St. Michael's Crusaders vs. Hyde Park Panthers
7:15 p.m. Pre-game; 7:30 First Serve
St. Michael's Crew: Merle Bertrand, QA – Nathan Nunez
St. Michael's Crusaders vs. Hyde Park Panthers
7:15 p.m. Pre-game; 7:30 First Serve
St. Michael's Crew: Merle Bertrand, QA – Nathan Nunez
ARLINGTON - In a matchup with so many storylines, the main theme of the 6A Division I State Championship was Westlake's ability to score at will and hold a dynamic Southlake offense in check in the second half.
Southlake touted the 5-star, No. 1 quarterback in the nation in Quinn Ewers, but Westlake's Cade Klubnik stole the show with his pinpoint accuracy, poise in the pocket and his pure athleticism when he carried the ball.
Klubnik took home offensive MVP with three total touchdowns, including two on the ground.
The game completely turned when Westlake got the game's first stop and subsequently took the lead. Southlake responded late in the second quarter to tie the game at 21, but Westlake went on a methodical, 5-minute drive to go up 28-21.
A hurried Ewers threw an interception on Carroll's ensuing possession. To start the second half, Westlake scored to open up a two-score game - a perfect bookend around the half - as that was a start of a big run by Westlake, highlighted by a big, one-handed interception by Michael Taaffe - his second of the night.
Taaffe's two INTs was enough to name him defensive MVP for the second straight year.
💥TOUCHDOWN CHAPARRALS💥
After an INCREDIBLE one handed interception @CadeKlubnikQB bounces out and scores again for Westlake. They now lead Southlake Carroll 42-21 with 6:48 left in the third quarter. @tommy_yarrish | @VypeATX | @VYPEDFW | #UILState pic.twitter.com/nBMK6OkRxG
— vypehouston (@vypehouston) January 17, 2021
At that moment, the game was essentially over and Westlake would coast to a 52-34 win and its second straight state title.
Westlake Football coach is the centerpiece in the middle of a team huddle after Westlake won the semi-final match against North Shore.
The Austin Westlake Chaps advance to the State Final match by a final, nail-biting, score of 24-21 against North Shore. The Chaps will play against Southlake Caroll in the State Final match on January 16, 2020. Here is a look into the action brought by the Chaps!
Olivia Raymond
No. 3 Lucas Mireur intercepts North Shore's play and bullets with the ball towards Westlake's side of the field.
The stage was set between two perennial Texas High School Football powers. Westlake vs North Shore, Goliath vs Goliath. Galena Park North Shore, the two-time Division I State Champs, vs the Division II State Champs Austin Westlake. The stakes couldn't be higher, with an opportunity to advance to the 6A Division I State Championship. Who would come out on top? In the end, North Shore came inches short and Westlake advanced to the 6A Division I title game by a final score of 24-21.
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