We are about to start week 13 of the Texas high school football season and there aren’t many undefeated teams left. But, if you look in Portland, Texas, this Friday night, you’ll find two of them.
Westlake (12-0) and Edinburg Vela (12-0) feels like destiny. Both have offenses as deadly as anyone but they also have defenses that can hang with just about anyone. After all, they both made it this far for a reason.
Led by senior quarterback Nathan Garcia, this Sabercat offense doesn’t make many mistakes. Garcias 25 touchdowns have only five interceptions with them, along with his 2,500 yards passing and slight rushing ability. Westlake coach Todd Dodge says that’s one thing it’s accounting for.
“You play 12 games and only throw 5 picks, he [Garcia] does a really nice job,” Dodge said. “More importantly we have to make sure when the protection breaks down or even his scrambling ability. That’s the thing that’s probably the most concerning.”
The Vela running backs Aaron Alvarez (795) and Sam Valenzuela (630) combine for more than 1,400 rushing yards. Dodge and co., will have to win the battle up front, on both sides of the ball, if they wish to come away victorious.
Vela has a defense that has allowed more than 21 only three times this year. It’s led by the likes of Luis Gutierrez, Daniel Enriquez and Richard Campos. All three lead in their respective categories of tackles, sacks or interceptions. But the main goal Dodge says will need to be completed is beating the defensive line, which has 23 sacks on the year.
“We see Vela being very active up front, their kids really get off the ball on their pass rush,” Dodge said. “So we got to do a good job of sitting back, getting a good initial punch and protecting our quarterback.”
To do so, the Chaparrals will plan to use a good mix of its Wisconsin-bound senior Nakia Watson. Watson rushed for 152 yards last week while adding 47 receiving.
Dodge says his star running back has only gotten better each week, and he hopes to continue his growth by adding at least one more week to the schedule.
“The fun thing about coaching him [Watson] is he continues to get better,” Dodge said. “He understands he’s not as good as he can be. He’s pretty talented and he really does continue to improve as the year goes on.”
Garcia will lead his Sabercats out against Watson and his Chaparrals in Portland, Texas, Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30.
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