Anderson QB Cove Darbyshire named Week 9 Central Texas high school football player of week

Anderson Trojans quarterback Cove Darbyshire (7) sends a pass to a teammate in the second quarter of the Shoal Creek Showdown rivalry game agains the McCallum Knights at House Park, Oct. 15, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman) Though Westlake defeated Lake Travis in Central Texas' most high-profile game in Week 9, plenty of several important results took place regarding district and playoff races. Cedar Park's 26-13 win over East View secured the Timberwolves at least a share of the District 24-6A title. It also improved them to 9-0 and gives them a shot at a perfect regular season Friday against Vista Ridge. Dripping Springs clinched a share of the District 26-6A title after beating Hays 42-0. The Tigers have an off week and can take the outright title with a win over Del Valle on Nov. 5. Georgetown pulled the most eyebrow-raising result of the week with a 41-38 win over A&M Consolidated in District 12-5A Division I. The Eagles will secure a playoff berth with a win over Killeen High on Nov. 6. In Week 10, Cedar Ridge travels to Westlake for what is essentially the District 25-6A championship game; Austin High visits Johnson in a game that has strong implications on the playoff race in District 26-6A; and Round Rock hosts Lake Travis in an important District 25-6A contest. Pflugerville ISD rivals Weiss and Hendrickson also meet in a District 12-5A Division I contest.Player of the week: Cove Darbyshire The Anderson quarterback finished 18-of-22 passing for 445 yards and six touchdowns during a 63-50 win over Manor in a District 13-5A Division I game. The Trojans (6-2, 4-2) are one win away from securing a playoff berth. Game ballsJosh Belanger, Wimberley RB: Ran for 92 yards and three TDs during a 27-7 win over Lago Vista. Ethan Kahle, Austin High LB: Blocked a punt, returned an interception for a TD, tallied five tackles for loss and finished with 13 stops in a 64-0 win over Akins. James Kukla, Cedar Park DB: Made two interceptions and finished with 10 tackles in a 26-13 win over East View. Kaleb McDougle, Georgetown QB: Went 17-of-21 through the air for 212 yards and two TDs, including the game-winning scoring pass with less than 30 seconds left, during a 41-38 win over A&M Consolidated. He also became Georgetown's all-time passing leader with 6,123 yards.Jaxon Schad, Weiss QB: Completed 28-of-32 passes for 424 yards and five TDs in a 49-21 win over Killeen High. Denerrick Toliver, Lehman DB: Returned a punt 80 yards for a TD, had a 24-yard fumble return for a score, made an interception and tallied four tackles during a 59-7 win over Cedar Creek. Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source.This article originally published at Anderson QB Cove Darbyshire named Week 9 Central Texas high school football player of week.