AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Things started with a bang for Cibolo Steele, but it was Westlake's defense that had the final word Friday night at Chaparral Stadium.
The No. 13 Chaparrals shut down the No. 16 Knights' explosive offense, handing them their first loss of the season in a decisive 37-14 win.
The game's opening drive set the stage for a dramatic contest. Westlake took an early lead with an 11-yard touchdown run by quarterback Rees Wise. However, Steele’s star running back, Texas A&M commit Jonathan Hatton, answered immediately. On the Knights’ first play from scrimmage, he broke free for a spectacular 75-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7.
That was the last major highlight for the Knights' offense. After Hatton’s initial burst, Westlake's defense locked down, preventing any further big plays and forcing two crucial fumbles. The Chaparrals capitalized on both turnovers, converting them into points.
Westlake's ground game was the star of the show, with touchdowns from Sebastian Henault and Braden Riddell, each on 1-yard runs. The offense effectively controlled the clock, keeping the ball—and the explosive Hatton—off the field.
In addition to the rushing touchdowns, kicker Nolan Bartley was lights out, nailing three field goals from 36, 30, and 29 yards out. Quarterback Rees Wise sealed the victory in the fourth quarter with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Rhett Jenkins.
"That was a team effort, and you don’t beat a team like that without playing well in all three phases," said head coach Tony Salazar. "We did a lot of good things tonight."
This marked the first home game of the season for Westlake, who improved their record to 3-1. The Chaps get a bye week before opening up District 26-6A play against Akins next Thursday. Cibolo Steele, now 3-1, will look to rebound as they face Schertz Clemens in their District 29-6A opener on Friday.
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