Preview: Cedar Hill vs. Austin Westlake

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Cedar Hill vs. Austin Westlake

5A Division II semifinal

2 pm, Saturday at Waco ISD Stadium

Cedar Hill (10-4) is enjoying its longest postseason run since winning the 5A Division II state championship in 2006. The Longhorns are reaping the benefits and experience of playing a tough schedule including Allen, Denton Guyer, DeSoto, Mansfield and Miami Washington. Not much fazes the Longhorns, who converted three fourth-down gambles, including two in their own territory, to protect a seven-point lead in a 49-34 win over previously unbeaten Waco Midway in the Region I final.

Quarterback Damion Hobbs, an Arkansas State commit, came through in the clutch, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns, and completing 17-of-19 for 187 ayrds and two TDs . Hobbs shook off an injury to his left knee late in the game. Texas A&M commit Laquvionte Gonzalez has produced more than 1,600 yards and scored 23 touchdowns.  Texas A&M receiver Quincy Adeboyejo has 81 receptions, 1,145 yards and 16 TDs, including 11 catches for 126 yards and two TD grabs against Midway.

Westlake (10-4) outlasted Plano West, 42-35, in last week’s Region II final. The Chaparrals’ balanced attack included four running backs with 30 or more yards and three receiver with 49 or more yards – but no rusher or receiver with 100 yards.

Westlake’s defense and special teams have been catalysts during its nine-game win streak and in the postseason after the Chaparrals finished the regular season at 6-4,

Westlake grabbed four interceptions against West. The Chaparrals have benefited from 15 turnovers in the four playoff games, while Westlake has committed just four giveaways. The defense scored three touchdowns against Longview in the Region II semifinals and recovered a fumble for a touchdown in an upset of A&M Consolidated.

The Chaparrals are making their first trip to the state semifinals since 2009, when they reached the championship game.