The Longhorns didn't count on a first quarter injury to Colt McCoy, but Lake Travis residents knew Garrett Gilbert would be there to step up.

"What a way for Garrett to earn some experience here. He did not think he was probably going to do this tonight, but it was handed to him, and talk about a person that can just take the ball and run. Garrett Gilbert," Lake Travis High School teacher Julie Wilson said.

In 2008, during his senior year at Lake Travis, Gilbert was voted as offensive player of the year by USA Today.

His hard work in high school paid off Thursday when the University of Texas' hopes at a fifth National Championship rode on his shoulders.

"Garrett is a prime example of the people that Lake Travis is putting out. Lake Travis is the place to come to from here on out, for sure," Wilson said.

Lake Travis locals gathered at Mulligans and Zingers in the Lakeway to watch the game.

Little did they realize they'd be able to sit at these bars and look back on his time at Lake Travis High School.

"Well we knew him because my daughter was one of his athletic trainers. She used to wrap him, and said he was a nice guy, polite guy, always grateful, always thankful. He was just all around a good football player and a good guy," Lake Travis parent Tammy Tropea said.

When Gilbert was called in to fill McCoy's shoes, hope was kept alive.

"I think he's just so nervous right now, because he hasn't had much play time, but I think if he really tries, he could step up the game because he's a really amazing quarterback," student Gabby Tropea said during the second quarter.

The hope from fans in Lake Travis came from memories of Gilbert's ability to lead the Cavaliers to two State Championships during his tenure at the school.

"I've seen him play for three years, he's just great," Gabby said.

"We could not be more proud at this moment," Wilson said.

Beyond being proud, fans applauded Gilbert's efforts to step in and try to go for the victory. In the third quarter announcers said McCoy suffered a shoulder separation and that he would not be coming back onto the field.

Gilbert was then able to shorten the gap to 21-24, with help from Jordan Shipley.

"We we're just shocked tonight when Colt McCoy got injured, but we knew Garrett Gilbert would get in there and take it for the team," Wilson said.

"Actually Colt McCoy getting put out of the game and Gilbert put in like this--phenomenal for Lake Travis. Absolutely phenomenal," former Lake Travis student Dusty Leonard said. "He's doing awesome."

And although the Longhorns were not able to take the title this year, Gilbert emerged as both a hometown hero and a stellar Longhorn with loads of potential to lead them back to the BCS during his collegiate career.

"Whether win or lose, he's doing a good job," Tammy said.

photography by News 8 Austin