By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
Westlake will be playing in its 12th state championship, while the Chaparrals opponent in Saturday’s Class 6A Division I state championship game – North Crowley – is playing in its first since 2003.
This is the game no one thought they would get.
North Crowley (15-0) upset reigning state champion Duncanville in one semifinal, while Westlake (14-1) dominated against favorite Galena Park North Shore in the other.
The last time Westlake won a state championship was in 2021, when this senior class were freshman. North Crowley’s senior class wasn’t even born when the Panthers last won a state championship in 2003.
North Crowley’s resume to get to Saturday’s championship game at AT8T Stadium is a list of who’s who in Texas high school football, which include Odessa Permian, Coppell, Allen and Duncanville.
As impressive as that is, Westlake’s performance last week against North shore was equally impressive.
The matchup of the game will be the Chaparrals’ stingy defense against North Crowley’s explosive offense. It may just come down to whether or not Westlake’s offense can score enough points to stay in the game.
More state championship coverage
How they got here
Vandegrift: defeated Vista RIdge 46-17; d. San Antonio Brennan 24-7; d. Buda Johnson 52-14; d. Lake Travis 24-17; d. Galena Park North Shore 35-10.
North Crowley: defeated Trophy Club Byron Nelson 56-21; d. Odessa Permian 72-14; d. Coppell 35-24; d. Allen 35-7; d. Duncanville 36-34.
Last state championship appearance
Westlake: Defeated Southlake Carroll 52-34 in the 2021 Class 6A Division I state championship game. After leading by seven at halftime, Westlake opened the second half by scoring 17 unanswered points on a field goal and two touchdown runs by Cade Klubnik, the games offensive MVP. Interestingly enough, Michael Taffe was the game’s defensive MVP. Klubnik (Clemson) and Taffe (Texas) will be on opposite sides of the ball in Saturday’s College Football Playoff between the Tigers and the Longhorns.
North Crowley: The Panthers are making their first state championship game appearance since 2003. North Crowley defeated Bay City 20-6 in the Class 4A Division I state championship at the old Texas Stadium in Irving.
Players to Watch
Westlake
Elliot Shaper, senior linebacker: The Duke signee was dominant in the Chaparrals’ win over Galena Park North Shore with 12 tackles, including three tackles for a loss. He leads Westlake’s star-studded defense with 124 tackles, which includes 12 sacks and 28 tackles for a loss.
George Jones III, senior defensive back: North Crowley’s explosive offense is going to test Jones, who will be given the task of guarding standout wide receiver Quentin Gibson. Jones has game-changing ability and elite speed, so he could be up for the task. He leads the Chaparrals with seven interceptions and six pass deflections.
Reese Wise, junior quarterback: Wise played one of his best games of the season in last week’s win over North Shore. A dual-threat quarterback, Wise has thrown for 2,444 yards and 23 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He gets it done with his legs with a team high 13 rushing touchdowns with 358 yards on 139 carries.
North Crowley
Chris Jimmerson Jr., senior quarterback: Jimmerson is a prolific passer that has thrown for 3,470 yards and 54 touchdowns. The North Texas signee threw four touchdown passes in North Crowley’s win over Duncanville this past Saturday. It was his 10th game with four or more touchdown passes.
Jonathan Cunningham, senior linebacker: The Texas signee leads a stout defense that allows 17.5 points per game. Cunningham will likely be an impact player in Saturday’s game with Westlake.
Quentin Gibson, senior wide receiver: The Colorado signee is the state’s leading receiver with 1,828 yards and 33 touchdowns on 86 catches.
Predictions
North Crowley just knocked off the No. 3 team in the nation and the back-to-back 6A-I state champion, Duncanville. Westlake has not seen this type of prolific offense all season. Defense wins championships, and the Chaparrals are one fo the best in the state. No one thought Westlake was going to be here. Yet, no one thought North Crowley would be here, too.
I’ll take Westlake in a close one.
