No stars on Chaps, but team is on rise
Westlake
play.”
Westlake coach Darren Allman said Box had “blossomed in the past six or eight weeks.” The coach couldn’t pinpoint why Box had become a more integral part of the offense, but he said he witnessed a change in the receiver’s practice habits.
“Brandon’s always been a good practice player, but I noticed (in late October) that he’d catch a pass and sprint all the way to the end zone, even though he doesn’t have to,” Allman said. “And then he’d sprint all the way back to the huddle.”
Box had one of his most productive games last week, catching six passes for 98 yards in a 42-35 state quarterfinal victory over Plano West at Waco ISD Stadium.
Allman said the Chaps closely resemble the 2009 Westlake team that played in the 5A, Division I state championship game against Euless Trinity.
Both teams won in the final week of the regular season and began to improve when the playoffs started.
“We still haven’t peaked offensively,” Allman said.
Allman and Box agreed that Severt had stepped up his play in the postseason. A junior who made his varsity debut this season, Severt has thrown 20 touchdowns passes vs. eight interceptions. Against Plano West, he completed 17 of 20 passes for 227 yards.
“I see Jordan as being more composed in the pocket,” Box said. “He’s making the right reads, making the right decisions and protecting the football.”
Severt is Westlake’s only hot NCAA Division I prospect, Allman said. SMU already has offered the young quarterback a scholarship, but Allman expects the 6-4, 235pound Severt to receive countless more inquiries from other schools during the next year.
“Jordan isn’t even close to being the player he’s going to become,” the coach said.
Among the Chaparrals who have had notable playoff performances on offense are running back Alex Chavez (a combined 184 yards and four touchdowns against Hendrickson and A&M Consolidated); Box (four catches for 66 yards against Longview); and running back Keith Carter (three rushing touchdowns against Plano West).
“The good thing about this team is how balanced we’ve become on offense,” said Allman, who has seen the numbers. The Chaps have gained 2,670 yards and scored 34 touchdowns rushing this season, and they have added 2,450 yards and 20 touchdowns passing.
Westlake has averaged 38 points in its first four playoff games, up from its season average of 29 points a game. Box said his team’s all-for-one offense has become more cohesive during the past month, too.
“We’re playing our best football right now, and no one can beat us when we’re at our best,” he said.