AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- An 82-yard punt return for a touchdown by Westlake senior Cal Livengood helped ice the Battle of the Lakes for the Westlake Chaparrals Friday night.
The 12th-ranked Chaps (7-1, 4-0) won their fifth straight matchup with sixth-ranked Lake Travis (7-1, 3-1), defeating the Cavaliers 28-16 at Cavalier Stadium in their first loss of the season.
Defense and special teams led the night for the Chaps, with Westlake grabbing three interceptions on Cavs quarterback Chaston Ditta - including two from George Jones. Before Friday night, Ditta had not thrown an interception all year.
“[We] executed a plan,” Westlake head coach Tony Salazar said postgame. “How about that defense, how about that special teams? We needed a big play, our special teams gave it to us... we needed a big play, our defense gave it to us... they showed up to work this week, championship week... they want to be district champions, they want to get the respect they deserve, and the only way to do it is to come out and do this.”
Another key play for the Chaps was the third interception on Ditta, which Chaps defensive back Brandon Clark ran back 58 yards for a touchdown with less than a minute left in the third quarter.
The Cavaliers narrowed the Chaps' lead to 14-10 early in the third quarter, with Carter Buck scoring on a 3-yard pass from Ditta.
Westlake returns home next week to face Del Valle, while the Cavaliers will be on the road to face Akins.
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