The Lake Travis Cavaliers kicked off their football season in impressive fashion, defeating the Weiss Wolves 38-21 in a game held at The Pfield in Pflugerville on September 4, 2026. This matchup marked the Cavaliers' delayed season opener and was particularly poignant as the team paid tribute to Odin Hensley, a senior offensive lineman who tragically passed away last month.
Lake Travis, ranked among the top teams in Central Texas, showcased their strength both offensively and defensively. New quarterback Jason Carter made a notable debut, throwing two touchdown passes while the defense stifled Weiss, a team known for its high-powered offense. The Cavaliers' defense was relentless, limiting Weiss to just 229 passing yards and forcing quarterback Jaxon Schad to scramble under pressure throughout the game.
From the outset, Lake Travis established dominance, jumping to a 10-0 lead before Weiss could register a first down. The Cavaliers extended their lead to 38-7 in the fourth quarter, demonstrating their control over the game. The defensive unit, led by standout lineman Austin Doane, effectively neutralized Weiss's offensive threats, which included last year's first-team All-Central Texas quarterback, Schad. Despite his accolades, Schad struggled, completing only 20 of 36 passes and facing significant pressure from the Lake Travis defense, resulting in three sacks and multiple pass breakups by the Cavaliers.
Defensive tackle Austin Doane emphasized the importance of a strong start, stating, "It’s always important to get those first couple of plays. That just kind of kicked us into high gear for the rest of the game. Everyone played hard today." This sentiment was echoed by defensive back Luca Antoun, who also made a significant impact on offense with a 61-yard touchdown reception. Antoun remarked, "We ran our defense and we competed. We weren’t going to let down. We have to compete out there and that’s what we did."
Offensively, Lake Travis adopted a methodical approach, focusing on ball control and establishing the run game. While running backs Teddy Lofgren and Henry Hopping combined for modest yardage, their efforts allowed Carter to find rhythm in the passing game. Carter completed 18 of 25 passes for 278 yards, showcasing his ability to manage the game effectively without turning the ball over. His performance included touchdown passes to Antoun and Westin Smith, along with crucial rushing yards that helped sustain drives.
Before the game, the Cavaliers honored Hensley, who passed away from a cardiac emergency during preseason practice. Coach Hank Carter reflected on Hensley’s competitive spirit, noting, "If Odin was here and he was playing right guard or right tackle, he would have been able to come around and be a part of a double team, and he would have loved that. He really would have liked how physical we were and how we ran the ball tonight." This emotional tribute added depth to the Cavaliers' performance, as they channeled their grief into a gritty display of football.
As the season progresses, the Cavaliers will look to build on this strong start. With a solid mix of talent and determination, Lake Travis appears poised to make a significant impact in the Central Texas high school football scene this year.
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