Making its first-ever state title game appearance, Westbrook started the UIL State Championships off with a bang a year ago.
In a back-and-forth contest in the 1A Division I State Title Game, it looked like May had caught a touchdown that would have tied the game at 72 with just five seconds left.
However, Westbrook defensive linemen Jimmy Roberts didn’t give up on the play.
The only Wildcat in the area of the May receiver, he stretched out and punched the ball free, securing Westbrook a memorable 72-66 victory and the 1A Division I State Title.
WESTBROOK HOLDS ON!!!! 🤯
Jimmy Roberts breaks up a potential game-tying touchdown catch on 4th and goal to seal the win for Westbrook 😳@JackBox | @uiltexas | #UILState | #UILonBally pic.twitter.com/renzTSwzNM
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) December 15, 2021
Westbrook, Texas has a population of just 203, but 3,921 people were on tap to watch the Wildcats tangle with May in the title game.
Westbrook head coach Homer Matlock said that dedicated support for his program is something he and his players won’t forget.
“That was huge for us,” Matlock said. “The community rallied behind us and traveled really hard up to the game. It was a lot of fun, and our community showed up and supported and welcomed us back home. It was a big event for us.”
Westbrook is located just off Interstate 20 about 230 miles west of Fort Worth. In such a small town, football is an important part of the fabric of the community. Matlock said his players play with the town in mind every time they take the field.
245 miles to go
But a slight detour first…
Westbrook TX
Home of the Wildcats. The @uiltexas Class 1A Division I STATE CHAMPIONS of football!!@WestbrookISD @sixmania @sixmanguru @LemanSaunders @Texas1AFan @sportsfreaknut pic.twitter.com/FoKnCPExXc
— S. Valerio (Red checkmark) (@TXHSEducation) December 18, 2021
“I’m just so proud of our community and our county for being supportive of us,” Matlock said. “We want to play every week so we make those guys proud and carry ourselves in a way that represents our community in a positive manner. That’s what we’re trying to be about.”
Westbrook has a good shot at making 2022 another memorable season as the Wildcats have five starters back on each side of the ball.
Most notably, Cedric Ware is set to star again for the Wildcats. He had 304 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in the state title game victory. He also earned the 2021 1A Division I State MVP for his play at both running back and corner back.
“The part that makes Cedric so good is his vision. He sees the holes really well and his balance is good,” Matlock said. “He’s a big part of our program, but he’s an even better kid on top of that. It’s easy to root for him because he’s such a good kid.”
That’s Westbrook RB Cedric Ware’s 4th touchdown of the first half and his 3rd on the ground
A first-play, 60-yard TD run marks Ware’s longest TD so far and helps the Wildcats retake a 38-30 Q2 lead on May in the 1A/Six-Man DI #TXHSFB State Championshippic.twitter.com/qftc4OnVzm
— Andrew McCulloch (@ByAndyMcCulloch) December 15, 2021
Elsewhere on offense, Westbrook will have to replace quarterback Shammah Stark (1,648 yards and 18 touchdowns) and running back Jimmy Roberts (612 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns), who both graduated this past spring.
The good news for Westbrook is that Parker Matlock is back at the quarterback position. He actually served as the starter in Westbrook’s tight set a year ago before suffering a broken foot in a district contest, which allowed Stark, who had been playing as the Wildcats’ spread quarterback, to fill that position for Westbrook’s playoff run.
Another positive is the offensive line remains fully intact from a year ago. Hadley White (224 receiving yards), Colton Waters, and Bo Payne all return up front for the Wildcats.
When it comes to replacing Roberts, Matlock said the spot is still up for grabs and the Wildcats may turn to a committee approach. Among the competitors are Brannon Larson, Aiden Sullivan, and sophomore Grayson Jeffrey, who was the district offensive newcomer of the year at Rotan last season.
“I feel like we’re going to be fairly deep this year [on offense],” Matlock said. “Have some good subs and have some chance to get some guys some rest.”
Flipping sides of the ball, Pahton Dominguez (118 tackles and 38 TFLs) and White (102 tackles and 15 TFLs) are back to anchor the defensive front for the Wildcats. Dominguez had a prolific 2021 season, earning the 1A Division I Defensive MVP a year ago. Matlock also said he believes Ethan King could step into a starting role on the line to fill the spot vacated by Jimmy Roberts.
Westbrook with the momentum as Pahton Dominguez drops Blake Harrell for a loss on 4th down.
Westbrook 66-60 May 3:21 3rd#UILState @texashsfootball pic.twitter.com/wDXUIavVA8
— Adam Ogburn (@aogburn00) December 15, 2021
Out at cornerback, Ware and Parker Matlock are expected to get the nod as starters. Each had two interceptions a year ago.
But even with all this returning talent, Westbrook’s regular season will not be an easy one. Unphased by wins and losses early in the year, Matlock said he put together the toughest schedule he could find.
The Wildcats have games against #7 Happy, #4 Jonesboro, #6 Rankin, and #5 Garden City all in the opening five weeks of the season. Last year, that strategy worked to perfection as Westbrook finished on a nine-game winning streak after starting the season 2-4.
And once the Wildcats get into district play, realignment means they will have four new faces in District 8-1A Division I. Westbrook will have to face off against 2021 playoff teams Hermleigh and Ira, while fellow newcomer Rotan finished 7-3 a year ago and just narrowly missed the playoffs.
The new District 8-1A Div. I
–Hermleigh
–Highland
–Ira
–Roby
–Rotan
–Westbrook#BigCountryPreps #UILRealignment— Daniel Youngblood (@DPYoungblood) February 3, 2022
“I think our district is going to be tough every week,” Matlock said. “I think you’re going to be seeing a bunch of teams compete and get better throughout the year.”
But after bringing home its first ever state title, Westbrook is now at a crossroads. Matlock said his team can either be satisfied or hungry to go after another state title. With the 2022 season fast approaching, so far, his team has chosen the latter.
“We’ve had record numbers in our weight room this summer, so I think [the state title] spurred on our program,” Matlock said. “We’re going to be tested. It’s going to be tough. We got to figure some things out, but that’s alright. We’re wanting to make a run in our district and make a run in the playoffs and see what happens.”
2022 Westbrook Wildcats Schedule
(Bold designates District 8-1A Division II Matchup)
8/27 vs. Happy (at Jayton Gridiron Classic)
9/1 at Jonesboro
9/9 vs. Rankin
9/16 at Spur
9/23 vs. Garden City
10/7 at Highland
10/14 vs. Roby
10/21 at Hermleigh
10/28 at Ira
11/4 vs. Rotan
Photos from the 2021 Championship
