Lake Travis Survives Challenge From San Antonio Johnson

By Ari Trybiarz
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Updated: December 8, 2025

photos: Steve Thomas

Lake Travis Survives Challenge From San Antonio Johnson

Two years ago, the Lake Travis Cavaliers and San Antonio Johnson Jaguars faced off in the 6A-D1 area round at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos. Lake Travis won that meeting handily 48-21 with the game never in doubt.

This year, the two teams once again faced each other at the same venue but with higher stakes. On Friday night, the Cavs and Jaguars faced off in a battle of 13-0 squads in the 6A-D1 Region 4 championship. While Lake Travis won the previous meeting handily, the Jaguars proved to be a different beast this time. The Jaguars gave the Cavaliers all they could handle, but the Cavaliers’ defense rose to the occasion and secured Lake Travis a 27-19 victory.

For the Jaguars, the game could not have started much better. Quarterback Elvis Estrada connected with receiver Braelyn Allen for a 99-yard touchdown pass on the Jaguars’ first offensive series, and Estrada scrambled 52 yards for a touchdown on Johnson’s next possession. The Cavaliers blocked the extra-point leaving the Jaguars’ lead at 13-0.

Despite the team giving up two big scoring plays, defensive back Luca Antoun reclaimed the momentum for the Cavs with two interceptions. Quarterback Luke McBride converted the first turnover into points with a one-yard touchdown scramble, and running back Van Hopping put the Cavaliers in front with a four-yard touchdown run after the second. Following a bad snap by the Jaguars on a punt, the Cavaliers took over at the Jaguars’ six-yard line; and Braeden Lott caught a six-yard touchdown pass.

After the Cavalier touchdown, Elvis Estrada stopped the bleeding for the Jaguars with his second touchdown run from 26 yards out. The Cavaliers blocked a second extra point, however, and maintained a 20-19 lead. Shortly before halftime, Van Hopping broke free for a 76-yard run, and Carter Buck caught a one-yard touchdown pass two plays later.

In the second half, a defensive struggle ensued. Neither team was able to score for the rest of the game. After struggling to get pressure in the first half, the Cavs’ defensive line made Estrada’s life miserable in the second half. The Cavaliers were constantly in the backfield and recorded multiple sacks. The Cavaliers also recorded two additional interceptions by Michael Griffin and Benjamin Soules.

For San Antonio Johnson, the theme of the second half was missed opportunities. The Jaguars had multiple drives with excellent starting field position, and the defense recovered a fumble and got an interception. However, they were unable to convert any of those opportunities into points due to mental mistakes including bad snaps and multiple turnovers.

After the game, Lake Travis Head Coach Hank Carter praised his team for remaining calm and focused despite the early struggles. “The coaching staff didn’t panic. The kids didn’t panic,” Carter said. Carter also had high praise for his defense, especially his defensive line. “That’s the smartest front four you’re going to find anywhere. They know how to play all the positions.”

With the win, Lake Travis(14-0) advances to the 6A-D1 semifinals. Awaiting them will be a familiar foe, the Galen Park North Shore Mustangs (12-2.) The Cavaliers and Mustangs met in the same round in 2021 with North Shore winning 49-21. The game will be Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:00pm at Aldine ISD’s Thorne Stadium.

San Antonio Johnson finishes the season at 13-1.

by Steve Thomas

Players Pictured

Lake Travis

#6 Michael Griffin
#8 Benjamin Soules
#14 Luke McBride
#17 Giovanni Mirizzi
#19 Jason Carter
#23 Luca Antoun
#31 Nick Shen
#37 Jadon Rodriguez

San Antonio Johnson

#4 Elvis Estrada
#9 Eli Hudson-Odoi
#12 Bryson Thompson
#16 Braelyn Allen