The Chaps varsity football team has perfected their “championship gumbo” by 2025, head coach Tony Salazar said – and the main ingredient is in the trenches.
After graduating four of their five starting defensive linemen, senior defensive tackle Maddox Flynt is the only returning starter. As a captain, Flynt will have to adjust to being a leader after being the youngest starter just a season ago.
“Being a senior and a captain is a big leadership role,” Flynt said. “Just stepping into that and embracing it is something I’m improving on weekly.”
The fourth-ranked Chaparrals kick off their 2025 season this Friday against no. 22 Prosper in Belton at Crusader Stadium. The Eagles gave the Chaps a tough game a year ago, as they were leading at halftime but ultimately fell 35-14.
Flynt is one of three defensive captains alongside senior defensive back Thompson Bennett and senior middle linebacker Mason Lastor. Those three will lead the Chaps into week one as the only multi-year senior starters.
“It’s great not having to worry about the other levels of the defense,” Flynt said. “I’ve just gotta control my guys, and I know they’re ready.”
Toughness has always been a key part of the Westlake brand, and Flynt exemplifies that. After having to battle against top defenses in the state including North Shore, Atascocita, Lake Travis and North Crowley, he said he is ready.
“I think everybody knows who Maddox is – the ringleader, the tough guy up front on our defense,” Salazar said.
In 2024, Flynt finished with 65 tackles, 10 TFLs and four sacks, earning himself District 26-6A defensive MVP and first team all-district honors. His experience as a two-year starter will prove invaluable as he looks to lead the Chaps to another successful season.
“It’s really important to have experience,” Flynt said. “We’re all looking for opportunities, and we’re all ready.”
In week one, Flynt made an immediate impact, with two TFLs. He provided energy up front, and was able to match the size and strength of a vaunted Prosper offensive line. Despite the loss, the Chaps have a lot to look forward to on defense this season, and it all starts with number 99.
