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As bluebonnets prepare to paint Hill Country roadsides, Dripping Springs High School lacrosse is experiencing its own rebirth. But it’s not all flowers just yet. The opening weeks of the 2025 season have tested the rebuilt program's mettle.
After 11 years and a historic Final Four run, head coach Bill Cafferata retired, passing the torch to newly hired Michael Staub, who arrives with an impressive pedigree from The Woodlands. This transition brings not just a coaching change but a program merger, as former DS TX players have rejoined forces with Drip Lacrosse. Furthermore, of all the active players from last year's Final Four team, only two are on the current roster.
The early season schedule offered no gentle introduction, yielding mixed results (2-3) as the reassembled team worked to discover just what it was made of.
Against Lovejoy (03), the Tigers clawed out an 8-7 victory. Senior attack Noah Booth, recent NCAA DIII Eastern University commit, operated effectively from the X position. Junior midfielder Jake Stockton contributed with timely scoring while junior midfielder Ty Wittenburg added multiple scores. Junior goalie John Ault anchored the defense with several crucial saves.
Highland Park (30) proved a different story, dominating in a 20-0 shutout that demonstrated the gap between a young Drip Lacrosse and the state's established, well heeled elite. Despite the lopsided score, Ault made dozens of impressive saves as he was relentlessly shelled throughout the contest.
A blustery, cold road game at Lake Travis (3-1) brought similar challenges. The home team controlled the game, overpowering Drip's still-forming defense en route to a 21-1 victory. Booth provided the lone Tigers' goal in an otherwise difficult outing.
The following week’s return home against Rockwall (50) showed the first signs of offensive life, despite a 13-10 loss. Stockton erupted for five goals in a breakout performance that kept the Tigers competitive throughout. Whittenburg also contributed with a hat trick and an assist. Junior attack Coyt Packer, junior attack Austin Garza and Booth each contributed solo goals as well.
Junior long stick midfielder (LSM) Kaden Fults provided trademark aggressive play and consistent ground ball hustle alongside 1st year player, junior defensive midfielder Gage De los Santos and junior defensive midfielder Braydon Gardner. All were critical to plugging gaps in a depleted defensive set, with freshman defenseman Parker Zimmerman missing time and senior defenseman Carson Treague and senior LSM Brighton Peterson out for several games due to injury.
Also noteworthy was the emergence of senior defenseman Levi Houston. A conversion from middie, Levi has exploded as a key defensive force and critical first handler of transition passes from Ault.
A much needed offensive breakthrough came against Houston Episcopal (2-1) at home, with Drip securing an 11-10 victory. The offense finally found some rhythm with senior attack Brady Taylor, NCAA Division II Rockhurst commit, making his season debut after recovering from a broken thumb. Taylor's return alongside Booth created immediate chemistry. Garza was also seeing the field well, providing three assists and a beautiful goal of his own on a Booth assist during man down.
Perhaps most encouraging was the noticeable increase in assisted goals against Episcopal – a stark contrast to earlier games dominated by individual efforts. Though defensive kinks were still being worked out, the return of Peterson and senior defender Ryan Treague from injuries provided new options to the defense.
Ault's stellar play in goal has been one of the early season's most consistent bright spots, giving the defense time to develop cohesion. Senior defender Levi Houston, converted from midfielder at the season start, has embraced his new role, often shadowing opponents' top scorers.
Through the first five games, offensive production has been led by Stockton, Wittenburg, and Booth, with Taylor making an immediate impact in his season debut. Peterson needs more time to fully sync with his new defensive teammates but the early signs were encouraging.
And so, Drip Lacrosse’s proud tradition continues - now, against the fiercest 6A Texas competition, under new leadership, with many fresh faces. With a 2-3 record that includes a highly contested loss to Rockwall and quality wins over Lovejoy and Episcopal, signs are pointing in the right direction as the season hits full stride.
Drip Lacrosse travels to Houston to play Woodlands (3-1) this Saturday, March 7th, and Katy (1-2) the following day.
