2021 Football just ahead
Here we are just weeks ahead before the Tigers take on their first game and the rest of the season. All fingers are crossed that a complete season can be made without numerous interruptions due to COVID-19 like last year. Three district opponents were unable to field a team against the Tigers. That could easily be the obstacle course again this year. For the time being we are betting on a standard year and being able to live up to the predictions of being the team to beat.
Last year, the Tigers shared the title with Seguin and New Braunfels Canyon and made it to the area round. The shame was some of our athletes had record-breaking years in the stats department and those numbers would have soared to unbelievable had they had the opportunity to play the three other opponents.
As most big schools do that have large programs, Dripping Springs graduates a good amount of their senior starters each year. This year they return six offensive and four defensive starters. The offense will have to replace most of the line and top receiver, Cameron O'Banan. They do have the luxury of starting out with their QB, Jr. Austin Novosad and top RB, Sr. Preston Alford, both with big offensive numbers and quite a few other good receivers. No doubt they will also have an ample supply of defensive people to step in and take their turn. Good programs do this and it will be done. It will all be put together when they are able to scrimmage New Braunfels High next week.
August 27 is the opening date. The Tigers will travel to Kerrville to take on Tivy. They are in our district for all sports other than football and usually have a steady football program. They return nearly all their defense so should present the Tigers offense with a good test to start the season off.
The next week will be a good one for fans as the Tigers take on the 6A Hays Hawks. This will take place at Tiger Stadium and should be before a full stadium. This has been a natural rivalry since the beginning, although football took a long break. Last year they were able to take down the Tigers to the tune of 45-22. Could be a lot of scoring in this one as well.
Lockhart comes into town for the Tigers final nondistrict foe. In the past few years the Tigers have had the Lions number and should take care of business this time as well.
The first district game will be at NB Canyon. Canyon lost quite a few starters as well but should have enough returning to make the playoffs in this district. It will be a key game for both teams.
Next San Antonio McCollum rolls into town. They will be an unknown because DS did not get to play them last year. They were 0-7 last year and return a good number of starters. Of course, that can be good or bad. Only time will tell. This game will also be the Homecoming game for DS.
The Tigers will get a week off and then will go to Hays Lehman to take on the Lobos. They also return most of their starters from a 3-7, 1-6 team. At some point, Lehman has to obtain a winning season and one never knows when that will be.
SA Veterans Memorial was another team the Tigers did not play last year. The Patriots made the playoffs and will be striving to do the same again with eight starters returning on offense. This game will be played at Dripping Springs.
The third team not played last year was SA Harlandale. They only got to play four games because of Covid and were 2-5 in district. This game will be away.
The next game will definitely be a key to the Tigers season. This home game will be against Hays Johnson, the third Hays ISD team the Tigers will play. Last year was their first year to have a school and therefore a team. They had no seniors, therefore return their entire squad. They played very well and were close to making the playoffs last year with a 6-4, 4-3 record. They will definitely be the darkhorse in the district.
For the past two years, a piece of the district pie has been on the line when the Tigers took on the Matadors of Seguin. Last year as most will recall, it was one very wild shootout. When the smoke had cleared Seguin held the upper hand of the 70-63 score. Could be a similar situation this year as the Tigers go to Matador Stadium for the game.