Westlake football vs Cedar Ridge: 3 things to watch in Austin-area clash Friday
· Yahoo Sports
There are no official district championship games in Texas high school football, but when Westlake hosts Cedar Ridge Friday, it's about as close as it can get.
At least a share of the District 25-6A title will be on the line as the top two teams in the American-Statesman's 6A power rankings clash.
Visit esporist.org for more information.
Cedar Ridge (8-0, 4-0), which is arguably one of the most surprising teams in the state, puts its undefeated record on the line against a Chaps team that may have been underrated - by Westlake standards - in the preseason.
Here are three things to watch and a prediction for the biggest regular-season matchup in Central Texas this season.
Will Cedar Ridge slow down Westlake's rushing attack?
Westlake (7-1, 4-0) doesn't need to be flashy on offense because it can simply line up and run the ball straight at opponents, as evidenced by its win over Lake Travis. That's due to a combination of things, but mainly an offensive line that might have five starters who could play at some level in college. Running back CJ Jones is a budding star with already more than 30 Power 4 offers, and quarterback Patton Jones is a true dual threat who would thrive running the option if needed.
Cedar Ridge has two of the area's best defensive players in the front seven in defensive tackle Jeremiah Passmore and linebacker Ayden O'Brien Brown. They'll be key in trying to force Westlake into third-and-long situations, giving talented defensive backs Trent Bell and Bekett Lohman opportunities to make plays against the pass.
Does Cedar Ridge's passing attack have success against the Westlake secondary?
This might be the game's most fascinating matchup.
Raiders quarterback Dylan Snoga has been electric this season and has several talented options to throw to, led by Terrez Harrison. Making the tackle on the first attempt will be key for the Chaps' defensive backs and linebackers.
Aside from one play, Westlake contained a talented Lake Travis receiving corps last week. They'll need a similar performance Friday.
But Cedar Ridge can also run the ball, whether that's Snoga scrambling or a talented running back by committee attack paced by Devin Patterson.
This will be the best and fastest offense Westlake has faced since it gave up 510 yards in a loss to Prosper, and how the Chaps handle Cedar Ridge's speed may determine who wins the game.
What are the intangibles?
This is arguably the biggest game Cedar Ridge has played since a second-round playoff contest in 2018.
Cedar Ridge coach Bryan Vardeman, who is the early front-runner for Central Texas coach of the year, said he likes the mental makeup of his team and that it's approaching the game like the previous eight.
For Westlake, it's a quick turnaround after a physical and intense rivalry game against Lake Travis. How will the Chaps handle the biggest game of the regular season six days following the emotions of the Battle of the Lakes?
And special teams will be important for both teams. Westlake dominated that aspect against Lake Travis, giving itself good field position all game long. The Chaps will want to repeat that, while Cedar Ridge could flip the contest with a punt or kick return for a TD.
Who wins?
Westlake 37-30.
The Chaps will give up some yards, but eventually they'll make a game-defining play on defense.
Don't be surprised if Cedar Ridge gets a chance at revenge, though. These teams could face each other in the regional finals of the Class 6A Division II playoffs in early December.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source.This article originally published at Westlake football vs Cedar Ridge: 3 things to watch in Austin-area clash Friday.