Not all good things are meant to last.
After 54 straight wins and three consecutive state titles, Westlake finally found themselves in the losing column, falling to Galena Park North Shore 49-34. North Shore’s victory avenged the defeat they suffered to the Chaparrals in the state semifinals two years ago.
They didn’t lose to no scrub; the Mustangs’ have three state titles in the past four years, with their only loss to the hands of the Chaps in the 2020 state semifinals 24-21. They are the first team to put on at least 40 points on Westlake since Lake Travis did it in 2016.
North Shore’s rushing attack decided the longest active winning streak in the state, accounting for 449 yards of offense, with 335 on the ground. Rashaad Johnson scored three rushing scores, including a 73-yard sprint in the second quarter. On the other side of the ball, a strong defensive front limited the Chaps to just 51 rushing yards, including two fumble recoveries. The first of those occurred around the 11 minute mark of the first quarter, with North Shore’s Jayton Joseph sacking Brett Skinner from behind and forcing the fumble. The defensive play led to the first score of the contest.
Despite the error, Westlake started strong. Wide receiver Jaden Greathouse had a two yard rushing touchdown, promptly followed by a safety.
It was a back-and-forth contest through the halfway point of the third quarter, when North Shore suddenly went on a 21-7 run to finish the period. An offensive firefight transpired over the last quarter, with North Shore earning their 28th straight win.
Westlake will surely be back as contenders next season. Only a hand full of players, including Texas defensive end Colton Vasek and Notre Dame receiver Jaden Greathouse, are graduating in 2023.
The Mustangs now advance to the 6A DI UIL state championship game against Duncanville. The two teams faced off last year in the Championship game with North Shore winning, 17-10.
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