Westlake vs. Cedar Ridge: Undefeated Raiders face top-ranked Chaps in District 25-6A

Westlake will host Cedar Ridge on Friday in a matchup that determines at least a share of the District 25-6A football title. Although Texas high school football does not feature official district championship games, this contest between the top two teams in the American-Statesman’s 6A power rankings is the closest equivalent. The result will set the stage for the postseason for both programs.

Cedar Ridge enters the game with an 8-0 overall record and a 4-0 conference mark. The Raiders are considered one of the most surprising teams in the state this season. Westlake, the host, holds a 7-1 overall record and a 4-0 conference record. The Chaps may have been underrated by their own standards in the preseason, but they arrive at this contest as a serious contender.

The defensive matchup is central to the game’s outcome. Westlake relies on a rushing attack that often does not require flashy plays. The team can line up and run the ball directly at opponents, a strategy that worked in their recent victory over Lake Travis. This success is driven by an offensive line with five potential college starters. Running back CJ Jones has already collected more than 30 Power 4 offers, while quarterback Patton Jones serves as a dual-threat option.

Cedar Ridge aims to disrupt this ground game with a front seven that includes defensive tackle Jeremiah Passmore and linebacker Ayden O’Brien Brown. Their objective is to force Westlake into third-and-long situations. This would create opportunities for defensive backs Trent Bell and Bekett Lohman to make plays against the pass. The Raiders’ defense must limit the Chaps’ ability to control the clock through sustained drives.

The passing attack presents the most fascinating challenge for Westlake. Cedar Ridge quarterback Dylan Snoga has been highly effective this season, supported by a group of talented receivers led by Terrez Harrison. The Chaps’ defensive backs and linebackers must make the tackle on the first attempt to prevent big gains. Westlake contained the Lake Travis receiving corps in their previous game, allowing only one play to break through. They will need to replicate that performance against a faster and more dynamic offense.

Cedar Ridge also possesses a versatile running game. Snoga can scramble for yards, and the team utilizes a committee approach at running back, led by Devin Patterson. This will be the fastest offense Westlake has faced since surrendering 510 yards in a loss to Prosper. How the Chaps manage the speed of the Raiders’ offense will likely determine the winner.

Intangibles and preparation will play a role in the contest. Cedar Ridge coach Bryan Vardeman, an early favorite for Central Texas coach of the year, stated that his team approaches this game with the same mental makeup as its previous eight. The Raiders are treating this as their biggest game since a second-round playoff contest in 2018. Westlake faces a different challenge, having only six days to recover from a physical rivalry game against Lake Travis.

Special teams could swing the outcome for either side. Westlake dominated special teams against Lake Travis, securing good field position throughout the game. The Chaps intend to repeat that performance. Cedar Ridge, meanwhile, could alter the momentum with a punt or kick return for a touchdown. The prediction for the contest is Westlake 37-30. The Chaps are expected to give up yards but will make a game-defining defensive play. The teams could meet again in the regional finals of the Class 6A Division II playoffs in early December.