Austin Westlake Head Football Coach Todd Dodge knew coming into the game it would not only be his last game of the season, but also his last game as the Chaparrals head football coach. Dodge announce before the season that he would be retiring, so that added even more motivation for the two time defending state champions coming into Saturdays UIL 6A Division II Championship to make sure he would get state title number 7.
Although Denton Guyer didn’t make it easy, the Chaparrals got a 40-21 victory to send Coach Dodge out a state champion. "That was gritty. I knew these kids had it in them. I knew we were not going to leave this three year window and be remembered as a team that just folded after one bit of adversity." Dodge
Westlake had to battle some adversity being down 14-13 at halftime. It was the first season Westlake has trailed at the half. But Clemson signee Cade Klubnik and sophomore Wideout Jaden Greathouse would take over and lead the Chaps to a 27-point second half. Klubnik threw 280 yards and 4 touchdowns. Greathouse the games Offensive MVP, caught 7 balls for 236 yards and 3 of Klubnik touchdown passes. Greathouse set a 6A state record for most receiving yards in a game.
The real story of the night was the Chaps defense who registered 11 sacks on the night. Led by Defensive MVP Colton Vasek, who had 3.5 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Will Courtney, Byers Petty and Texas signee Ethan Burke had great night as well for the Westlake defense that only allow 7 second half points.
Guyer came out on fire led by junior Quarterback Jackson Arnold and a opportunistic defense. Arnold gave the Wildcats a 7-6 lead when he scored on a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. After a Klubnik and Greathouse score, Arnold hit UTSA signee Jace Wilson for a 9-yard touchdown pass to put Guyer up 14-13 at halftime. Arnold finished the night with 239 yards of total offense and 3 touchdowns (2 rushing and 1 passing).
Defensively Pittsburg signee Marquan Pope led the defense with 10 tackles. Eli Bowen registered and interception, while Jaden Powell, Brooks Etheridge, and two star Peyton Bowen made plays all night for the Wildcats.
When asked what's next for Coach Dodge, "I got three beautiful grandchildren right here in the DFW area. I want to be a pawpaw and be around those guys. My mother is 83 and she still knows who I am and I want to spend as much time as I can with her. Elizabeth (His wife) for a little bit little bit we are going to act like we are retired and do stuff we have never been able to do."
Job well done Coach Dodge!