The 2024 Texas high school football playoffs are in full swing, and the Austin area is buzzing with excitement. Here are the highlights from the first round of the postseason.

### Dominant Performances

Dripping Springs kicked off the playoffs with a strong showing, defeating McNeil 49-14. Despite a slow start, the Tigers' passing attack proved too much for the Mavericks, who were making their second straight playoff appearance[3].

Westlake made a statement with a 46-17 victory over Vista Ridge, showcasing their prowess in the playoff opener. Lake Travis continued their rivalry with Round Rock, winning 41-14 in their third playoff meeting in the last five seasons[2].

Vandegrift had an impressive start, smashing Austin High 56-14 in the first round. Bastrop, fresh from winning their district title, opened the playoffs with a blowout win over San Antonio Lanier, 66-14[2].

### Thrilling Matches

Georgetown provided one of the most thrilling games of the week, blowing a big lead but rallying to beat Burleson Centennial in a double-overtime thriller, 48-42. This intense matchup kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end[2].

### Other Notable Games

New Tech suffered a tough loss, being blown out by state-ranked San Antonio Davenport 91-18. Liberty Hill, however, had a stellar performance, defeating San Antonio Sam Houston 69-26[2].

In Class 4A, LBJ’s explosive offense was on full display as they defeated Fredericksburg 42-14. Quarterback Ali Scott and his team are looking strong, with many experts predicting a deep run into December[3].

### Upset Potential

Weiss, despite facing adversity with key player injuries, still poses a significant threat and could make a deep run if they can get past Angleton. Their matchup is marked with a high upset risk, making it one of the most intriguing games of the round[3].

Thorndale and Riesel faced off in a Class 2A Division I bi-district game, a rematch from earlier in the season. Thorndale’s running back Noah Crabtree and senior Gunner Ferguson led the team to a 41-35 victory, showcasing their late-season form[3].

### The Road to State Championships

The 2024 UIL state football playoffs will run from November 14 to December 21, culminating in the state championship games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. With so many compelling matchups and talented teams, the Austin area is set for an exciting playoff season[5].

As the playoffs progress, fans can expect more thrilling games, standout performances, and perhaps a few upsets along the way. Stay tuned for more updates from the heart of Texas high school football.