Austin American-Statesman author Rick Cantu summed up the large District 26-6A rematch that awaits this Saturday the very best:
Westlake and Lake Travis have mixed for 10 state soccer championships. It’s a recreation that promotes itself.
Texas highschool soccer, basically, doesn’t require any anticipatory filler or theatrics, and this Austin-area battle multiplies that sentiment by a thousand.
The regional semifinal on the Pfield in Pflugerville is a rematch of the common season recreation that turned one of many extra thrilling contests on the 2023 schedule.
Each groups entered that recreation undefeated, with Westlake holding the No. 15 spot within the Tremendous 25 rankings. The end result—or extra to the purpose: Lake Travis taking part in spoiler—was closely depending on the defensive aspect of the ball.
Each groups met that expectation (after which some) because the Chaparrals edged out the Cavaliers 20-14, extending the Westlake program’s huge regular-season successful streak to 36 video games.
That was then. That is now.
Every group has been on a powerful run, with the defenses standing out as two of the very best.
Westlake enters the semifinal now ranked No. 14 within the Tremendous 25 with a protection that has allowed 122 factors allowed in 13 video games. And the offense has continued to progress, with sophomore QB Rees Smart and senior RB Jack Kayser placing up essentially the most spectacular stats throughout the playoff run.
On the opposite sideline, Lake Travis has almost matched the Chaps’ top-tier defensive prowess by permitting 165 factors in 13 video games. From the offensive aspect of the ball, the group has a strong offensive line in entrance of sophistication of 2024 standout Nico Hamilton, who has placed on a speeding clinic currently.
Which group strikes on to presumably notch state soccer title No. 11?
Within the land of 6A Texas soccer, something can occur after kickoff.
Highschool soccer followers across the nation who need to watch the must-see matchup can stay stream the sport on the NFHS Community.
Westlake Chaparrals quarterback Rees Smart (9) quarterback Paxton Land (7) and sort out Tyler Knape (74) rejoice their 27-14 win towards the Dripping Springs Tigers on the District 26-6A soccer recreation on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Westlake Chaparral Stadium — West Lake Hills, TX.
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