Eagles Get Big Win on the Road Against Westlake

The Eagles travelled to Austin to play Austin Westlake in a rematch of last year's state championship game last Friday.  Westlake is an extremely well-coached team and always a tough opponent, especially when they are at home.  Westlake was off to an amazing start this season beating both Lake Travis (7-5) and Dallas Jesuit (72-5).  All conference opponents are playing a home and away schedule this season, so a road win is always huge when it comes to conference standings. The Eagles knew they had a major challenge ahead of them, but were ready for this important cup match. 

The Chaparrals played aggressively from the onset and managed to punish the Eagles early for errors at the breakdown.  An STH penalty in their own end allowed the Westlake fullback to strike a beautiful penalty kick to put the home side up early (4:57), 3-0.  The Eagles did not wait long to respond to the challenge and after regaining possession marched the ball deep into Chaparral territory.  They were awarded a 5 meter scrum and #8 sensation Parker White smashed over for the try after taking the pick off the base (10:45).  Keegan Mills added the conversion putting the Eagles in front 7-3

Austin responded with a penalty kick (17:35) after yet another penalty by the Eagles.  The Eagles fought back in excellent fashion, moving the ball through multiple phases. Prop Alejandro "Buddha" Chavez punched over for a short try right as time expired in the first half (36:14), with Mills adding the extras, St. Thomas entered halftime with a 14-6 lead.

The second half was a massive defensive struggle with neither side gaining much advantage.  Both teams missed shots at goal, before the Eagles managed to get a long break by wing Javier Gonzalez down the sideline.  Gonzalez was caught before he could score, but a quick recycle by the STH allowed hooker Chris DeAyala to dive over for a try (61:20).  Mills added the conversion and with less the nine minutes left in the match, the Eagles held a 21-6 lead.  However, they made a number of poor tactical decisions over the next couple of minutes that almost allowed the Chaparrals back into the game.  An ill-advised quick tap that was turned over, a kick to touch that missed, missed tackles, and penalties ended with Austin's scrumhalf Brown  scrambling for a late try (68:46).  Although they added the conversion, it was too little, too late for the Chaparrals as the St. Thomas Eagles headed back to Houston with a 21-13 victory.

Eagles's front-row prepares to engage.

The win moved the Eagles to 3-0 in conference play and gave the squad a great win on the road against an extremely tough opponent.  Congratulations to Men of the Match, Kurt Hanson Jr. (forward) and Peter Bedell (back).  This was an extremely good win for the Eagles!