When Lake Travis defeated Austin Westlake it put somewhat of a significant damper on the Chaparrals’ season. Looking to solidify their team as a real state title contender, a win against Lake Travis would’ve been the stamp needed to further propel this team on the correct path to a state title.
Westlake sits behind Lake Travis in the current standings as the second team in District 25-6A, but to have defeated their district rival would of course have been a better scenario for Austin Westlake. So what was it that Westlake was missing when Lake Travis extended their head-to-head record to nine consecutive wins?
While coaches, players and parents possibly ponder the same question while simultaneously trying to shift their focus towards the next game, what were the factors that were the difference maker in last night’s affair?
Well for one Sam Ehlinger’s injury to his thumb that required him to leave in the first quarter was an integral factor. The Texas commit is a vital part of this offense, but Ehlinger had missed previous time with injuries and the offense was held in place by senior Matthew Gense.
Gense helped Westlake go 3-1 in a stretch of four games until Ehlinger returned last week against Hays. Gense was not available to go to as evident when sophomore Taylor Anderson entered the game. Without the experience of the two seniors in Ehlinger and Gense, a victory was a long shot especially facing a stout Lake Travis team.
Junior running back Nakia Watson was not available for the Chaparrals due to possible UIL regulations that did not allow him to suit up. The junior accounts for 789 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the season which left much of void for the remaining back committee to pick up. The absence of Ehlinger, Gense and Watson left much ground for Westlake to try and pick up on offense which proved to be too much of a factor to overcome.
Defensively the Chaparrals had held opponents to under 15 points per game heading into this game. The Cavaliers scored 49 which is the highest points allowed on the season by Westlake. The Lake Travis offense which is headlined by the duo of Charlie Brewer and Cade Brewer were relentless against the Westlake defense. Quarterback Charlie Brewer would account for 213 total yards and three touchdowns while Cade Brewer had a running and receiving touchdown before the half.
Westlake will look to avert this loss as they prepare for Lehman when they go head-to-head on October 21.
