North Crowley captures state title with 50-21 win over Westlake

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (December 21, 2024) The North Crowley Panthers won their first state football title by downing the Westlake Chaparrals 50-21 to capture the UIL Class 6A Division I championship

at AT&T Stadium.

The Panthers started strong, scoring a touchdown early in the first quarter. Quarterback Chris Jimerson connected with wide receiver Quentin Gibson for a 75-yard touchdown pass, putting North Crowley ahead 7-0. Westlake responded later in the quarter with a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7. However, North Crowley regained the lead before the end of the first quarter, finishing the period up 14-7.

In the second quarter, the Panthers' defense held Westlake scoreless while their offense added another 14 points, bringing the halftime score to 28-7 in favor of North Crowley. The third quarter saw both teams scoring, but North Crowley extended their lead by adding 15 points compared to Westlake's 7, making it 43-14. In the final quarter, each team scored a touchdown, resulting in a final score of 50-21.

This victory highlights North Crowley's strong performance on both offense and defense, showcasing their readiness as they advance further into the playoffs. The Panthers' ability to execute big plays, like the 75-yard touchdown pass, and their defensive efforts to limit Westlake's scoring opportunities were key factors in their win.

Westlake dominates North Shore to advance to state finals

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (December 14, 2024)   In a highly anticipated matchup, the Westlake Chaparrals defeated the North Shore Mustangs 28-10 in the Texas high school football semifinals on Saturday. With over 5,000 fans in attendance, the game showcased intense action from the first kickoff to the final whistle.

North Shore started strong, putting the first points on the board with a 25-yard field goal by Daniel Cruz Sanchez midway through the first quarter. But Westlake quickly responded. Elijah Clark broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point from Nolan Bartley, giving Westlake a 7-3 lead.

Westlake took control late in the first quarter. Rees Wise connected with Evan Kolander for a 31-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-3. Their dominance continued into the second quarter as Wise found another receiver in the end zone, pushing the score to 21-3.

North Shore tried to rally late in the first half. Quarterback Kaleb Bailey threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Quanell Farrahkan Jr., narrowing the gap to 21-10 before halftime.

Westlake's defense shut down North Shore in the second half, forcing turnovers and keeping their offense in check. Wise added his third touchdown pass of the game early in the third quarter, a 19-yard strike to Grady Bartlett, putting the game out of reach at 28-10.

Despite moments of promise, North Shore struggled to match Westlake’s consistency. Defensive standouts like Elliott Schaper delivered key sacks, and Westlake's offense capitalized on nearly every opportunity.

The Chaparrals now advance to the Texas state championship, aiming to cap their season with a title. For North Shore, it’s a tough end to a strong season. 

A tale of two state champions...and two quarterbacks

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021
All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (January 9, 2021) It was a battle between two 2019 state champions. The semifinal game to the determine one of the final two teams playing for the UIL State 6A Division 1 state championship. They both had been there before. The Galena Park North Shore Mustangs were the 6A Division I state champions in 2019. The Austin Westlake Chaparrals were the 2019 6A Division II champions.  It was not only a battle between two storied high schools. It was a battle between two quarterbacks who led their respective teams to undefeated seasons leading up to the contest at Legacy Stadium in Katy. Westlake came out on top, by the score of 24-21 in a game that was, in this writer's opinion, the most even matchup of two teams in the current UIL playoffs; and the most evenly matched quarterbacks in Texas.

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021
All Rights Reserved

The Chaparrals were led by junior Cade Klubnik (shown above), with the Mustangs being led by senior Dematrius Davis (shown left). Klubnik will return to Westlake in the fall of 2021 to lead the Chaparrals, while Davis will begin his college career, in the fall, with the Auburn Tigers. Their individual stats tell part of the story of how the game went.

Klubnik completed 15 of 27 passes for 172 yards (55.56%) with two touchdowns. He also carried the ball 10 times for 14 yards and one touchdown. His longest run was eight yards. Davis, on the other hand, completed 10 of 19 passes for 140 yards (52.16%) with two touchdowns. He rushed 19 times for 69 yards and one touchdown. Their stats were fairly close, except for one important area; interceptions, Klubnik was not picked off during the game, while Davis threw two interceptions. That was difference...interceptions. That statistic is not to imply that it cost the Mustangs the game. It simply shows that anything can happen in a game, and if it CAN happen, it usually does. That is the nature of the sport.

Both of these fine young men are destined for great things. Klubnik and the Chaparrals will next face Southlake Carroll for the Texas state championship on Saturday, January 16 at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington. Davis' next game will be on Saturday, September 4 when the Auburn Tigers play the Akron Zips at Jordan-Hare Stadium, in Auburn, Alabama.