Jack: This is a huge game for the Trojans, but the Chaps are a tough, tough opponent. They’re not the same team that won 3 straight state championships at the turn of the decade, but much like the Alabama Crimson Tide, even their comparably bad teams are great. Westlake features a strong run game and a powerhouse defense. I don’t see the Anderson offensive line being able to win the battle against Westlake’s front 7, so it’ll take a herculean effort by Brady Gephart to get the Trojans a win today. He’ll need 300+ yards and 4 total touchdowns to give Anderson a shot at an upset, and he’s not going to have much time to throw the ball. The defense should hold up for the better part of the game, but by the 4th quarter, they’re going to be run down if the offense can’t sustain long drives. I think the Trojans hang around and make this a game for 3 quarters but the Chaps pull away in the final frame. Westlake 35 Anderson 14
Sebastian: Anderson will have the biggest test of the season so far when they play Westlake tomorrow night. The Chaparrals come into the game 5-0 with big wins against Ridge Point (Ranked 39 in Texas) and Lake Travis (Ranked 15 in Texas). They have three shutouts against Judson, Akins, and Del Valle. The Westlake offense has had no trouble putting up points, but their defense has been the more dominant unit. The Chaps have given up an average of 7 points per game (in non-shutouts), and Anderson will need to score much more than that if they want to have a chance to win the game heading into the 4th quarter. For the Trojans to have a chance in this game, they need to do two things: stop the run and have their best offensive game of the season. Westlake running backs have run all over their opponents, and Anderson has had issues stopping the run. There will have to be a dramatic change in the play of the Trojan front 7 if they want a chance in this game. If the Trojan offense doesn’t come out firing on all cylinders, they will have a tough time. Responding to scores will be critical. If Westlake goes down and scores a touchdown, the Trojans need to respond with a touchdown of their own. Settling for field goals will dig Anderson into a hole that will be hard to get out of. I think Anderson will put up a fight, but issues in the trenches will push the game in Westlake’s favor. Anderson 24 Westlake 37
