No. 7 Liberty Hill

2023: 10-5, 4-2 in District 13-5A Division II (2nd). The Panthers made their usual deep playoff run, with this one ending in the semifinals in a 42-35 loss to Port Neches-Groves.

2024: Liberty Hill has a more favorable district travelwise after being placed in Austin-centric District 11-5A Division II. Gone are multiple trips to the San Antonio area and Kerrville. From a competition standpoint, the Panthers are the overwhelming favorite to win, though a Bastrop team loaded on offense will be no pushover.  Starters returning — 4 offense, 5 defense

Notable losses: All-Central Texas RBs Noah Long and Ben Carter, LB Samuel Knox, All-Central Texas K Connor Hawkins

RELATED: No. 9 Cedar Park's talented RB — and hungry O-line — confident despite new QB

RELATED: No. 8 Dripping Springs vying replace Lake Travis, Westlake as top dogs in district

About the Panthers: After three years of terrorizing defenses around the Austin area — and the state — Carter and Long are off to play in college and have left a gaping hole of rushing yards and touchdowns to be filled in Liberty Hill’s slot-T offense. Jack Pitchford returns after spending time at quarterback and tailback a year ago, though he’ll solely be at the latter this season.

It might take until midseason before the Panthers are their usual dynamic selves on offense, but expect Bryce Muchaw to thrive in one of the backfield spots. In a different twist, Liberty Hill’s stars seem to be on defense. Senior LB Garrett Lindgren is a tackling machine, and junior DL Alister Vallejo has already caught the attention of Division I schools after a breakout 2023.

Betcha didn't know: Vallejo played on both sides of the ball during Liberty Hill’s five playoff games. A natural defensive lineman, he stepped in on the offensive line, too, after the Panthers sustained several injuries. Head coach Kent Walker said he did well, though the goal this year is to have him play only on defense.

Key game: At Bastrop, Nov. 8 — It’s fitting that this is the last game of the regular season as it should decide the district title. Both teams are likely to enter the game 6-0 in district — though Pflugerville’s passing attack is drastically underrated and has the ability to pull off upsets — and it could be a race to 50.

— Colby Gordon

OUR NO. 8: Dripping Springs football enters 2024 season as one of Central Texas' top teams

OUR NO. 9: Cedar Park enters 2024 season as one of Central Texas' top football teams

OUR NO. 10: Georgetown enters 2024 season as one of Central Texas' top football teams

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Central Texas' top 2024 preseason teams: No. 7 Liberty Hill