Westlake Stifles Cibolo Steele in Clash of Titans

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: November 16, 2019

photos: Steve Thomas

Chaparrals shut down Knights to advance to Area round

At the beginning of training camp, Austin Westlake receiver Jackson Coker suffered a devastating hamstring injury. Initially, the prognosis was grim. Westlake Head Coach Todd Dodge said that they did not expect to have back until at least the first round of the playoffs. Despite the initial bleak outlook, Coker was able to return midway through the season for the Chaps’ bout with rival Lake Travis.

On Friday night, Coker made his presence felt in the Chaps’ UIL 6A Division II bi-district matchup against fellow powerhouse Cibolo Steele. Coker had 12 carries for 90 yards and two touchdowns to help lead the Chaps to a 30-7 win. In his first game as the sole quarterback for Westlake, Kirkland Michaux threw for 148 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, kicker David Leadbetter netted three field goals. The defense also held the Knights in check, and the Knights hurt their own cause with several crucial penalties.

In the first quarter, both offenses struggled to get into a rhythm. After the Knights punted on their opening drive, their defense appeared to hold the Chaps on fourth down. However, a pass-interference penalty extended the Westlake drive and put the Chaps in field goal range. David Leadbetter then netted his first field goal of the night from 34 yards. Steele responded with a drive deep into Westlake territory, but the Chaps blocked the field goal attempt. Leadbetter then netted another 34-yard field goal to put the Chaps in front 6-0.

Early in the second quarter, Steele running back De’Quavion Thomas scored on a five-yard touchdown run to put the Knights in front 7-6. The lead was short-lived, however. Michaux connected with receiver Ryan Lindley for a 38-yard touchdown pass to put Weslake back in front 13-7. Late in the second quarter, the Knights put together a promising drive to the Westlake nine-yard line; but Westlake defensive back Michael Taafe intercepted quarterback Wyatt Begeal’s pass and returned it to the Chaps’ 47-yard line. Leadbetter then netted a 40-yard field goal to put Westlake a 16-7 at halftime.

In the second half, both teams again struggled to gain any momentum on offense early. Both teams traded punts on their first possessions, and Steele defensive back Jaylon Jones intercepted Michaux’s pass in Steele territory to cut Westlake’s second drive short. Despite getting the turnover, the Knights failed to capitalize and turned the ball over on downs. Early in the fourth quarter, Jackson Coker capped off the ensuing Westlake drive with an 11-yard touchdown run to put Westlake ahead 23-7. The Westlake defense then forced the Knights to turn the ball over on downs again, and Coker sealed the game at 30-7 with a ten-yard touchdown run.

After the game, Westlake head coach Todd Dodge had high praise for his team, especially Jackson Coker.
“He’s the heart and soul of our team,” Dodge said. Kirkland Michaux also praised Coker saying, “He’s the
most important guy on our team.” With the win, Westlake improves to 10-1 overall. The Chaps will face
the Northside Brennan Bears (9-2) in the area round next Friday at 7:30pm CST at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos.

Steele, meanwhile, finishes their season at 8-3. This marks the first time since 2006 that the Knights have not advanced past the bi-district round. After the game, an emotional Jaylon Jones expressed his gratitude for his teammates and his experience with them. “They’re my family,” he said. Next year, Jones will continue his football and academic pursuits atTexas A&M University.

by Steve Thomas