Earlier in the week, defensive coordinator Tony Salazar learned that he would have to be more than a defensive specialist Friday night. Without head coach Todd Dodge — who was unable to be on the sidelines due to illness — the Chaparrals were forced to play without their leader by their side. Salazar was tasked with filling Dodge’s role on the field while the head coach made play calls from the press box. Seemingly unfazed by this change, Westlake marched towards a 52-7 victory over Lehman, exerting its dominance in multiple areas of the game.

“It was fun, and I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, but it wasn’t about me,” Salazar said. “It was about those kids who prepared all week. We talked about putting in the work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, then getting paid on Friday. That was our big pay day.”

After the game Salazar cited that Dodge had been feeling “under the weather” and will take the weekend off, but will return to coaching by Monday. 

The Chaps wasted no time getting ahead, scoring on their first drive after a 48-yard run by running back junior Grey Nakfoor put the offense on the goal line. On the next play, Nakfoor got the ball again, pushing through the defense for two yards and a score, putting the Chaps up 7-0 immediately after getting the ball on offense. He finished with 95 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries, his best rushing night of the season. 

Quarterback senior Kirkland Michaux came out slinging the pigskin as well, putting up three touchdown passes within the first quarter, two of them being to wide receiver senior Ryan Lindley. Westlake ended the first quarter up 28-0. The Chaps made it to 42 points by halftime and 52 by the end of the game, displaying their offensive superiority even with Dodge calling plays from the press box.

Westlake found defensive success as well, forcing two turnovers and allowing Lehman only a consolation touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Being a defensive coordinator, Salazar took pride in the success the team had in his area of expertise.  

“I was absolutely pleased [with the defense],” Salazar said. “[Lehman’s] a good, physical football team. They run the football well, but I think we neutralized that enough tonight to come out and get a good result.”

The Chaps will have a week of rest before the much-anticipated Lake Travis rivalry game Oct. 11.