SCHERTZ, Texas – Two of the best football teams in Texas will face off when the Steele Knights (3-0) host the Austin Westlake Chaparrals (2-1) at Lehnhoff Stadium. This will be the Knights’ final non-district game before opening district action against Clemens the following week.

“This is a big playoff matchup,” said Christian Watson, Steele’s senior defensive back. “It’s good to have these non-district playoff matchups, and this is our last non-district game, so it really prepares us for district play.”

According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Westlake is ranked 14th in Class 6A in Texas, while Steele is ranked 9th.

“That’s why you schedule opponents like that to prepare for district play,” Steele head coach David Saenz said. “It’s our last game out of district, and any time you play an opponent that’s fast, physical and disciplined, it exposes some of our weaknesses and prepares us for district play.”

Westlake is fresh off a 39-21 loss to Humble Atascocita, dropping them ten spots in the state rankings. The Chaps are hot and ready to take on the Knights.

“They’re a talented football team,” Westlake head coach Tony Salazar said. “They average about 56 points a game and allow about 23, so they’re very explosive on offense. They have nine starters back from a state championship semifinal team, so that’s their strength. They’re obviously off to a fast start. We’ve got to keep up, keep those guys in check and get back to playing our football.”

Westlake leads the series with Steele 3-2. The two teams last met in 2020 and Westlake won 14-0.

Steele hosts Austin Westlake on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Lehnhoff Stadium.