Atascocita Ends Westlake’s Win Streak
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Updated: September 16, 2024
photos: Steve Thomas
Atascocita Wins Battle of Powerhouses
All good things must come to an end. Unfortunately for the Austin Westlake Chaparrals, that includes their 44-game regular-season win streak. On Friday night, the fourth-ranked Chaps hosted the ninth-ranked Humble Atascocita Eagles in a titanic non-district showdown.
Both teams were 2-0 entering the game with wins over playoff teams. Westlake opened its season with a 35-14 win over DFW powerhouse Prosper and a 63-7 win over San Benito. Atascocita, meanwhile, opened with a 35-7 win over Houston Lamar and a 41-24 win over 6A stalwart Katy. Against Katy, the Eagles trailed 24-20 at the end of the third quarter. However, the Eagles scored 21-unanswered points in the fourth quarter for the win.
This week, it was a bit of déjà vu for the Eagles. Westlake led 21-17 at the half, but the Eagles outscored the Chaps 22-0 in the second half for a 39-21 victory. The loss is Westlake’s first home loss since the Chaps lost 25-21 to Cy Ranch in 2018. In that game, the Chaps were also outscored 22-0 in the second half. Atascocita Head Coach Craig Stump said that the tough non-district schedule and stacked district slate were learning opportunities for his team. “The more you’re in those environments the more you’re going to learn.”
In the first half, Westlake started with the momentum. After forcing the Eagles to punt on the opening drive, quarterback Reese Wise put the Chaps on the board with a four-yard touchdown keeper. The Chaps then forced another punt on the next Atascocita drive. Westlake had a promising drive going into Atascocita territory, but the Atascocita defense recovered a fumble. On the ensuing drive, the Eagles converted the turnover into points. Eagle quarterback Cardae Mack connected with receiver Brodrick Malone for a 23-yard touchdown pass to tie the game early in the second quarter.
Following the Atascocita touchdown, Westlake reclaimed the lead with a 20-yard hook-and-ladder from Wise to receiver Cal Livengood to running back Justice Johnson. The lead was short-lived, however. On the next drive, Mack tied the game with a 78-yard touchdown pass to receiver Christopher Toney. After defensive back Hunter Sowell got an interception on the next Westlake drive, kicker Parker Cushing put the Eagles back in front 17-14 with a 27-yard field goal. Shortly before halftime, Wise connected with receiver Lawson Grimes on a 43-yard touchdown pass.
In the second half, the Eagles took complete control. The defense forced Westlake to punt on the opening drive, and Mack again connected with Malone for a 29-yard touchdown pass which put the Eagles back in front. Later in the quarter, Westlake had a chance to tie the game; but kicker Nolan Bartley missed a 32-yard field goal.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Eagles caught several breaks. Running back Tory Blaylock fumbled the ball, but Mack was able to recover the fumble and run it 56 yards for a touchdown. Mack finished the game with 130 yards rushing. After the Eagles’ defense forced a punt on the ensuing drive, receiver Kyran Pate muffed the punt; and Westlake recovered. However, the Eagles’ defense came up big again. On the first play of the Westlake drive, Atascocita defensive back Ta’von Bolden Jr intercepted Wise’s pass at the Eagles’ five-yard line. Later in the quarter, Mack iced the game for the Eagles with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Pate on fourth and six. On the extra-point attempt, the Eagles muffed the snap; but Cushing was able to throw to receiver Fabian Early for the two-point conversion.
Next week, the Eagles will open district play with a home game against Houston King (2-1.)
Westlake, meanwhile, will travel to Lenhoff Stadium to face Cibolo Steele (2-0) in their final non-district game.
by Steve Thomas
Players Pictured
Atascocita
#3 Kyran Pate
#6 Tory Blaylock
#7 Jaden Jenkins
#8 Broderick Malone
#9 Jordan Johnson
#14 Cardae Mack
#56 Michael Musquiz
#99 Chris Minor
Westlake
#7 Thompson Bennett
#9 Rees Wise
#18 Josh Rones
#22 Justice Johnson
#34 Bo Massengale
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