Westlake 62, Smithson Valley 3
Quick Take: After an unprecedented two-week run featuring upsets of Judson and Reagan, Smithson Valley’s hot streak met a cruel end in the form of a 62-3 loss against perennial juggernaut Austin Westlake on Friday night at The Pfield in Pflugerville. The Ranger offense was smothered all evening, tallying 44 yards on the ground and 122 yards through the air with just one play of 15 yards or more against one of the top defenses in the state.
Highlights: Westlake (10-0, 6-0 District 26-6A) quarterback Cade Klubnik completed six passes to star sophomore Jaden Greathouse on the first drive alone, methodically moving down the field to set up a 3-yard touchdown run from Zane Minors to give the Chaparrals a 7-0 lead.
Greathouse, a 6-foot-2 sophomore with four Power 5 offers already in hand, devastated the Ranger defense throughout the first half to the tune of 10 catches for 75 yards, including a 10yard score late in the first quarter. Klubnik, another four-star recruit with his choice of elite programs to choose from, completed 14 consecutive passes to close out the half, including a 34-yard strike to Michael Taafe on a well-run post route and a six-yard toss to Luke Nicklos to stretch the Chaparral lead to 41-0.
The Rangers (8-3, 5-2 District 27-6A) snuck in three points as time expired in the second quarter on a 48-yard field goal from the strong-legged Austin Hosier to take something positive into the locker room. However, an eight-play, 77-yard drive culminating in a 39-yard touchdown pass from Klubnik to Nicholas Watanabe shifted the momentum back in Westlake’s favor.
On the ensuing drive, Taafe stepped in front of a Ranger receiver and snatched an interception, returning it to the Smithson Valley 7-yard line to set up the second Minors touchdown run of the game. Later in the third quarter, running back Grey Nakfoor burst through the middle of a gaping hole set by the Westlake offensive line and outran the Smithson Valley secondary on a 42-yard touchdown run, putting the finishing touch to a 62-3 victory.
What it means: Smithson Valley will turn a new page in 2021 with the departures of its star quarterback, starting running back, top receiver, and standout defensive end, among other key contributors.
The ability for the Rangers to recover from such a substantial exodus likely will depend on the play of quarterback Derek Mata and running back Travis McCracken, who have both shown promise in limited action.
For Westlake, a state championship is undoubtedly in the realm of possibility as the Chaparrals haven’t been involved in a close game all season, and likely won’t face any real difficulty until the state semifinals at their current rate.
Game balls: Klubnik padded his season stat totals with 329 passing yards and four touchdowns on 24-27 attempts, adding a rushing touchdown for good measure. Minors carried 14 times for 108 yards and two touchdowns and his partner in the backfield, Nakfoor, registered 10 carries for 91 yards and two more scores. After an explosive first half, Greathouse eased up in the second, finishing with 11 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.
For the Rangers, quarterback Jalen Nutt was stifled on the ground for the first time all season, but managed to accumulate 117 passing yards against a stout secondary and vicious pass rush. Receiver Zack McDonald led the Rangers with 45 receiving yards, including a 39-yard catch. Junior linebacker Malachi Lane also recovered a fumble late in the game to provide a bright spot for the Smithson Valley defense.
Up next: Westlake advances to the regional round of the Class 6A Division I postseason to take on the winner of the StevensHarlingen game Saturday, while
Smithson Valley’s season has come to an end.