INSTANT REACTION: Westlake Too Much for Carroll to Claim No. 3
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.
At that moment, the game was essentially over and Westlake would coast to a 52-34 win and its second straight state title.
INSTANT REACTION: Denton Ryan Stifles Cedar Park for 1st Title Since '02
Seth Henigan was effective with the ball, connecting for four touchdown passes, and the defense forced four turnovers to completely shut down the Cedar Park offense.
Ryan jumped out to a 10-0 lead then Cedar Park followed up with a touchdown and two-point conversion to make it 10-8. Then Ryan went on a tear, ripping off 35 straight points on the way to another easy win.
Henigan took home the offensive MVP award with his 264 yards and four scores. And the bomb below to Billy Bowman, Jr. epitomize the ease at which Ryan was able to find the endzone during that 35-0 run.
Ty Marsh set the tone defensively all game long to take home the defensive MVP. His effort permeated across the team, highlighted below. And when Cedar Hill needed the points the most, Ryan wasn't having it. On the opening drive of the second half, Ryan forced a fumble and scooped up the loose ball for a touchdown.
And now for Ryan, the drought is over. After back-to-back state titles in 2001 and 2002, Ryan claims its first in 18 years. And really, it wasn't ever close much of the season.
