First practice for Austin High football team

Mike Rosenthal's Austin High Maroons moved up from Class 5A and are now in District 25-6A along with Bowie, Lake Travis and Westlake.

Rosenthal says he know it'll be a tough road but feels like his bunch is up for the challenge.

"When you get into this business you want to play the best in the state and we get to play the best in the state two miles down the road and about 15 miles down the road. Both those guys, Lake Travis, Westlake, Bowie, they're gonna be some of the top teams in the state," Rosenthal says. "So we enjoy it. We cherish it.  We cherish it as coaches. The opportunity to compete against those great coaching staffs and just see a bunch of great players."

Senior offensive lineman Juan Quezada agrees saying, "We're so excited. So excited. This is gonna be a good year I think. Lot to prove this year."

The Maroons will definitely get their chance to prove themselves in late September when they take on Westlake and Lake Travis in back to back weeks.