Westlake Rolls Over Euless Trinity

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: September 4, 2021

photos: Steve Thomas

Westlake Rolls Over Euless Trinity

In his swansong season at Austin Westlake, Head Coach Todd Dodge has the Chaparrals looking almost unstoppable. Star quarterback and Clemson commit Cade Klubnik has the Chaps offense firing on all cylinders, and the defense is absolutely stifling opponents. In the previous two seasons, the Chaps went 29-1 and won back-to-back UIL 6A State Championships (6A-DII in 2019 and 6A-DI in 2020.) The Chaps have also not lost a game since October 11, 2019.

Last week, Westlake began their quest to defend their title with a 53-14 drubbing of the Temple Wildcats. This week, the Chaps faced a stiff test against perennial 6A power Euless Trinity. Known for performing their signature Sipi Tau Tongan war dance before and after games, the Trojans featured a potent running game led by combination quarterback and running back Ollie Gordon. Despite facing a tough opponent in the Trojans, Westlake proved they were more than up to the challenge. Using dominant performances on both sides of the ball, the Chaps cruised to a 34-14 win over the Trojans.

Offensively, Cade Klubnik threw for over 300 yards and connected with receiver Pierce Turner for a touchdown. Klubnik also rushed for two touchdowns. After the game, Dodge described his performance as “poised and versatile.” Running back Hunter Henault added another touchdown on the ground, and kicker Charlie Barnett netted two 27-yard field goals.

Defensively, Dodge said that his defensive coordinator had worked with the team all week on “staying in their gaps” and “getting a lot of silver hats to the ball.” On Friday, the Chaps defense took those ideas to heart. While Ollie Gordon managed to break off three runs of 49, 40, and 35 yards respectively, the Westlake defense held the offense largely in check. No other run play totaled more than 15 yards.

The Trojans were also unable to score until the second half when Gordon finally managed to break free for a touchdown on the 40-yard run. The touchdown cut the deficit to 27-7. Trinity was unable to score again until the fourth quarter when running back David Langi found the end zone on a one-yard run. Aside from Westlake’s dominant performance, the Trojans also hurt their own cause with mental
mistakes, especially penalties. While both teams played a physical game, the Trojans were flagged for several untimely unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness penalties. Players on both sides started to get chippy early on; and by the end of the game, tensions reached the point where the teams had to be separated. Ultimately, the teams decided to forego the traditional postgame player handshake. Todd Dodge and Trinity head coach Chris Jensen, however, did exchange handshakes and embraces and engaged in friendly conversation after the game.

Next week, the Chaparrals will wrap up non-district play against Mansfield Summit at UMHB Crusader Stadium in Belton. Trinity, meanwhile, will travel to Mustang-Panther Stadium in Grapevine to face Colleyville Heritage.

by Steve Thomas