HUMBLE — Junior running back Braden Riddell took the handoff to his left side and followed his blockers up the seam for a 14 yard touchdown. Earlier Friday night, sophomore running back Jarren Lopez exited with a lower leg injury forcing Riddell, typically a blocking back, into a lead tailback role.

The junior transitioned roles smoothly, providing the Chaps numerous key plays including the 14-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that tied the game and gave the Chaps the momentum needed to push for a road victory.

The class of 2027 proved to be a crucial part of the Westlake (2-1) offense as they defeated Atascocita (2-1) 35-28 in an out of district matchup at George Turner Stadium Friday night. Riddell and fellow junior wideout Rhett Jenkins combined for 78 of the Chaps 364 total yards of offense. Both also added a touchdown.

“Hungry, right?” head coach Tony Salazar said. “Some young guys that are hungry got out there.”

The Chaps totaled 43 carries for 178 yards. Riddell accounted for four carries and 25 yards, a 6.3 yards per carry rate that was second only to senior running back Sebastian Henault, who finished his night with 6.8 yards per carry on 13 attempts.

“We came into the week knowing we lost to them last year…This year, we had the right game plan. Our coaches dialed it up. We executed,” Henault said. “Our offensive line blocked, our running back room played excellently. Jarren Lopez, me, [Chase] Broadhead, Riddell, we all performed and we executed how we wanted to.

Two runs from Riddell for 17 yards and four yards midway through the fourth quarter moved the Chaps into the red zone.

“Obviously Riddell was a good spark change there in the second half,” Salazar said. “Bringing in some fresh legs and obviously did a good job running the football.”

Jenkins started his night in the second quarter when the Chaps recovered the ball at the Atascocita 36 yard line after an Eagles miscue on a punt return. A play-action fake left Jenkins wide open over the top, and Wise found him for a 36-yard pitch-and-catch TD.

“I just wanted to catch the ball,” Jenkins said. “I just wanted to get in the end zone”.

Passing yards were hard to come by during a loss two weeks ago in a non-district matchup against Prosper as Wise went 12-for-22 for 158 yards. Jenkins attempted to make life in the pocket easier on Wise this week through trying to get open. Wise finished the game 11-for-23 for 191 yards and two aerial touchdowns.

“I think we just ran the ball better,” Jenkins said. “And it just opens up the passing game.”

The Chaps welcomed the lethality on offense after their week-one struggles against Prosper. Riddell put the change down to a better week of preparation.

The Chaps take on Cibolo Steele next Friday at Chaparral Stadium in their home opener. They took down the Knights last year 41-16.

“I think we should just start out faster,” Riddell said. “Just be more physical”.