The 2023-2024 high school athletic season in eastern Williamson County had its share of ups and downs, with teams seeing playoff dreams and some programs getting new coaches. Here’s a recap of the action.
Taylor High School football
The Taylor Ducks started the season with four consecutive double-digit losses. The team turned its season around after defeating Manor New Tech 44-14 on Sept. 27, sparking a 5-1 run that secured a playoff berth. The season’s highlight came when freshman Damien Calico caught the game-winning touchdown pass against Travis in a 42-36 victory to close the regular season.
Granger High School football
The Granger Lions achieved a historic season, advancing to the third round of the playoffs behind junior running back Caleb Hobratsch. The Lions finished 9-4 overall and 6-1 in district play, defeating La Pryor and La Villa before falling to Shiner. Hobratsch scored 12 touchdowns during the playoff run, including six in the 51-21 victory over La Villa on Nov.
15.
Thrall High School football
The Thrall Tigers reached the playoffs in their first season competing at the 3A level, finishing 6-5 overall and 1-3 in district play. Senior quarterback Chance Parker and senior wide receiver Landon Gregory led the team’s success. Gregory dominated early in the season, catching four touchdown passes in the first half against Rosebud-Lott on Sept. 6.
Hutto High School football
The Hutto Hippos missed the postseason, finishing 4-6 overall and 3-5 in district play. Junior quarterback Kaden Stefek, junior running back Keilan Chavies, senior wide receiver Braeton Anderson and sophomore Jaiden Fields powered an offense that averaged 34.5 points per game.
However, defensive struggles throughout the season proved costly.
Tigerettes continue winning ways
The Thrall Tigerettes volleyball team posted another strong season, going 28-9 and finishing second in the district at 10-2. The team advanced to the playoffs, defeating Westwood before falling to West. Junior hitter Brynn Leschber, senior hitter Amber Kevil and junior setter Kinley Hoffman led the team.
Taylor honors volleyball milestones
Three Taylor Ducks volleyball players reached career milestones on Sept. 3. Senior defensive specialist Makenna Watson recorded her 1,000th career dig, junior middle hitter Haley Harms reached 500 career kills and junior setter Peyton Wamble achieved 500 career assists.
Hobratsch named player of the year
Granger Lions junior running back Caleb Hobratsch earned Taylor Press Football Player of the Year honors after rushing for more than 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Hobratsch excelled in the postseason, scoring 12 touchdowns, including six in the 51-21 victory over La Villa on Nov. 15.
Taylor basketball
The Taylor Ducks boys basketball team overcame a 1-8 start to reach the playoffs, finishing 7-5 in district play.
The Ducks’ season ended with a loss to Washington on Feb.
19. A season-high 88 points against Smithville on Feb. 6 highlighted their turnaround.
Knox takes helm of Taylor girl’s basketball
Taylor hired alumna Azzie Knox to lead its girl’s basketball program after head coach Laurence Bailey departed for Cedar Ridge High School.
The Ducks currently hold an 8-12 overall record as Knox navigates her first year as head coach.
Thrall basketball reaches state semifinals
The Thrall Tigers boys basketball team advanced to the state semifinals after winning five straight playoff games before falling to Shelbyville on March 8. Seniors Ethan Dahle and Dawson Miske led the team’s postseason run.
Thrall hires Adams as baseball coach
The Thrall Independent School District hired former Taylor baseball head coach Justin Adams to lead its program. Adams comes from a successful tenure at Taylor, where he guided the Ducks to a 7-3 district record and the second round of the playoffs. The team defeated Scarborough before losing to China Spring.
