Texas high school football is a religion, and Westlake High School in Austin is one of its holiest shrines. Nestled in the rolling hills just west of the state capital, the Westlake Chaparrals have carved out a legacy that reverberates far beyond their 4100 Westbank Drive campus. With state championships, NFL-bound stars, and a community that lives for Friday night lights, Westlake isn’t just a team—it’s a powerhouse that defines excellence in the fiercely competitive 6A Division I landscape. In this 1299-word deep dive, we’ll unpack the rich history, recent triumphs, standout players, and the secret sauce behind their dominance. Ready to discover why Westlake High School football is a name every fan needs to know? Let’s kick off.
What Makes Westlake High School Football a Cut Above?
In a state where football is king, Westlake stands tall as royalty. Part of the Eanes Independent School District, this program thrives on a potent blend of tradition, talent, and tenacity. The Chaparrals don’t just play—they dominate, consistently ranking among the nation’s elite and sending players to college powerhouses and the pros. But what fuels this juggernaut? It’s the synergy of elite coaching, a relentless work ethic, and a fanbase that turns Chaparral Stadium into a cauldron of red, white, and blue energy every game night.
Westlake’s story isn’t just about wins—it’s about building a culture where excellence is the baseline, not the exception. From packed stands to college scouts lining the sidelines, the Chaparrals capture the essence of Texas high school football at its finest.
Westlake High School Football: The Essentials at a Glance
Here’s a quick rundown of what defines Westlake football:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Austin, Texas, west of downtown in the Eanes ISD |
| School Size | Approx. 2,800 students, one of Texas’ top academic and athletic campuses |
| State Championships | 1996, 2019, 2020, 2021 (UIL 6A Division I) |
| Recent National Ranking | No. 11 (MaxPreps, 2024 final) |
| Notable Players | Drew Brees (QB, NFL legend), Nick Foles (QB, Super Bowl MVP), Cade Klubnik (QB, Clemson) |
| Head Coach | Tony Salazar, continuing a legacy of winning |
| Rivalries | Lake Travis, North Shore, North Crowley |
| 2024 Record | 14-2, lost 50-21 to North Crowley in 6A Division I championship on Dec. 21, 2024 |
This table is your cheat sheet—keep reading for the full playbook!
A Storied History: How Did Westlake Become a Football Powerhouse?
Westlake’s football roots run deep, but their ascent to greatness began in earnest in 1996. Led by a young Drew Brees, the Chaparrals snagged their first state title in the 5A Division II championship, a 55-15 rout of Abilene Cooper. It was a declaration: Westlake had arrived.
The program hit its stride under coach Todd Dodge, who orchestrated a modern dynasty with three consecutive 6A Division I titles from 2019 to 2021. Those years saw Westlake compile a jaw-dropping 54-game winning streak, tying a state record for 6A schools. Even after Dodge’s departure in 2021, the Chaparrals haven’t slowed down, reaching the 2024 state championship game under Tony Salazar.
Key Milestones in Westlake Football History
- 1996: First state title with Drew Brees at the helm, a launching pad for future success.
- 2019-2021: Three-peat championships, including wins over Denton Guyer (24-0) and Southlake Carroll (52-34).
- 2024: A 14-2 season capped by a runner-up finish to North Crowley.
Westlake’s ability to reload talent and stay in the title hunt year after year is a testament to its unshakable foundation.
How Did Westlake Perform in the 2024 Season?
The 2024 season was a rollercoaster of brilliance and heartbreak for Westlake. Finishing 14-2, the Chaparrals averaged 41.8 points per game, torching opponents with a high-octane offense. Their playoff run was a masterclass—until the 6A Division I championship game on December 21, 2024, where North Crowley handed them a 50-21 defeat at AT&T Stadium.
Standout Games of 2024
- Semifinal Thriller: A 24-17 win over rival Lake Travis, sealed by a late touchdown from QB Reese Wise.
- Championship Clash: North Crowley’s Chris Jimerson Jr. threw four TDs to outpace Westlake’s valiant effort, ending their title bid.
Despite the loss, Westlake’s No. 11 national ranking (MaxPreps) and 14 wins underscore their status as a top-tier program.
2024 Season Stats
- Record: 14-2 overall.
- Offense: Averaged 41.8 points per game.
- Defense: Held foes to 14.6 points on average, with six shutouts.
Who Are the Stars Powering Westlake Football?
Westlake’s roster is a talent pipeline that feeds college football and the NFL. The 2024 squad boasted players who turned heads nationwide.
Reese Wise – The Rising QB Star
- Class: 2026.
- Stats: Over 3,000 passing yards, 35+ TDs in 2024.
- Future: Offers from Baylor, SMU, and Texas Tech signal a bright horizon.
Wise’s poise and arm strength kept Westlake humming, especially in clutch moments like the Lake Travis win.
Jett Wannen – Wide Receiver Extraordinaire
- Class: 2025.
- Stats: 900+ receiving yards, double-digit TDs.
- Impact: A speedster who stretches defenses thin.
Wannen’s knack for big plays made him a go-to target all season.
Ethan “Bo” Stewart – Defensive Anchor
- Class: 2025.
- Stats: 80 tackles, 10 sacks in 2024.
- Future: Committed to play college ball, a linchpin of Westlake’s stout D.
Stewart’s tenacity up front disrupted countless opposing offenses.
What’s Westlake’s Practice Schedule Like?
Success starts on the practice field. Here’s a look at Westlake’s typical weekly regimen during the season:
| Day | Activity | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Film review, light conditioning | Strategy and recovery |
| Tuesday | Full pads practice, offensive drills | Play execution, timing |
| Wednesday | Defensive schemes, special teams | Stopping opponents, kicking game |
| Thursday | Walk-through, game plan finalization | Mental prep, adjustments |
| Friday | Game day—Chaparral Stadium lights up! | Execution under pressure |
| Saturday | Recovery, film analysis of game | Learning from wins/losses |
This structured approach keeps the team sharp and adaptable, week in and week out.
How Does Westlake High School Football Build Champions?
Winning isn’t luck—it’s engineered. Westlake’s formula blends coaching brilliance, grueling preparation, and community passion.
Coaching Excellence
Tony Salazar, stepping into Todd Dodge’s big shoes, keeps the tradition alive with a modern spread offense and a stingy defense. His focus on player development ensures stars shine and role players thrive.
Relentless Preparation
- Offseason: Weight room sessions build power and speed.
- Practice: High-intensity drills mimic game scenarios.
- Film Room: Hours dissecting opponents’ weaknesses.
Community Fuel
Chaparral Stadium’s 10,000+ fans create an electric atmosphere. Pre-game pep rallies and local sponsorships—like Thomas J. Henry’s streaming support—keep morale sky-high.
What Are Westlake’s Fiercest Rivalries?
Rivalries ignite Texas football, and Westlake’s battles are epic.
- Westlake vs. Lake Travis: A District 26-6A grudge match—Westlake’s won five straight, including 2024’s 24-17 playoff nail-biter.
- Westlake vs. North Shore: Playoff classics, like the 2024 semifinal prep for North Crowley, keep this feud alive.
- Westlake vs. North Crowley: The 2024 title game loss (50-21) adds fuel to a growing rivalry.
These showdowns are must-watch events, dripping with stakes and swagger.
How Can Fans Keep Up with Westlake Football?
Stay in the loop with these options:
- Live Streams: NFHS Network or KXAN.com/westlake for Friday night action.
- Updates: MaxPreps and Westlake Nation (@Westlake_Nation on X) for scores and highlights.
- Local Buzz: Austin American-Statesman for in-depth coverage.
Tips for Aspiring Westlake Football Players
Want to wear the Chaparral “W”? Here’s how:
- Start Young: Join youth leagues to master basics.
- Hit the Books: Eligibility demands strong grades.
- Show Up: Summer camps are your audition—impress the staff.
- Grind Hard: Outwork your peers; effort trumps talent alone.
Why Does Westlake Football Matter to Texas?
Westlake High School football isn’t just a team—it’s a beacon of Texas’ gridiron obsession. Their four state titles, 104 playoff wins, and .765 all-time winning percentage (third-best in state history) set a gold standard. From Brees to Foles to Klubnik, they’ve launched legends while uniting a community under the Friday night lights.
Fun Fact: Westlake’s 54-game win streak (2019-2022) matched the 6A record—proof they’re built different.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The 2024 season ended with a 50-21 championship loss, but Westlake’s fire still burns bright. With young guns like Reese Wise, a proven system under Tony Salazar, and a fanbase that bleeds Chaparral colors, the next title isn’t far off. Westlake High School football isn’t just a program—it’s a dynasty in perpetual motion, shaping Texas football one snap at a time.
