Austin American-Statesman

ROLL ALONG CHISHOLM TRAIL

- — THOMAS JONES

Friday nights in the fall have always been about more than foot- ball.

At the end of the work week, Friday means hopping in the truck — or maybe a minivan — and following your team, no matter the distance or the traffic. It means a good meal before and sometimes during the game. It means a bit of sightsee- ing, too, while you proudly show off your school’s colors.

Each week this season, we’ll tell you why you should go, where you could eat and what to do if you have time to kill before kickoff. This week, we make the drive to Dragon Sta

dium in Round Rock. So gas up and go.

■ What to see: Long before commut- ers crawled along I-35 to get home to their cul-de-sacs, they took their wagons and livestock across Brushy Creek on what was part of the renowned Chisholm Trail. Small but scenic Chisholm Trail Crossing Park commemorat­es the founding of what eventually became Austin’s larg- est suburb. Statues and plaques make for an interestin­g visit. Cool off at the nearby Prete Plaza Fountain in Round Rock’s revitalize­d downtown.

■ Where to eat: Stay downtown for wood-fired pizza at Fire In The Hole, which also boasts a nice collection of appetizers as well as a kids’ menu. If you crave something simpler like burg- ers and wings, stop by The Rock Sports Bar and Grill. Don’t miss Kawaii’s Shaved Ice for a cool dessert before the game.

■ Why to watch the game: Stony Point may be 1-3 officially, but the Tigers had to forfeit two early season victories, and they’re eager to show themselves to be a playoff contender in this District 13-6A opener. Donovan Rybachek has accounted for 378 yards of offense and nine touchdowns for the Tigers, who have topped 40 points in three

games. Round Rock has struggled to an 0-4 nondistric­t record but hopes to reverse its fortunes against a familiar foe; the Dragons have beaten Stony Point six consecutiv­e times.

 ?? AMERICAN-STATESMAN 2006 ?? The Longhorn sculpture in Chisholm Trail Crossing Park was dedicated by the Quick family (Don Quick visits with his aunt Alice Quick). The longhorn is branded with an “OQ” after rancher Oscar Quick, who came from Sweden in 1885.
AMERICAN-STATESMAN 2006 The Longhorn sculpture in Chisholm Trail Crossing Park was dedicated by the Quick family (Don Quick visits with his aunt Alice Quick). The longhorn is branded with an “OQ” after rancher Oscar Quick, who came from Sweden in 1885.
 ?? AMERICAN-STATESMAN 2014 ?? The Prete Plaza Fountain in downtown Round Rock is free fun on a hot day.
AMERICAN-STATESMAN 2014 The Prete Plaza Fountain in downtown Round Rock is free fun on a hot day.
 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D ?? Quarterbac­k Donovan Rybachek leads Stony Point’s high-scoring offense.
CONTRIBUTE­D Quarterbac­k Donovan Rybachek leads Stony Point’s high-scoring offense.

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