By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor 

Several significant lineup changes failed to prevent a second consecutive setback for the Chaps, but it did provide the coaching staff with some positives entering this week’s contest at A&M Consolidated.

“We did some things better, although the score doesn’t reflect it,” Westlake coach Derek Long said. “We’re still trying to mix things up and find out what works. It’s never easy to find the identity of a team, and this year is no different.”

The inside linebacker spot provided the source for a pair of major alterations:

• Junior David Durham, a starting inside linebacker since midway through last season, spent a majority of his snaps at defensive tackle against Lake Travis. He recorded three tackles, including one for a loss, and forced the Lake Travis offensive line into regular double teams. The 6 foot, 2 inch, 221-pound Durham will crosstrain at both linebacker and defensive tackle for a unit that has allowed an average of 34.5 points and425.5 yards per game, said Long.

“He gives us some size up front,” he said. “We think he can make some plays and disrupt some things.”  

• Junior Bryce Hager, the starting inside linebacker at the beginning of the season, split time on both sides of the ball. He received playing time at fullback and responded with six carries for 52 yards. According to coaches, he also provided adequate blocking for tailback Ryan Swope, who picked up 147 yards on 24 carries against Lake Travis.

The reshuffling of the linebacking corps led to increased playing time for senior Eric Upshaw, who had four tackles. Long said seniors David Babin, Matt Ingram and Stephen Carnes should see more action at inside linebacker. 

Walking the walk

Receiver Mike Walker continued his impressive start to the season. He hauled in four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown against Lake Travis, including a diving, 40-yard grab that he just kept off the turf, according to officals. For the year, Walker has seven catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns.  

News and notes

Senior defensive back Tanner Twomey had eight tackles, including three behind the line of scrimmage. He also deflected three passes… Although Garrett Gilbert and Lake Travis nabbed an elusive win against Westlake, the future Longhorn had a forgettable career against the Chaps. In three games, he completed 52 of 120 passes for 658 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions.