Nakia Watson rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns to lead Westlake to a 28-14 victory over Steele and a berth in the UIL 6A-2 semifinal round at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Saturday.
Steele entered the matchup on an eight-game winning streak — and the Knights actually got on the board first, when Jailyn Reed scooped up a Westlake fumble and returned it 35 yards, setting up a Brenden Brady touchdown run a few plays later.
Steele's @BrendenBrady25 is back at it again! #txhsfb
— FloFootball (@FloFootball) December 10, 2017
The @Football_Steele Knights strike first. https://t.co/BaNdPy6GOO pic.twitter.com/qrM8VJYwNV
The Chaparrals would respond with an 11-play, 55-yard drive capped by a 5-yard Watson touchdown run to tie the score.
Minutes later, Westlake’s intercepted Wyatt Begeal, turning the ball back over to quarterback Taylor Anderson and the offense. Anderson capitalized with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Steven Crider and the Chaps led 14-7.
Begeal tied the score once again with just 10 seconds to play before the half, cruising in from 4 yards out off of a play fake to Brady.
On the opening possession of the second half, Westlake reclaimed the lead at 21-14 with a Watson-led drive that covered 55 yards in seven plays and culminated with a 4-yard Watson touchdown run.
Wisconsin commit, @nakiawatson04 is making it look too easy out there. #txhsfb @Westlake_Nation @WHSChaps @WLChapFootball https://t.co/BaNdPy6GOO pic.twitter.com/I1xjyhmYMg
— FloFootball (@FloFootball) December 10, 2017
Midway through the fourth quarter, Watson — a Wisconsin commit — put the game away with a 50-yard touchdown run to set the final margin.
Brady finished with 104 yards and a score for Steele. The senior running back rushed for 584 yards and three scores in four playoff games.
Westlake will face Cy-Fair in the semifinals at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday afternoon.