It starts with the annual Taco Shack Bowl, matching old rivals Anderson and McCallum, and is followed by four months that will bring us the best of high school football in the Austin area. Westlake, Lake Travis, Weiss and Wimberley are expected to retain their status as elite teams. But which players will step up? The American-Statesman offers a glimpse of the ones who are expected to make a difference in 2024.

Players are listed alphabetically:

Braeton Anderson, sr., Hutto wide receiver: Expected to be the team's biggest offensive threat after gaining 415 yards receiving and 220 on the ground in 2023.

Utah Anderson, sr., St. Michael's defensive back: The TAPPS all-state strong safety finished with 115 tackles last season.

Trey Atchley, jr., Blanco running back/defensive back: Contributed 647 yards and four touchdowns last year and will run behind an experienced offensive line.

Diego Aviles, jr., Manor offensive/defensive lineman: On a team known for its physicality, he'll be a force on both sides of the line.

Wyatt Barnes, sr., Bowie linebacker: One of the leaders of the Bulldogs' defense, he registered 62 tackles and three sacks last year.

Jaydus Bell, sr., Connally defensive lineman: One of the area's top linemen returns after contributing 80 tackles and six sacks last season.

Ty Blair, sr., East View quarterback: The Patriots' offense will be in good hands with Blair, who passed for 2,411 yards and 24 TDs as a junior.

Romelo Boykin, sr., Hendrickson running back/defensive back: Provides experience and leadership for a young team trying to improve after a 3-7 season.

Jack Braddock, sr., Hyde Park wide receiver: Had 495 receiving yards and four TDs for the TAPPS playoff team last year.

Cam Brooks, sr., Lake Travis defensive back: An All-Central Texas second-team safety, Brooks had 66 tackles and three interceptions and broke up three passes.

Jax Brown, sr., Weiss quarterback: One of the state's top returning passers, he finished with 3,014 yards and 33 TDs in 11 games; the Wolves were 9-2.

Johnny Buhendwa, sr., Manor wide receiver: Had 254 receiving yards last year and will be counted on heavily as the Mustangs return only four offensive starters.

Gary Cantu, jr., Luling quarterback/defensive lineman: Making his starting debut after splitting time in nine games last season.

Jamarion Carter, sr., Akins offensive lineman: One of the Austin area's top offensive linemen, he didn't allow a sack last year.

Keilan Chavies, jr., Hutto running back: The Hippos' workhorse rushed for 520 yards, had 634 receiving yards and scored 12 TDs as a sophomore.

Jackson Clowdus, sr., Elgin linebacker: The anchor of the Wildcats' defense had 67 tackles last year.

Jonah Collis, sr., Cedar Ridge edge rusher: The Raiders' defensive leader contributed 42 tackles and four sacks last fall.

Kaden Cook, sr., Stony Point defensive back: The Cal pledge was a unanimous All-District 25-6A cornerback and sets the tone for the Tigers' defense.

Reagan Cooper, sr., Bowie linebacker: One of the area's best returning linebackers had 80 tackles and three sacks last season.

Gus Cordova, sr., Lake Travis edge rusher: The USC pledge had 57 tackles and four sacks his junior year.

Caius Coy, sr., Westwood defensive lineman: One of seven returning starters on defense, Coy contributed 57 tackles and four sacks.

Caleb Crenshaw, jr., LBJ running back: As a sophomore, the Jaguars' workhorse rushed for 1,205 yards and scored 18 touchdowns.

Jordan Davis, sr., Travis quarterback: The Rebels' dual threat combined for 1,642 yards and 25 TDs for a team that reached the playoffs.

Trip Davis, jr., Smithville quarterback/defensive back: After gaining valuable experience as a passer and runner in his sophomore year, Davis returns to the lead the offense.

Caleb Dickey, sr., LBJ defensive lineman: Finished his junior year with 146 tackles, 39 behind the line of scrimmage, and three sacks for a playoff team.

Chaston Ditta, sr., Lake Travis quarterback: The recent East Carolina pledge leads the Cavaliers' offense after passing for 1,285 yards and 17 TDs.

Armando DonJuan, soph., Glenn place-kicker: One of the state's best kickers. He was 12-for-13 on field-goal attempts last year and made all 30 of his extra-point kicks.

DJ Dugar, sr., Glenn running back: Earned all-district honors as a junior after rushing for 1,510 yards, averaging 7.6 yards per carry.

Luke Dunham, sr., McCallum quarterback: The leader of the Knights' offense had 2,651 total yards from scrimmage and 32 touchdowns last year.

Maddox Flynt, jr., Westlake defensive lineman: The anchor of the Chaparrals' line earned All-Central Texas honors after posting 47 tackles for a team that went 14-1.

Brandon Fournier, sr., Vandegrift running back: Hopes to ignite an offense that lost eight starters after rushing for 665 yards and 11 TDs last year.

Donovan Garcia, jr., San Marcos running back: Was the bright spot on a winless team in 2023, rushing for 856 yards.

Aidan Garlington, sr., Round Rock running back: After rushing for 350 yards and eight TDs, he could rise on a team with only four returning offensive starters.

Jarel Gary, jr., McNeil athlete: The Mavericks star helped lead a playoff team with 1,158 all-purpose yards and seven receiving touchdowns.

Damien Godley, sr., Manor defensive end: The leader of the Mustangs' defense returns after contributing 48 tackles and eight sacks last fall.

Nathaniel Gonzales, sr., Lockhart running back: Had a standout junior year with 1,509 rushing yards and 14 TDs.

Max Gerlich, sr., Anderson quarterback: The recent UTSA pledge missed most of last season with a knee injury but is expected to lead a strong passing attack.

Landon Gregory, sr., Thrall wide receiver/defensive back: A two-way player, Gregory had 580 receiving yards, nine touchdowns, 36 tackles and four interceptions last fall.

Swayde Griffin, sr., Lago Vista wide receiver/defensive back: The Arizona pledge is a versatile athlete who contributed 632 total yards, 10 TDs and 42 tackles. He's rated as a three-star cornerback prospect.

Jorian Guinn, jr., Weiss defensive back: The District 12-6A defensive newcomer of the year had 73 tackles and a pair of INTs his sophomore season.

Oliver Gunn, jr., La Grange tight end/defensive lineman: One of the team's most physical players, he's a solid blocker on offense and anchors the defensive line.

Kael Hatnot, sr., Johnson running back: He's expected to be a force after rushing for 1,040 yards and 10 TDs last year.

Carlos Hernandez, jr., Eastside linebacker: Playing for a team that entered one game with 13 players, Hernandez was among last year's defensive leaders with 28 tackles.

Trae Hill, jr., Cedar Park running back: The Central Texas newcomer of the year rushed for 1,498 yards and 20 TDs as a sophomore.

Vann Hopping, jr., Lake Travis running back: The explosive Cavalier made a big impact as a sophomore, rushing for 618 yards and 10 TDs.

Reed Jerome, sr., Lampasas quarterback/defensive back: The leader of the Badgers' offense returns after throwing for 2,113 yards and 27 TDs.

Aidan Jones, jr., Vandegrift: Last year the Vipers cornerback recorded 44 tackles, three INTs and three pass breakups.

Kris Kassner, sr., Burnet running back/linebacker: The versatile Bulldog filled up the stat sheet last year with 353 yards rushing, four TDs and 93 tackles.

Kalbus Kinnick, jr., Stony Point quarterback: Became the leader of the Tigers' attack as a sophomore, passing for 1,257 yards and 11 TDs.

Justin Lee, sr., Round Rock linebacker: The leader of the Dragons' defense returns after posting 75 tackles and six sacks.

Garrett Lindgren, sr., Liberty Hill linebacker: Will be a defensive catalyst after finishing with 103 tackles last fall.

Noah Lyon, sr., Marble Falls tight end/linebacker: A solid blocker on offense, he also contributed 103 tackles on defense.

Maddox Maher, sr., Dripping Springs quarterback: In 13 games, he finished with 1,744 yards and 22 TDs.

Judson Mann, sr., Rouse defensive back: Will be a defensive leader after contributing 46 tackles and four interceptions last fall.

Kaddy Maravilla, sr., Taylor defensive lineman: Helped the team make the playoffs by contributing 69 tackles and four sacks.

Jaivion Martin, jr., Pflugerville TE: An All-District 11-5A Division II pick as a sophomore, he returns after earning 557 yards and two TDs.

Jerald Mays, jr., Weiss offensive lineman: The All-District 12-6A pick graded out at 97% and had 35 knockdowns for an offense that averaged 170 rushing yards.

Frank McChriston, sr., Travis running back/defensive lineman: Helped the Rebels make the playoffs by rushing for 1,175 yards and 10 TDs.

Cole Meyers, sr., Lago Vista defensive lineman: Leads a defense with seven returning starters. Had 54 tackles and nine tackles for loss for a 7-5 team.

Kade Millington, jr., Regents wide receiver: Established himself as an offensive threat with 764 yards and 10 TDs.

Keyshon Moore, sr., Bastrop wide receiver: The big-play receiver had 46 receptions for 1,115 yards last season, an average of 24.2 yards a catch.

Daeshon Morgan, sr., Vandegrift defensive lineman: The anchor of the Vipers' defensive line finished with 44 tackles and seven sacks for a team that went 10-1.

London Morgan, jr., Rouse quarterback: One of the area's top returning quarterbacks passed for 2,670 yards and 25 TDs as a sophomore.

Weston Nielsen, soph., Bastrop quarterback: One of the Austin area's top freshmen in 2023, he passed for 1,118 yards and 13 TD in five games.

Aidan Nolen, sr., San Marcos Baptist athlete: The TAPPS all-state pick returns after contributing 1,413 total yards and 25 TDs.

Lynford Noriega, sr., Hays running back/outside linebacker: Will take a leading role with the offense after rushing for 348 yards and three TDs last fall.

Drew Norrell, jr., Westwood wide receiver: An injury limited him to four games last year, but he's expected to lead the Warriors' passing attack.

Jake Pando, sr., Vista Ridge wide receiver: On a team that returns five offensive starters, he'll be a key target after contributing 273 yards and two TDs last year.

Coleman Patmon, sr., Del Valle cornerback: The recent Arizona pledge had 41 tackles, three interceptions and a blocked punt last year. He's rated as a three-star safety prospect.

Will Peeler, sr., Austin High linebacker: On a team that returns eight defensive starters, he's among the leaders aspiring to push the Maroons into the playoffs.

Jack Pitchford, jr., Liberty Hill running back: Leads a revamped offense after rushing for 500 yards and five TDs for a team that went 10-5 with a deep playoff run.

Yahiem Riley, jr., LBJ defensive back: The District 12-5A co-defensive player of the year had 75 tackles, four INTs and two defensive TDs for the district champion Jaguars.

Jared Risinger, sr., Westlake offensive lineman: Graded out at 96% with 86 combined knockdowns and pins and allowed only one sack last year.

Jeremiah Robinson, sr., Del Valle defensive lineman: The Cardinals will rely heavily on Robinson, who contributed 81 tackles and six sacks last year.

Christian Salazar, soph., Manor New Tech quarterback: He gained valuable experience as a freshman while passing for 602 yards and seven TDs.

Elliott Schaper, sr., Westlake linebacker: The 2023 Central Texas defensive player of the year finished with 108 tackles and 12 tackles for loss.

Ali Scott, sr., LBJ quarterback: One of the area's most explosive offensive players, he passed for 2,083 yards and 26 TDs last fall.

Ed Small, sr., Anderson wide receiver: The TCU football pledge had 77 catches for 1,112 yards last fall. The two-sport star plans to be an early enrollee for the Horned Frogs.

Hollister Stephens, sr., Vandegrift safety: Contributed 60 tackles, two TFLs, a sack and an interception in 2023.

Cody Stoever, sr., Wimberley quarterback: The 2023 Central Texas offensive player of the year was an all-state quarterback who accounted for 73 TDs last season.

Jadon Sultz, jr., McNeil quarterback: The Mavericks' leader returns after passing for 1,697 yards, rushing for 451 more and producing 13 total TDs.

Cole Taylor, jr., Pflugerville quarterback: The football/baseball star passed for 2,361 yards and 16 TDs last season.

Cruz Tello, sr., Bowie quarterback: The dual threat passed for 1,633 yards, rushed for 729 more and produced 23 TDs in 2023.

Ty Thames, sr., Wimberley tight end/linebacker: Will be vital for a state semifinalist team that returns only four defensive starters. He had 121 tackles last year.

Jack Tyndall, sr., Dripping Springs running back: The District 26-6A player of the year rushed for 1,644 yards and scored 19 TDs last season.

Alister Vallejo, jr., Liberty Hill defensive lineman: The driving force for the Panthers' defense made his mark as a sophomore by contributing 73 tackles and five sacks.

Nolan Waida, sr., Wimberley wide receiver/defensive back: The versatile Texan who contributed 854 receiving yards and 14 TDs will be Cody Stoever's chief target.

Seth Warren, sr., Georgetown linebacker: Recorded 107 tackles, pounced on two fumbles and broke up three passes last year.

Trae'von Washington, jr., Navarro edge rusher: Washington returns after posting 25 tackles and three sacks as a sophomore.

Gage Webb, sr., Anderson linebacker: He was a bright spot on last year's Trojans defense, finishing with 93 tackles and three sacks.

Logan Wicketts, sr., Cedar Park linebacker: The perennial playoff contenders will rely heavily on Wicketts, who tallied 110 tackles and three sacks as a junior.

Brody Wilhelm, sr., Westlake wide receiver: After posting 73 catches for 663 yards last year, he's likely to be a focal point of the Chaparrals' offense.

Joshua Williams, sr., McNeil running back: He returns after helping the Mavericks earn a rare playoff appearance by contributing 756 yards and nine TDs.

Parker Williams, jr., Thorndale offensive lineman: The team's highest-graded offensive lineman last year returns to help lead the offense.

Adrian Wilson, sr., Weiss wide receiver: The big-play specialist had 60 catches for 1,033 yards — an average of 17.2 yards a catch — and scored 14 TDs.

Alex Wilson, sr., Georgetown defensive back: The anchor of the Eagles' secondary returns after finishing his junior year with 76 tackles.

Gunner Winiecki, jr., Lehman quarterback: After playing in only three games last season, he'll have to bank on that experience as the new full-time starter.

Rees Wise, jr., Westlake quarterback: Another dual-threat quarterback, Wise passed for 1,877 yards, rushed for 477 and combined for 32 TDs last year.

Ian Witt, sr., Vandegrift defensive lineman: Recorded 52 tackles, 11 TFLs and two sacks for one of the state's best Class 6A defenses.

Zane Wooldridge, sr., Leander wide receiver: The versatile Lion returns after contributing 1,189 total yards and seven TDs last year.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Top 100 Central Texas football players to watch in the 2024 season