30 tackles)
- Lake Travis leaders: Jason Carter (292 passing yards, 2 TDs); Luca Antoun (132 receiving yards, 1 TD); Jeremiah Strong (8 tackles)
Steele is searching for a statement win before district play. Lake Travis is looking to build on a strong start following a difficult beginning to its season.
A win for Steele would announce the Knights as a legitimate contender in Region IV. A win for Lake Travis would reinforce its status as a team that can overcome adversity and compete with anyone.
Friday night at Lehnhoff Stadium will feature two teams with plenty on the line. The rankings say Lake Travis is the better team. The series history agrees. But Steele has shown it can compete with anyone.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
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