Kickoff: 7:30 p.m., Friday at Chaparral Stadium
Last week: Westlake defeated Anderson 67-14. Dripping Springs defeated Akins 48-0.
Last meeting: Westlake defeated Dripping Springs 29-10 on Oct. 14, 2022 at Tiger Stadium.
All-time record: This is only the second meeting between the two schools.
Tale of the tape
| Dripping Springs | Westlake | |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 5-1, 4-0 | 6-0, 4-0 |
| Points per game | 42.8 | 47.8 |
| Points allowed per game | 11 | 8.2 |
| Passing yards per game | 183.3 | 170.3 |
| Rushing yards per game | 207.5 | 174.5 |
Players to Watch
Dripping Springs: QB Matt Maher (71 of 115, 923 yards, 12 TDs, 4 INTs); RB Jake Tyndall (91 carries, 766 yards, 127.7 YPG, 12 TDs), RB Nick Tyndall (22 carries, 193 yards, 3 TDs); WR Kyle Koch (29 catches, 490 yards, 6 TDs). DT Elijah Gonzales (26 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 Sacks);
Westlake: QB Rees Wise (39 of 62, 570 yards, 8 TDs, 2 INTs); RB Jack Kayser (8 Carries2, 421 yards, 7 TDs); RB Nick Acosta (44 carries, 263 yards, 3 TDs); DB Judson Crockett (40 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 FR); DE Rhett Steepe (15 tackles, 4 TFL, 4 sacks)
The storyline
This is the second meeting between Dripping Springs and Westlake. Last year’s loss to the Chaparrals still stings for the Tigers, who finished second in the district behind Westlake. It was also Dripping Springs’ only regular season loss. The Tigers will be looking to avenge last year’s defeat and have a good chance to do so.
With a win, Dripping Springs will move to the front of the pack in District 26-6A and sets up a date with Lake Travis next week with a chance to clinch a share of the district title, at a minimum. Should the Tigers be successful, it would be their first football district title in Class 6A.
For Westlake, Friday’s matchup will be about reminding Dripping Springs and the rest of District 26-6A that the Chaps are still the standard of excellence in the Austin Area.
What will it be? Offense or Defense?
Friday’s showdown could turn into a shoot out or a defensive standoff. Both offenses are averaging over 40 points a game, but do so differently. The Chaparrals are a smashmouth football team behind senior running back Jack Kayser. Dripping Springs’ offense is more balanced with a potent passing attack led by quarterback Matt Maher and a ground assault from the duo of junior running backs Jack and Nick Tyndall.
However, both defenses haven’t given up a lot of points either. The Tigers’ defense is allowing 11 points a game, while the Chaps are giving up eight points a game.
A new rivalry
Westlake and Dripping Springs high schools are separated by 25 miles, with both schools carrying a championship pedigree. Expect a packed house at Chaparral Stadium. Dripping Springs will travel well to balance out the Westlake faithful. The Chaps still have home field advantage, but the atmosphere will surely be electric.
Who has the advantage?
A new feature to our Game of the Week preview is looking at who has the advantage in certain positions.
| Position | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Dripping Springs |
| Running back | Westlake |
| Wide receivers | Dripping Springs |
| Offensive line | Westlake |
| Defense | Westlake |
| Special Teams | Dripping Springs |
| Intangibles (Fans, student sections, etc) | Even |
Our pick
This is probably as balanced of a game as there is, but the game is at Chaparral Stadium. If Dripping Springs’ fans bring a high energy to Westlake, home field may not matter. If this game becomes a defensive battle, Westlake has an advantage. If Dripping Springs can throw the ball as they have been, the Tigers have a bigger advantage. A win over the Chaps will be the biggest win for Dripping Springs since moving up to Class 6A, and this is the year for it. Prediction: Dripping Springs 28, Westlake 24.