AUSTIN, Texas — Two local high schools are just one win away from program glory.
Westlake and Vandegrift, two powerhouse programs from Austin, will get the chance to play for football state championships next week at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, just one year after no Central Texas schools played for a state high school football championship.
Westlake is returning to the state championship game for the first time since winning three straight state titles from 2019-2021. The Chaps reached the title game after dominating Houston-area powerhouse Galena Park North Shore on Saturday en route to a 35-10 win, pushing their record to 14-1 on the season. They are hoping to earn their fifth state title overall.
The Chaps will face North Crowley, a burgeoning, 15-0 North Texas squad that upset perennial powerhouse Duncanville to punch their ticket the state championship. The 6A Division 1 State Championship will kick off at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21.
Vandegrift is returning to the state championship game after making their first appearance in 2022, a losing effort against Dallas-area team DeSoto. The Vipers started the season in rocky fashion, losing a stunner to Cedar Park in Week 2. Since then, however, they have been nearly unstoppable, rattling off 13-straight wins including a thriller against Houston-area team Summer Creek to reach the championship game.
The Vipers will face Southlake Carroll, who advanced to the state championship after beating Longview on a last-second field goal. The Dragons are one of the most successful teams in Texas, having won a record eight state championships in nine appearances. They currently sit at 15-0 on the season, and are looking to win their first state championship since 2011. The 6A Division 2 State Championship will kick off at 3 p.m. on Dec. 21.
