In Conference 6A Division One, Austin Westlake High School had another year to remember as they finished the season undefeated. Led by Gatorade Texas High School Player of the Year and Clemson commit, Cade Klubnik, the Chaparrals offense averaged 55.1 points per game during the regular season. According to 24/7 sports recruiting rankings, Westlake had four players in its top 300, three of them on offense.
Austin Westlake won their first state title as a division one team last year. The Chaps will be looking to capture back-to-back titles but must get past the Katy Tigers in the semifinal. Like Austin Westlake, Katy is also undefeated and is a defending state champion from 6A Division Two. That game will take place tomorrow at Baylor’s McLane Stadium.
Heading into the season, head coach Todd Dodge announced that this season would be his 23rd and final season. So far, Austin Westlake has given him a nice retirement gift. The Chaps cruised through the 2021 regular season finishing the year with an overall record of 9-0. The season began with a 54-13 win over Temple High School and the Chaparrals never looked back. During the regular season, the Chaps outscored their opponents 573-84. Cade Klubnik finished the regular season passing for 2,619 yards with 34 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Klubnik also rushed for 405 yards and had 12 touchdowns on the ground this season.
While Klubnik and the offense were the talk of the town, their defense had a great year as well. Led by edge rusher and Michigan commit, Ethan Burke, the Chaps only gave up an average of 8.4 points per game. This included having three shutouts in a row in October. As a team, the Chaps registered 37 sacks and intercepted 19 passes as well. Ethan Burke is also ranked the 107th best player in the nation according to 24/7 Sports.
In the state playoffs, Austin Westlake picked up right where they left off. They have beaten their opponents by a score of 250-23. This includes shutting out PJSA North in the regional semifinal. During this playoff run, the Chaps have been able to extend their overall winning streak to 38 straight games. If the Chaps win this weekend, they’ll have an opportunity to send Coach Dodge out on top.
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