The annual crosstown rivalry better known inside the Austin city limits as the “Battle of the Lakes 2016” takes place this week as the #3 Lake Travis Cavaliers host the #5 Austin Westlake Chaparrals in this weeks District 25-6A powerhouse matchup.
Both D1 and D2 6A state finalists a year ago started the season with the highest of expectations and found themselves over-coming either self-inflicted wounds or the bumps and bruises that come with a slow start against stiff competition. Both have since got the ball rolling, accumulating wins and are looking more and more like teams deserving of their ranking. In fact one could determine the winner of this power matchup will set themselves up for not only a district championship, but as a legit front-runner in the state of Texas to make the finals yet again.
Despite the massive dominance, swagger and tradition of both programs, Lake Travis has
wheeled off eight straight wins against their ATX foe and are looking for number nine. Most
would think another win for the Cavs would fall on the shoulders of SMU commit quarterback Charlie Brewer and company, but this year for number nine to come the Cavs way it will depend
squarely on what many have called their biggest weakness… inconsistent play from the
defense.
With gunslinger and Texas commit Sam Ehlinger for the Chaps back in full sniping mode from knee surgery and looking as sharp as ever in his return last week against Hays, a vicious running game from running back Nakia Watson and a receiving core of Noah Skrudland and Andrew Boykin this could prove to be quite a chore for Lake Travis. I also should mention maybe the one accomplishment Ehlinger has never attained is beating his rival Lake Travis. This game is all about pride and for both communities its the other game circled on the calendar other than the big dance in December.
Regarding the Cavalier defense and its inconsistent play it should be noted it has gotten better every week; Lake Travis’ scheme takes time to learn and install. They have some new guys on the defensive line starting to come along. The defensive backs are young, but are playing better week to week and the linebacker core is carrying their weight. For the Cavs defense to have success they have to contain Ehlinger, squeeze the pocket with decent coverage in the secondary and a front seven playing fast football against a big Westlake offensive line. It is this reason the Cavelier defense vs Ehlinger and the Westlake offense make for the key matchup in District 25-6A.
“inconsistent play” on defense? Ok!
Yes