As it approaches the 2024 season kickoff, those around Lake Travis High School think it’s time to get back to the program’s established roots. Or, to paraphrase NFL great Keyshawn Johnson: throw the dang ball.

“I think we’re probably going to rely on the passing game a little more than we have,” Lake Travis head coach Hank Carter said on Aug. 16 after a preseason scrimmage.

During the Cavaliers’ celebrated run that includes 6 state championships and 2 runner-up finishes, the school developed its reputation as one of the premier passing programs in all of high school football. Two of its quarterback products have started in the NFL while 8 others earned Division I scholarships. Two will start for their college programs this season: Hudson Card at Purdue and Nate Yarnell at Pitt.

This year’s Cavalier starter – senior Chaston Ditta – will become the next college quarterback when he enrolls at East Carolina in Janurary. But first, he looks to pick up where he left off after taking over as the starter late last season.

Emerging as a Leader

Ditta won 5 of 6 starts after assuming the role after 8 games, led the Cavaliers to a first-round playoff upset over top-5 Vandegrift, and had the Cavaliers in a nip-and-tuck battle with rival Westlake in the 6A, Division I, Region IV championship game. After a solid spring and summer, Ditta’s ready for the role he’s got.

“I’m just trying to be a big leader on this team,” he said. “Knowing I’m the (quarterback), that helps with the ability to lead for sure.”

And leading means setting expectations. Last season Lake Travis averaged just 33 points per game offensively, down from 46 points per game in 2021 and 38 points per game in 2022. Lake Travis scored less than 20 points 5 times (in 14 games) last season. For perspective, in the 95 games the school played between 2016 and 2022, they only scored below 20 points 5 times. He knows that’s not quite the Lake Travis standard, and he’s pushing the offense early in practice to be better in scoring spots.

“We need to be more efficient, especially in the red zone,” he said. “I feel like (last year) our (conversion) percentages weren’t really what we wanted them to be. This year, we can fix that and if we do we’ll be able to put a lot of points up on the board.”

Taking Back the Skies

Despite its reputation, Lake Travis has been less dependent on the pass over the last few seasons. In fact, the Cavaliers have averaged more yards rushing per game than passing in each of the last two seasons. Despite the return of promising running back Vann Hopping (600 yards, 10 TDs rushing as a sophomore), Carter believes the Cavaliers will throw the ball. A lot.

“I think Vann is going to have a terrific year,” Carter said, “but I think you’re going to see us in a lot more spread formation than we’ve been recently. Chaston is throwing the ball well and we’re going to throw it around a little bit more.”

Ditta has a solid group of receivers to work with. Dylan Cullers returns after leading the team in receiving yards last season. Tight end Josiah Thomas showed a knack for making tough – and timely – catches. Lark Sidle emerged late last season as a speed threat. Patrick Colby, Tyler Tilford and Carson Currie are varsity newcomers who’ll get their chances to shine as well.

“The biggest thing we’re going to need to do is catch the football and be able to play on schedule,” Carter said.

Maintaining a Defensive Focus

The Cavaliers’ 2024 fortunes won’t rely solely on Ditta’s arm. Lake Travis’ best teams through the years have also boasted stingy defenses, and this year’s unit is looking to build off its 2023 success. Last season Lake Travis allowed just 13 points per game, down from 23 points per game in 2021. Only 5 opponents reached the 20-point mark, and no one scored more than 24.

Carter likes the Cavaliers’ outlook up front, where defensive ends Gus Cordova and Carter Buck return. Ben Duncum served as a backup at end last year but will slide inside to use his experience. The coach says pressure that they generate can keep opposing offenses on their heels and help a secondary that returns Cam’Ren-Chance Brooks and Walker Moore get its hand on more passes: the Cavaliers intercepted 9 passes in 4 playoff games last season.

“We probably have 13-14 guys who will be in the defensive rotation who are really solid, proven players,” Carter said. “Yes, we lost some people, but I feel like we have some guys who can fill those roles.”

Cordova, a 3-year starter committed to play at Southern California, likes the way the defense is shaping up – and approaching the season.

“It’s just football, football, football,” he said. “The more we focus on that, the faster we can play and the better we can play. We need to be unselfish and have everyone do their job. If we do that, we’re going to go to state 100%.”

Focus will be key, Carter said. He still thinks back to last season’s playoff loss in the regional title game to Westlake. The Cavaliers had the ball with a chance to tie midway through the fourth quarter but suffered a turnover, committed a penalty and gave up a big play on a busted coverage.

“We need to be mentally tougher and mentally disciplined and make sure we’re doing our job at the right time,” he said. “No silly penalties. I really feel like a little bit of a broken coverage, a silly penalty and a turnover are the difference between us playing in the 5th round instead of losing in the 4th round. We have to try to clean that stuff up.”

Originally published in Austin American-Statesman