INSTANT REACTION: Michaux Guides Westlake to First Title Since '96
ARLINGTON - What was expected to be an intriguing matchup between two teams that could score points, turned into a one-sided affair as Austin Westlake dominated Denton Guyer on the way to a 24-0 win in the 6A Division II State Championship.
Austin Westlake (15-1) got off to a solid start scoring on its first drive as quarterback Kirkland Michaux connect with Jake Misch on a five-yard touchdown pass three minutes into the game.
On Denton Guyer's ensuing first drive, disaster struck. Driving and having converted three fourth-down conversions, quarterback Eli Stowers exited the game with a lower body injury.
It completely let the air out of Denton Guyer's sails, which entered the game scoring 46.1 points per game. Without Stowers to be a throwing and running complement to running back Kaedric Cobbs, Westlake was able to key in on the run game and shut down the Guyer offense completely.
Westlake lost its starting running back on its next drive, but leaned on Michaux to make big plays the rest of the way. Time and time again throughout the game, Michaux connected with Ryan Lindley on big conversions to extend drives.
With freshman quarterback Jackson Arnold for Guyer, the offense stagnated to just 187 total yards. The Westlake defense brought a lot pressure time and time again and rattled the youngster on the way to three sacks, giving up only six yards on 2-of-11 passing and two interceptions.
It is Westlake's first state title since 1996 and is the UIL's highest classification shutout since 1998.
Photo by Bradley Collier
INSTANT REACTION: North Shore Wins Round 2 Over Duncanville
ARLINGTON - It was the matchup we all wanted. And while the end did not have the theatrics of last year, it still had some big moments as North Shore was able to assert itself defensively in the second half to a 31-17 win over Duncanville to claim its second straight 6A DI state championship.
In the first half, the teams traded blows and it was clear it was an evenly contested matchup. As Duncanville was with Ja'Quinden Jackson and North Shore without Zach Evans, other playmakers had to step up. Duncanville (15-1) relied on Roderick Daniels to ignite its offense and lessen the burden on freshman quarterback Chris Parson, who was making his first high school start.
North Shore turned to Dematrius Davis, who made crucial plays with his arms and legs all game long.
After going into the break tied at 17, North Shore (15-1) completely put the clamp down defensively with the tide turning all the way in its favor after recovering a botched snap on a Duncanville punt. Four plays later, North Shore retook the lead.
Duncanville could only muster 42 yards of offense as the North Shore defense began to key in on the Duncanville run game and force Parson to make plays through the air.
With the game in the balance in the fourth quarter, North Shore iced it as Davis hit Charles King on a 44-yard touchdown to seal the victory for North Shore. Duncanville bit on the slot receiver, leaving King wide open for the score and the game.
Charles King wiiiiiiiide open! North Shore takes a two-score lead! #UILState pic.twitter.com/Y0mDJXePXs
— Dave Campbell's Texas Football — TexasFootball.com (@dctf) December 22, 2019
Duncanville turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing possession, sealing the game and the title for North Shore.
