Texan News

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Lake Travis' domination of Class 4A football is over. Growing enrollment has pushed the powerhouse Texas program into a new level of competition.

The five-time defending 4A state champions have been bumped up to Class 5A, the state's largest, starting next season under University Interscholastic League for the next two academics years. New districts and regions for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years were released Thursday.

The UIL reconfigures classifications every two years based on school enrollment and Lake Travis' move up to 5A was expected given its expanding student body. The school reported an enrollment of 2,217 pushing it above the 5A minimum of 2,090.

The Cavaliers were the first team in Texas history to win five consecutive titles. Coach Hank Carter, who won the last two, said Lake Travis welcomes the step up.

"We're excited about it. We knew there was good chance it would happen," Carter said.

The Cavaliers won't be intimidated. The program has regularly scheduled 5A competition in recent years and hasn't lost to a 5A school since 2007.

Elite Class 4A programs can compete for championships in 5A, Carter said, noting Cibolo Steele near San Antonio recently moved up 5A and won the state championship in 2010 and lost in the 211 state final.

"Overall, the competition will be tougher," Carter said. "If you're a good football team, you can win."

The UIL also created a massive West Texas district in 5A that lumps together all the 5A schools in Abilene, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa and San Angelo.

Jamey Harrison, UIL deputy director, said officials recognized the travel problems it could create for those schools but had no other choice. San Angelo is 300 miles from Amarillo.

"We have to go by the philosophy that every one of our schools have to play somewhere. The vast territory and depopulation in some areas creates problems," Harrison said.

Harrison said those schools may want to consider finding neutral sights to play to limit their travel time and expense.