It was a game of broken and missed tackles, where 89% humidity curled muscles with cramps and twisted lungs with exhaustion, crippling numerous players. Following an upset loss against Judson last week — in which the close score didn’t reflect how poorly the Cavs played— Lake Travis bounced back against Cibolo Steele Knights in San Antonio, winning 59-56 in double overtime.
Lake Travis outlasted Steele in an absolute slugfest, winning an offensive battle in a match that lasted over three and a half hours. For a team ranked number one by Texas Football Magazine in preseason rankings — only losing once against Katy last season — the powerhouse offense will once again be in the upper echelon’s conversation in the Lonestar power ranking discussion.
The Cavaliers’ quarterback Charlie Brewer threw 23-of- 31completions for 381 yards, four touchdowns, and ran 14 times for 79 yards, a touchdown and a 2-point conversion. Knights quarterback Xavier Martin threw for 232 yards, but had less than 60 yards in the second half.
Lake Travis had a fantastic start on their first drive, looking much more decisive and swifter than they did last week. Quarterback Charlie Brewer aired a pass to sophomore receiver Garrett Wilson for a 79-yard touchdown. On the next drive, the Eagles forced a fumble by quarterback Xavier Martin in the corner, and tackle Cade Langston recovered on the Steele 16-yard line. A Brewer one-yard touchdown run to put them up 14-0 in two possessions with 5:47 in the first.
The Steele Knights struck back with a 33-yard strike to Caden Sterns, which was quickly responded with a quick flare pass by Brewer to senior Maleek Barkley for a 76-yard touchdown.
Both teams exchanged touchdowns; Steele launched a 96-yard drive on 12 plays, capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run by Brenden Brady. Brewer hurled a 12-yard touchdown pass to Cade Green, and finished the first half a perfect 12-of- 12 completions for three touchdowns, accounting for all points for the offense.
Martin completed the Knights comeback with a 13-yard run, causing defensive end T.J. Simian’s to miss the tackle and getting within striking distance 28-21 at the end of the second.
The Knights opened the second half on an offensive frenzy. Caden Sterns pulled in a tipped five-yard touchdown pass to notch the score, and a fumble recovery lead to the first lead of the game, secured by a Brady eight-yard touchdown run.
On the ensuing possession, Lake Travis clawed back into the bout behind a Garrett Barkley four-yard touchdown. Brewer ran for the two point conversion, extending the lead further after a short punt by Steele (5 yard) resulted in a 37-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker.
The game dissolved into an offensive shootout, both sides taking the lead numerous times. Steele took advantage with a 7-yard pass to Caden Sterns following an 80-yard drive, and sophomore Garrett Wilson had a spectacular diving 13-yard end zone catch to put Lake Travis up 46-42.
After a one-yard jaunt by Brady, Steele attempted to put the game away. On the ensuing drive, Brewer was injured, and Lake Travis bobbled the punt into their own end-zone; Dicker some how recovered a launched a 40+ yard punt away from a near safety. After crucial defensive stops, back-up quarterback Matt Baldwin lead a drive that finished with Dicker booting in the field goal, tying the game at 49-49 in overtime.
In OT, Brendan Brady put Steele on top with a 13-yard run, answered by a Cade Brewer 25-yard reception. Lake Travis finally put it away after a 29-yard field goal by Dicker to end the game 59-56.
In last week’s game against Judson, Dicker missed two field goals, but was perfect tonight. Lake Travis’ Maleek Barkley finished with eight catches for 146 yards and a touchdown. Garrett Wilson added 172 yards on the ground.
Back-up running back Brenden Brady carved up the Cavs’ defensive front, rushing for 167 yards and three touchdowns.
