Austin Rivalry Preview: Westlake vs. Lake Travis

<p>Week 9, (7-0) @ (6-1), rivalry game, tied atop the district, it doesn't get much bigger than this one. Two of the most historic programs in ATX are duking it out in a high-stakes contest once again. Both undefeated in district play, the Westlake Chaparrals are playing host to the Lake Travis Cavaliers tonight. As we await kickoff for this showdown, let's check out three impact players from both squads. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Westlake</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">One of the premier players in the state holding down one of the most historical starting QB spots in the country, Wise has continued to deliver in leading the Chaps this season. A true dual threat, Rees is a great athlete who can also make any throw on the field. He excels at sifting in and out of the pocket and making the decision of whether to take off or change arm angles and delivering a strike downfield. Wise has a great feel for the pocket and excels at standing in and delivering deep touch passes down the numbers. One of the best QBs in the state, Rees looks to add a rivalry win to a strong senior season before taking his talents to the Ole Miss Rebels.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/rees_wise/status/1971583804512121068 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">The Chaps' prolific rushing attack would be nowhere near what it has been this season without the play of their monster left guard. Cook is a mauler in zone schemes and has the agility and ferocity to succeed in gap runs as well. Jackson also showcases great footwork and pad-level in pass protection. The star guard also excels at pulling with great short-area quickness and timing of his pads and feet. The first underclassmen to make an appearance, look for Cook to help control the line of scrimmage and dominate on offense tonight. He has received offers from schools such as Duke, Kansas State, and Texas Tech.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JDC2027/status/1975058063049576957 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A do it all free safety, Bennett is looking to get back in gear after missing a few games and provide the immense value he gives to the back end of the secondary. He plays with great instincts and field vision, playing the centerfielder role when needed and also flashing man-up ability. While strong in the passing game, Bennett is remarkable as a run stopper, filling lanes before they open and crashing downhill with great burst. He moves sideline to sideline with little wasted movement and thrives at collecting himself and firing out of his hips to wrap up and finish tackles. With 31 total tackles and 3 PBUs in just four games this season, don't be surprised if Thompson finds his way to his first interception tonight. He holds offers from schools such as Utah, UNLV, and Navy.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/T_B_Bennett/status/1968493496752361815 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lake Travis</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Hopping has been the physical workhorse back helping push the Cavs to an undefeated start this season. He carries the ball with great vision and patience, hitting lanes swiftly and setting up his blocks downfield. He showcases a fine mix of explosive play ability down the sideline along with picking up yards after contact between the tackles. Vann is very polished as a pill toter, demonstrating great pad-level and lower body contact balance. He also has 4.55 speed to back all his traits up. With over 900 yards and 18 touchdowns already, the Princeton commit will look to continue his dominant senior season tonight.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/VannHopping/status/1980668109137592357 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">A brilliant pass rusher with a massive frame, Buck has been a defensive spark plug living in the backfield this season. He has put together a dominant senior campaign so far, totaling 17 TFLs and 10 sacks through 7 games. Carter plays with a high motor and showcases the ability to explode off the snap and play with violent hands and great lower body bend. His combination of quickness and power allows the Cavs to line up all over the line of scrimmage and off the edge. Expect to see the TCU Horned Frogs commit make some trips into the backfield tonight.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">The guy who holds everything down behind Buck, Lott has put together a very good season of his own. Braeden has been a stat sheet stuffer this year, with 56 total tackles, 5 TFLs, an INT, and 2 fumble recoveries. He is a dynamic linebacker who flashes the abilities to both play in space and provide pressure off the edge. Lott does a great job disrupting blocks with violent hands and strong technique. With great instincts and awareness, he also thrives at filling gaps and putting himself in position to make tackles. The UTSA commit will be flying around looking to affect the ball tonight.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BraedenLott2026/status/1980049884192645608 </div></figure>

Week 9, (7-0) @ (6-1), rivalry game, tied atop the district, it doesn't get much bigger than this one. Two of the most historic programs in ATX are duking it out in a high-stakes contest once again. Both undefeated in district play, the Westlake Chaparrals are playing host to the Lake Travis Cavaliers tonight. As we await kickoff for this showdown, let's check out three impact players from both squads.