Austin Westlake Shuts Down Cibolo Steele
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Updated: September 22, 2025
photos: Steve Thomas
Austin Westlake Shuts Down Cibolo Steele
Prior to Friday, the Austin Westlake Chaparrals had not played a home game this season. Only three weeks into the season, the Chaps were already well travelled. Westlake opened its season against Prosper at Mary Hardin-Baylor and then made long trips to San Benito and Humble Atascocita. The Chaps dropped the opener against Prosper 29-22 but righted the ship with a 66-0 drubbing of San Benito and a gritty 35-28 win over Atascocita.
On Friday, Westlake concluded its daunting non-district schedule in their home opener against perennial power Cibolo Steele. The Knights entered the game at 3-0 and featured talent on both sides of the ball. including four-star running back and Texas A&M commit Jonathan Hatton.
With the home crowd and momentum from the Atascocita win, Westlake secured a statement 37-14 win over Steele. “Our kids are growing up. They’re getting experience… and it’s starting to show,” Head Coach Tony Salazar said regarding his team’s improvement over four games.
Salazar also credited his team for playing complementary football with the offense and defense. Defensively, the Chaps were able to contain the Knights’ rushing attack. Through three games, Hatton was averaging 149.3 yards per game; but the Westlake defense held him under 100 yards. Hatton’s lone big play was a 75-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7 in the first quarter.
Offensively, the Chaps established their own ground game with great success. Quarterback Rees Wise, receiver Braden Riddell, and running back Sebastian Henault each scored a rushing touchdown. Wise also connected with receiver Rhett Jenkins for a four-yard touchdown pass. Kicker Nolan Bartley also netted three field goals.
Despite the score line, Steele had several chances to stay in the game. In the first quarter, the Knights drove the ball inside the Westlake 20-yard line; but Westlake defensive lineman Maddox Flynt recovered a fumble. The Knights also fumbled the opening kickoff in the second half, and Westlake recovered the ball at the Steele 26-yard line. The Chaps scored a field goal to take a 23-7 lead on the resulting drive. Following the field goal, Hatton broke free for another 75-yard touchdown run; but the touchdown was called back due to unsportsmanlike conduct. Running back Liam Jones scored Steele’s second touchdown on a one-yard run.
Next week, the Chaps will have a bye week before travelling to face Austin Akins in their district opener at Burger Stadium on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Steele, meanwhile, will take on cross-town rivals Schertz Steele in their district opener next week.
by Steve Thomas
Players Pictured
Westlake
#9 Rees Wise
#38 Sebastian Henault
#73 Will Hesse
#88 Braden Riddell
#99 Maddox Flynt
Cibolo Steele
#0 Micah Sheeler
#9 Julian Hugo
#10 Pike Kempe
#11 Pearce Kemp
#19 Le'Andre Williams
#23 Marshall Kenner
#28 Jonathon Hatton
#48 Jerry Robinson
#88 Joshua Herbin-Hervig
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