The 2024 Westlake Chaparrals delivered another stellar season, solidifying that they are still one of Texas high school football’s most dominant programs. With an impressive 14-2 record, a district championship, and a deep playoff run that ended in the 6A Division I state final, the Chaps once again proved why they are a powerhouse in Texas football.
A Strong Start and Dominance in District Play
Westlake opened the season with commanding wins, defeating Prosper (35-14) and San Benito (63-7) to establish themselves as a team to watch. A tough loss to Atascocita in Week 3 (39-21) served as a wake-up call, sparking a relentless push through the rest of the regular season.
The Chaps cruised through District 26-6A, finishing undefeated in district play for the second consecutive year. They dominated opponents like Akins (70-0) and Bowie (48-7), while their signature win came against rival Lake Travis, where they beat their biggest rival, 28-16, on the road. This marked their sixth consecutive victory over the Cavaliers and solidified their spot atop the district standings.
Key Players and Standouts
Offensively, quarterback Rees Wise emerged as a leader, passing for 2,500+ yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 15 rushing scores. His favorite targets included Brody Wilhelm, who led the team with nine receiving touchdowns, and Chase Bowen, who consistently delivered in clutch moments. Grady Bartlett led the rushing attack on the ground with 767 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Elijah Clark added critical contributions with 460 yards and seven scores.
Defensively, Duke commit Elliott Schaper anchored the unit with 96 tackles, 12 sacks, and countless disruptive plays. Cornerback George Jones III was a force in the secondary, leading the team with seven interceptions, while defensive end Cullen Devine added seven sacks. The defense was at its best in key playoff games, shutting down some of the state’s top offenses.
Playoff Brilliance
The playoffs highlighted Westlake’s resilience and championship pedigree. The Chaps opened with dominant wins over Vista Ridge (46-17) and Brennan (24-7) before dismantling Buda Johnson in a 52-14 regional semifinal. Their second showdown with Lake Travis in the regional final was a thriller. Westlake prevailed 24-17 thanks to clutch defensive stops, including two interceptions by George Jones III and key plays by Elliott Schaper.
The state semifinal matchup against North Shore, a team that had eliminated Westlake in the past two seasons, showcased the Chaps’ determination. Westlake, an underdog going into the game, dominated from the outset, scoring on their first three possessions and shutting down North Shore’s high-powered offense en route to a convincing 35-10 victory. Wise accounted for three touchdowns, while the defense recorded 10 tackles for loss and two fourth-down stops. 
State Championship
The season culminated in a showdown with North Crowley in the 6A Division I state championship at AT&T Stadium. While Westlake fought valiantly, the Panthers’ explosive offense proved too much, resulting in a 50-21 loss. North Crowley’s star quarterback and wide receivers overwhelmed the Chaps, but Westlake never stopped battling. Wise, Bartlett, and Bowen accounted for the Chaps’ scoring, and the defense continued to fight until the final whistle.
Despite the loss, the 2024 season further cemented that Westlake is still one of the most dominant Texas football programs. Reaching their 12th state final and securing another district title are accomplishments that highlight their consistency and excellence under head coach Tony Salazar.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Westlake’s success this season was fueled by strong senior leadership and a talented roster, but the future remains bright. Junior quarterback Rees Wise, already one of the state’s top signal-callers, will return alongside key defensive playmakers like Maddox Flynt and promising offensive talents. With a winning culture and a deep pool of talent, the Chaps are poised for another strong run in 2025.
The 2024 Westlake Chaparrals showcased everything great about Texas high school football: grit, talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence. From memorable wins over Lake Travis and North Shore to an unforgettable playoff run, the Chaps gave their fans another season to celebrate. Westlake may have fallen short in the state championship, but their remarkable season will be remembered for years to come.
