By George Slaughter
The Taylor Mustangs face the Austin Westlake Chaparrals at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at McLane Stadium in Waco. Westlake is the home team.
Reaching the semifinals is breaking new ground for the Mustangs. This is the first time in the program’s history that the Mustangs have gone this far in the playoffs, and they hope to keep their season going with a win.
Westlake, meanwhile, has enjoyed its share of success over the past few seasons, including a state runner-up finish in 2015. Coach Todd Dodge in his sixth season leading the Chaparrals, who are 13-1. Last week, Westlake defeated San Antonio Brandeis, 42-14 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Senior quarterback Kirkland Michaux leads the Westlake offense. He has completed 178 of 255 passes 2,299 yards and 34 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. His favorite receivers are senior Ryan Lindley, who has 90 catches for 1,176 yards and 20 touchdowns; senior Mason Mangum, who has 55 catches for 802 yards and 10 touchdowns, and freshman Jaden Greathouse, who has 36 catches for 186 yards and seven touchdowns.
Junior Zane Minors is Westlake’s leading rusher. He has 88 carries for 819 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Coach Chad Simmons is in his second season leading the Mustangs, who are 9-5 following an impressive 58-20 win against Cy Creek last week at NRG Stadium.
In the win, Taylor’s offense, defense, and special teams all scored to secure the victory. Junior quarterback J Jensen III went 7-of-17 for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
Junior running back Casey Shorter was Taylor’s leading rusher in that game, finishing with 118 yards on 12 carries. Senior running back C.J. Tolbert finished with 113 yards on 23 carries.
Presale tickets are $6 for students, $10 for adults. Tickets at the gate are $15. For parking information, visit the Baylor University web site.
The Taylor-Westlake winner will play the winner of the Guyer-Spring Westfield semifinal game for the Class 6A Division II state title. Guyer and Westfield are set to play at 1 p.m. Saturday at Sheldon ISD Panther Stadium.