Wise, Defense Lead Westlake Past Steele 37-14

Westlake made its home debut count on Friday night, cruising past No. 16 Cibolo Steele 37-14 at Chaparral Stadium. The No. 13 Chaparrals struck on their first drive and never let go of the momentum.

Steele briefly answered when Texas A&M commit Jonathan Hatton ripped off a 75-yard touchdown on the Knights’ first snap, but Westlake’s defense adjusted quickly. Hatton found little room afterward, as the Chaparrals’ front swarmed and forced two fumbles, including one on the second-half kickoff.

Quarterback Rees Wise powered the Westlake offense with 207 passing yards and two scores while completing over 80 percent of his throws. He also opened the night with an 11-yard rushing touchdown and later connected with Rhett Jenkins for a fourth-quarter score.

Westlake’s ground game sealed the outcome, with Sebastian Henault and Braden Riddell adding short rushing touchdowns and kicker Nolan Bartley drilling field goals from 36, 30, and 29 yards. Riddell also led all receivers with 109 yards and a touchdown.

The Chaparrals improved to 3-1 and will open District 26-6A play Thursday against Akins. Steele (3-1) heads to Schertz to face rival Clemens, looking to regroup after its first setback of the year.