Westlake and Cedar Ridge Face Off for District 25-6A Title

Westlake’s running back CJ Jones has already secured more than 30 Power 4 college offers, a statistic that underscores the depth of the Chaps’ offensive line. That group, which features five starters capable of playing at the collegiate level, allows Westlake to dominate opponents through a straightforward run game. The team’s 7-1 record, including a 4-0 mark in District 25-6A, reflects this consistent ground attack. They do not rely on flashy schemes but rather on physical execution, a strategy evident in their recent victory over Lake Travis.

Cedar Ridge enters Friday’s matchup as an undefeated 8-0 squad, having also swept the district. The Raiders are widely considered one of the most surprising teams in the state. They face a Westlake team that some preseason observers may have underrated by Westlake’s own high standards. The outcome of this game will decide at least a share of the district championship. It is the most significant regular-season contest in Central Texas this year.

The defensive battle centers on whether Cedar Ridge can stop Westlake’s rushing attack. The Raiders deploy two of the region’s top defensive players in their front seven: tackle Jeremiah Passmore and linebacker Ayden O’Brien Brown. Their objective is to force the Chaps into third-and-long situations. This pressure aims to open up opportunities for defensive backs Trent Bell and Bekett Lohman to generate plays against the pass. Westlake’s quarterback, Patton Jones, is a dual threat who can extend plays if the line stalls, adding another layer to the defensive challenge for Cedar Ridge.

Conversely, the aerial matchup between Cedar Ridge’s offense and Westlake’s secondary represents the game’s most complex tactical puzzle. Raiders quarterback Dylan Snoga has performed exceptionally well this season, utilizing several capable receivers led by Terrez Harrison. The Chaps must make tackles on the first attempt to prevent big gains. Westlake successfully limited a talented Lake Travis receiving corps last week, missing only one play, and must replicate that performance to contain the Raiders. Cedar Ridge also maintains a balanced threat, with Snoga’s scrambling ability and a committee running game led by Devin Patterson providing multiple ways to move the ball.

This contest pits the best and fastest offense Westlake has encountered since conceding 510 yards in a loss to Prosper against a team that thrives on speed. How the Chaps handle Cedar Ridge’s pace may determine the final score. For Cedar Ridge, the stakes are equally high. This is arguably the largest game the program has played since a second-round playoff appearance in 2018. Coach Bryan Vardeman, who leads the race for Central Texas Coach of the Year, stated that his team’s mental makeup is strong and that they are approaching this contest with the same mindset as their previous eight victories.

Westlake faces a logistical hurdle in the form of a short turnaround. They played a physical and intense rivalry game against Lake Travis six days prior to this matchup. The Chaps must manage the physical and emotional residue of that Battle of the Lakes contest. Special teams will also play a decisive role. Westlake dominated this phase in their last game, securing favorable field position throughout. They intend to repeat that success, while Cedar Ridge holds the potential to shift the game’s momentum with a punt or kick return for a touchdown.

The American-Statesman projects a 37-30 victory for Westlake. The prediction assumes the Chaps will yield some yardage but will produce a game-defining defensive stop when it matters most. However, the margin is slim enough that Cedar Ridge could secure a chance at immediate retribution. The two teams are projected to meet again in the regional finals of the Class 6A Division II playoffs in early December. That potential rematch adds another layer of significance to Friday’s contest.