Posted: Fri, 3 Dec 2010 05:33 AM - 13,566 Readers

By: Rick Cantu

When Cedar Park defeated Lake Travis 35-21 in the final game of the regular season, the Timberwolves used the same game plan that has been the trademark of their unbeaten season.

Cedar Park rushed for 296 yards and passed for 86 against the Cavaliers. Once again, the T'wolves followed the lead of the best offensive line in Central Texas.

The teams' rematch in a Class 4A, Division I state quarterfinal on Saturday should offer more of the same, with a twist. Junior quarterback Brian Hogan, who had a combined 245 rushing and passing yards against Lake Travis on Nov. 4, injured his knee two weeks ago in Cedar Park's playoff victory over Smithson Valley and might not play this weekend.

The Timberwolves (13-0) didn't need Hogan to be a hero last week in their 48-7 rout of Weslaco East, but it remains to be seen whether his backup, senior Matt Posey, can be effective against Lake Travis, a three-time defending state champion. On Thursday, Cedar Park coach Chris Ross declined to say who would start at QB for his team.

Hogan has been the unquestioned leader of the Cedar Park offense , accounting for 36 touchdowns and 2,323 yards, 1,492 rushing . Against Weslaco East , Posey let teammates do most of the work. While Hogan averaged 18 carries a game, Posey rushed just three times for 17 yards.

In Hogan's absence, running backs, including Michael Waterfield, took up the slack. Waterfield, who entered the game with 385 total yards through 12 games, busted loose for 107 yards and a touchdown.

Posey also pitched the ball to Efren Collier (six carries, 60 yards, one touchdown), Alex Curl (five carries, 36 yards), Michael Bernardo (three carries, 30 yards) and Ethan Fry (four carries, 24 yards, three touchdowns).

All had the benefit of running behind a dynamic offensive line led by college-bound blockers Spencer Drango (Baylor), Matt Wofford (Rice) and Jarrett Hudson (Air Force).