No. 9 Cedar Park

2023: 9-4, 5-2 in District 11-5A Division I (3rd). The Timberwolves defeated New Braunfels Canyon and Angleton in the playoffs before losing to A&M Consolidated 44-20 in the regional semifinals.

2024: Cedar Park received no relief from UIL in realignment after spending the last two years in the “District of Doom” with solid teams from top to bottom. Like nearby Georgetown, the Timberwolves were placed in District 8-5A Division I, moving to Region II in the process, which is one of the deepest districts in the state.

Not having to face College Station and A&M Consolidated anymore is a plus, but those two are replaced by a loaded Lake Belton squad and a perennially tough program in Rouse. Cedar Park has the talent to win this district, but it certainly won’t be easy. Returning starters — 5 offense, 4 defense

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

Notable losses: QB Ayden Arp, WR Blake Suber, and All-Central Texas picks DB Garrison Cockrell, DL Grayson Alex and LB Reid Vines

About the Timberwolves: Cedar Park always plays a loaded nondistrict schedule, and this year’s slate of Harker Heights, Vandegrift and Huntsville is particularly brutal. Though unlikely, an 0-3 start is conceivable. But if it happens, there’s no reason to panic.

A strong rushing attack featuring Trae Hill leads the way and an underrated offensive line that returns four starters is a bonus. That will help breaking in a new quarterback and new set of receivers. The linebacking corps is talented with Jahiem Porter and Logan Wicketts, but the rest of the defense is inexperienced.

3 KEY PLAYERS: Why Cedar Park comes in at No. 9 in our countdown

Betcha didn't know: Porter, a junior, might be the Austin area's best player you don't know about. Overshadowed by last year’s defensive stars, he still made 90 tackles and already has an offer from North Texas.

Key game: Lake Belton, Oct. 25 — This could very well decide the district title. Cedar Park should enter the game 4-0 in district, so a win would put it in the driver’s seat. Considering the district faces a loaded District 7 in the bi-district round of the playoffs, winning a district title might be the key to a playoff run.

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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Central Texas' top 2024 preseason teams: No. 9 Cedar Park