by Story by Jake Hernandez
The Westlake Chaparrals defeat the Dripping Springs Tigers 27-14 at home in Chaparral Stadium, keeping their first seed in district.
On only the third play of the game, junior running back Jack Tyndall broke through several tackles and left the Chaparrals in the dust, cutting down the field for a 71-yard rushing touchdown to put the Tigers up early.
On Westlake’s possession, the Dripping Spring’s defense went on to turn the ball over on downs. However, the Tigers couldn’t pick up the yards they needed, punting the ball which would be blocked and recovered by Westlake on the 20-yard line.
Chaparrals quarterback Rees Wise bulldozed through the endzone to tie the game 7-7. Both teams seem to have favored the running game early on, only having 21 combined passing yards the entire first quarter.
The Tigers showed a very similar start to the second quarter with a big 41-yard pass from Dripping Springs quarterback Maddox Maher to senior wide receiver Kyle Koch, putting the Tigers back up 14-0.
Wise missing wide-open receivers would give Dripping Springs possession once again, but Westlake’s defense would hold them to a missed field goal.
Playing tempo down the field, the Chaparrals would find themselves at the Tiger’s 20-yard line, having to later set up for a field goal. Westlake would get a taste of their own medicine, though, missing out on three of their own points.
Defense would take over this game, as the next three possessions would be 3-and-outs by both teams. Westlake would return to their locker room down for the first time this season.
The Chaparrals would go steadily down the field in the third, with a big 44-yard pass from Wise to wide receiver Brody Wilhelm giving Westlake good fielding on the Dripping Springs 17-yard line.
Wise would keep the balls a few plays later to run the ball into the endzone for a 9-yard rushing touchdown, tying the game 14-14.
Later in the quarter, Westlake would get another look at the endzone, but would have to settle for a field goal that would go far left of the goal post, missing, and leaving the score unchanged.
Both teams have combined for 9 points in missed field goals so far in the game.
Maher would connect with receiver Cooper Reid for a 37-yard pass into Westlake territory. The Chaparral defense would hold up, causing a turnover on downs.
Westlake owned the fourth quarter, adding two more touchdowns to their score and widening the lead to 27-14. The second touchdown came on a blocked punt returned for a 41-yard touchdown by receiver Heath McRee.
Three big passes by Maher would keep Dripping Spring’s offensive drive alive with a minute left to play in the quarter. However, it wouldn’t be enough, as the clock sounded off, ending the game.
Tigers running back Jack Tyndall showed off, with 167 total yards and a touchdown for the night. Westlake’s quarterback Rees Wise had himself a game, running for 64 yards and throwing for 152 yards with three touchdowns under his belt.
Westlake (7-0) remains undefeated, and will travel to face Austin High School on Friday, October 20th. Dripping Springs will fall to 5-2, and will take on Lake Travis at home the same day.
