Westlake headed to state championship final against North Crowley

AUSTIN, Texas - Westlake is headed to the state championship!

The Chaparrals faced off against Galena Park North Shore on Friday for the chance to advance to the Class 6A Division I state title game. The Mustangs had eliminated Westlake in the final four for the past two years.

"It was personal after the last two years. We told the boys, the captains. We're not going out like that again. And we knew they were looking over us," said senior linebacker Elliot Schaper. "So we gotta come out fast and hit them in the mouth. And that's what we did. They were not expecting that."

Chaps funning back Elijah Clark tried flipping the script as he cruised in for a 51-yard touchdown to put Westlake up 7-3 in the first quarter.

Later on, quarterback Rees Wise connected with wide receiver Chase Bowen, who took it to the house from 37 yards out, making it 14-3, still in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Wise went back to work, this time connecting with wide receiver Cash Robin in the endzone for a 21-3 score.

"We're a physical team. We're a more physical team than anybody we play," said Wise. "And that's what we put our offense on. And that's what we did. So, I mean that's why we have that scoreboard up there."

The Chaps led by 11 at the half, then shut out North Shore in the second half of the game.

The Chaparrals won 35-10 over the Panthers, punching their ticket to the state championship against North Crowley, who upset nationally-ranked Duncanville.

"We just worked and worked.  And I think you saw our offense had a heck of a game plan tonight," said head football coach Tony Salazar. "Made some big-time plays in the passing game. We ran the football against a run-heavy stout defense. And just, kids made plays. I mean fourth down stops. When we had to make the plays, they made them tonight. Complete team victory." 

Westlake will now face the North Crowley Panthers in the state title game on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. in AT&T Stadium in Arlington.