GAME PREVIEW

It’s a classic offense vs. defense matchup in the final game of the season as Denton Guyer and its brutally efficient offense takes on Austin Westlake’s lockdown defense.

Guyer proved that a powerful offensive line and a lethal running game can indeed travel as the Wildcats went on the road last week and knocked off a very good Spring Westfield squad, 35-17.

Kaedric Cobbs and the Guyer offensive line totally dominated from the start as the senior running back finished with 212 yards on the ground and four touchdowns, while QB Eli Stowers (a Texas A&M commit) complimented Cobbs’ effort with 163 yards of offense and a rushing touchdown.

They’ll get a massive test this week going against an Austin Westlake defense that has allowed less than 14 points in 13 of 15 games this year.

The Chaps dismantled Katy Taylor last week, ending the Mustangs’ storybook run with a 63-3 thumping at McLane Stadium. QB Kirkland Michaux was again sensational for Todd Dodge’s squad throwing seven touchdown passes, five of which came in the first half as Austin Westlake raced out to a 35-3 halftime lead. WR Mason Mangum, a California commit, was Michaux’s favorite target hauling in six passes for 165 yards and three touchdowns. Three other Chaps also hauled in touchdown passes.

Westlake’s defense held Katy Taylor to just 92 yards of offense and only a single first down after halftime. Look for the Chaps defense to flood the box with numbers and try to slow down the Guyer rushing attack and force Stowers to beat them with his arm.

The problem is Stowers has some really good receivers to work with and even when teams flood the box, Guyer seems to find a way to churn out yards and first downs before taking the top off with a big play. 

Stepp’s Pick: Denton Guyer by 8

- Matt Stepp

_____

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Denton Guyer

Junior QB Eli Stowers (HUDL)

The Texas A&M commit has taken the leap this year from promising sophomore to become one of the premier players in the state as a junior with nearly 3,000 yards through the air and over 1,000 yards on the ground and 46 total touchdowns this season.

Senior RB Kaedric Cobbs (HUDL)

While Stowers grabs the headlines, Kaedric Cobbs has been Denton Guyer’s engine for three seasons now and has ended his Wildcat career with a remarkable 2,267-yard senior campaign with nearly 40 touchdowns on the ground. Cobbs’ potency on the ground forces teams to commit to the box making things easier for Stowers and the wideouts.

Senior DE Devin Goree (HUDL)

Guyer’s pass rush is one of the best with Devin Goree leads the unit with 12 sacks and 11 quarterback hurries. The Wildcats have 41 sacks as a team this season and the senior’s disruption ability is a big part why. He also has 20 tackles for loss.

Austin Westlake

Senior QB Kirkland Michaux (HUDL)

Westlake didn’t settle on a quarterback until well into the season, but Todd Dodge predictably picked the right now. Kirkland Michaux got better as the season went along and became a nearly 70-percent completion passer and has the athleticism to keep the chains moving if needed.

Senior WR Ryan Lindley (HUDL)

His wideout counterpart Mason Mangum may grab the recruiting marks, but the Yale-bound Ryan Lindley has been Westlake’s surehanded cheat code on a consistent basis often finding every hole in opposing secondaries and breaking away to tack on yards after the catch.

Senior S Leo Lowin (HUDL)

Westlake’s staunch defense is led by its frantic safety who finds himself all over the field. Not only is Lowin the team’s leading tackler, but he’s also aggressive enough in his play to lead the team in tackles for loss with 14 as well as three interceptions to his name.

- Ish Johnson

_____

PREDICTIONS

_____

TEPPER'S PICK

_____

Become a DCTF Insider today for exclusive insight from the best team of reporters in the Lone Star State! CLICK HERE!

Your subscription will include:

• Instant access to all of our content that is marked Insider at www.texasfootball.com.
  • Includes exclusive podcasts, recruiting news, and our full High School Football rankings and score predictors
• A mailed copy of the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Preview 
• A mailed copy of the Recruiting/Rising Edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
• Access to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football vast array of archived magazines