For the second consecutive year, Westlake took on Lake Travis in the regional finals.
For the second consecutive year, the Chaps eliminated the Cavs, triumphing 24-17 in the 6A Division I Region IV championship game at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex.
In another edition of the Battle of the Lakes rivalry, both teams came out swinging, trading blows during their respective opening drives.
The Cavaliers marched down the field with a 55-yard pass play to tight end Josiah Thomas, capped off by a 2-yard run by running back Vann Hopping. The Chaparrals answered immediately, accelerating toward the end zone on a 37-yard pass play to wide receiver Cash Robin, finished by quarterback Rees Wise 5-yard scramble.
By halftime, the Chaps held the lead 17-10.
The Cavaliers notched the game at 17-17 on a 6-yard pass to Patrick Colby with 6:25 remaining of the third. A 17-yard touchdown pass to running back Brandon Clark would prove to be the deciding score for Westlake.
Through the rest of the contest, the Chaps defense stepped up, forcing three turnovers on the Cavs final five possessions.
Chaps defensive back George Jones III came off his two-interception effort against LT last October with a crucial pick with 1:06 remaining in the fourth quarter on Westlake’s 22-yard line.
Other defensive standouts included senior linebacker Elliott Schaper hauling in two interceptions and lineman Cullen Devine forced a fumble recovered by safety Masen Bliss.
The Chaps have now advanced to the state semis for the eighth consecutive year. Through the stretch, Westlake has amassed an impressive 113-7 overall record.
For Lake Travis, the defeat was just another in a streak of Westlake victories. The Chaps have now beaten the Cavs six consecutive times, including the Cavs only two record blemishes on the year.
Next up, Westlake will play either Atascocita or North Shore. Westlake has lost to North Shore in the past two state semifinal matchups.
You can wath the full replay of the Westlake vs Lake Travis game here: nfhs-network.pxf.io/EEKr5K
Photographer Stan Martin Captured these photos:
