Westlake had a storybook ending to its 2021 season as the Chaparrals sent legendary head coach Todd Dodge into retirement on a high note by clinching the 6A Division II State Championship with a 40-21 victory over Denton Guyer.
The win also secured Westlake’s third consecutive state title (the Chaparrals earned the 6AD1 crown over Southlake Carroll in 2020 and the 6AD2 crown over Guyer back in 2019).
But with Dodge now enjoying his retirement, the task of pursuing a fourth-straight state title now belongs to longtime Chaparral defensive coordinator Tony Salazar.
The Chaparrals promoted Salazar to head coach this past offseason in early January. After serving in the defensive coordinator role since 2014, Salazar said he can’t wait to lead the Chaparrals this season.
“I am truly honored to be the head football coach at Westlake High School,” Salazar said. “I take great pride in not being outworked and by the level of compassion that I try to bring to our kids each and every day.”
Salazar also mentioned the storied tradition of the Westlake football program. He said famous coaches such as Ron Schroeder and now Dodge and players like Drew Brees and Nick Foles have paved the way for the Chaparrals’ continued success.
Great turnout at the 3 and Out Club with Tony Salazar. Join us every Tuesday morning at Rudy’s on 360.
“The 3 and Out Club is for everyone. I always tell our players that we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the people who came before us. All are welcome.” -Coach Salazar pic.twitter.com/cjy36uVW1X
— WestlakeNation (@Westlake_Nation) August 23, 2022
And looking forward to the 2022 season, hopes are high as Westlake is well stocked with talent as usual.
The receiving corps will be a strength led by Notre Dame commit Jaden Greathouse (1,274 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns) and Kansas commit Keaton Kubecka (714 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns).
Jaden Greathouse entered the Region IV Final with 164 career receptions, tied with Mason Mangum for the career mark in catches. This 42-yard grab on Westlake’s opening drive broke was Jaden’s 165th as a Chaparral. #GoChaps pic.twitter.com/MlWE1nCmDQ
— WestlakeNation (@Westlake_Nation) December 9, 2021
Running back Jack Kayser is also back after leading the Chaparrals in rushing yards as just a sophomore last season. Up front, 4-star recruit TJ Shanahan returns to anchor the offensive line.
With all the returning talent the Chaparrals have, the biggest question that remains is at the quarterback position. Following the graduations of now-Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik and last year’s backup Christian Edgar, junior Paxton Land is set to be handed the keys to the Westlake offense this year.
And with the supporting cast Land has around him offensively, Westlake will hope he will settle in quickly behind center.
Defensively, seven starters are back led by last season’s leading tackler Will Courtney (125 total tackles) at safety. In front of him, another key playmaker Byers Petty (84 total tackles, 10 sacks) returns to lead the team at linebacker.
Up front, Oklahoma commit Colton Vasek will look to be a menace to opposing quarterbacks after racking up 56 total tackles and 10 sacks a year ago.
💥💥💥 pic.twitter.com/MDm8atZbfB
— Colton Vasek (@ColtonVasek) December 12, 2021
Looking forward to this season, the biggest note from realignment is the increased likelihood that Westlake will compete in the 6A Division I playoffs this season. Del Valle and Lake Travis are the only two schools in the Chaparrals district that turned in larger enrollments, so unless they both make the playoffs, the Chaparrals will have to go through the Division I bracket this fall if they want their fourth straight title.
District 26-6A
Austin High
Akins
Anderson
Bowie
Lake Travis
Westlake
Johnson
Del Valle
Dripping SpringsYou add two playoffs teams from 5A in Drip and Johnson an lose San Marcos. Nine-team district; can Drip get to playoffs in first 6A season?
— Thomas Jones (@ThomasJonesAAS) February 3, 2022
But the playoffs and the chance at being the first team to ever win four state titles in a row are still a long way away. Salazar said he and his players are just excited to get the 2022 season underway against Fort Bend Ridge Point on Friday.
“These student-athletes are excited about the opportunity to get better each week and are striving to make history,” Salazar said. “They are all ready to grind together and work as a team to achieve their goals.”
2022 Westlake Football Schedule
(Bold Designates District 26-6A Matchup)
8/26 vs. Fort Bend Ridge Point
9/2 at Converse Judson
9/8 at Austin Akins
9/23 vs. Lake Travis
9/30 at Del Valle
10/7 vs. Anderson
10/14 at Dripping Springs
10/21 vs. Austin
10/27 at Bowie
11/4 vs. Buda Johnson
CLICK HERE to listen to the Texas HS Football Podcast, with Taylor Arenz
