Three quarterbacks later, Westlake is in the playoffs with only two blemishes on their overall record — both defeats coming against legitimate opponents with deep postseason potential.
Sophomore Taylor Anderson has looked solid against inferior teams, leading the Chaps 41-0 against a hapless Leander last Friday night. The third-string quarterback quarterback completed 15-of-20 passes for 253 yards and has developed chemistry with stud receiver Andrew Boykin (12 catches for 223 yards). The performance was an improvement from the previous effort against Lehman, in which Westlake focused their effort on a ground-and- pound strategy: seven Westlake players combined for a total 257 yards on the ground. The promotion of Anderson to starter is reminiscent of Matthew Gense’s ascension to shot-caller earlier in the season; after a rough start against superior opponent Liberty, the senior lead the Chaps to a 4-1 record, before suffering a season-ending broken collarbone.
Although the competition has been easier compared to the Gense-lead stretch, Anderson still has the superior numbers in two games, totaling 366 total yards of offense and three touchdowns compared to 214 total yards and two touchdowns.
The team is anchored by a healthy and consistent defensive line — that has allowed 4.3 points per game in the last three contests — and an o-line that’s creating necessary lanes for Westlake’s impressive run schemes — totaling 1,589 yards and 21 touchdowns.
The offensive backfield is lead by star running back Nakia Watson, who usually peaks over 100 yards, before being benched in the second half when the score has ballooned out of the opposition’s competitive reach. After an unsuccessful sophomore campaign, Watson has emerged as an offensive powerhouse, totaling 1004 yards on the season and 15 rushing touchdowns — a consistent running option that the Chaps lacked outside of Ehlinger during their 2015 state championship run. The junior has scored a touchdown in seven consecutive campaigns; despite his season accolades, he’s received zero interest from colleges for his talents.
Regardless of how the remainder of the season plays out, Westlake is locked into a playoff spot. Their bracket position depends on various outcomes of Hays: if the Rebels fails to qualify for the postseason, the Chaps will be the No. 2 seed in Division I beneath Lake Travis; if Hays makes the playoffs, Westlake moves to the No. 1 seed in Division II.
The likelihood of a deep Westlake playoff run is dependent on coach Todd Dodge’s strategy and the health of his roster. Obviously, no one can replace 4-star quarterback Sam Ehlinger, but questions surrounding his eligibility are rapidly swirling as the playoffs approach. Westlake is searching for their first state title since 1996, and are 1-7 in title games. Their chances for championship glory are much higher with the UT commit running the offense than without him.
According to Austin Statesman reporter Rick Cantu, activating Ehlinger in the playoffs is a big probability if the Chaps make it to the state championship game. Considering that Region 4 houses some of the deepest districts in the UIL, that’s a big “if”.
