By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

 

COLLEGE STATION­ – Few thought that a rugged and revamped District 25-5A would offer any solace to the Chaps, but that’s exactly what it must do if Westlake salvages a season on the brink.

 

A&M Consolidated (1-2) completed a winless nondistrict slate for the Chaps (0-3) with a 44-23 win Tuesday at Tigerland Stadium in a game rescheduled because of Hurricane Ike. The lopsided loss left Westlake’s players and coaches searching for answers, but it also heightened the importance of district play, which begins Sept. 26 at Burger Stadium against defending 25-5A champion Bowie.

 

“The guys are frustrated, the fans are frustrated, the coaches are frustrated, and I’m frustrated,” Coach Derek Long said. “In the nondistrict games, you’re supposed to get better and see where you stand and what you need to work on. But I guess we still have a lot to work on.”

 

“We still have seven games to go, and the guys have a positive attitude. We’ll see what happens.”

 

What happened in College Station looked familiar for a program that has now suffered three consecutive double-digit losses. The defense couldn’t stay off the field as Consol pounded Westlake for 529 yards and 28 first downs, the slow-starting Chap offense had just seven yards in the first quarter and committed two late turnovers, and special teams fumbled a kick for the second straight week.

 

“It’s all a team thing,” Long said. “Offensively, defensively, special teams. It all stunk.”

 

Despite the mistakes, Westlake appeared to have found its rhythm in the second quarter against a Tiger team also seeking its first win of the season. Trailing 14-0 early in the period, the Chaps ripped off a 10-play, 77-yard scoring drive capped by an 8-yard touchdown reception by Mike Walker.

 

Consol responded with a field goal, but Price then led the Chaps on another lengthy touchdown drive that trimmed Consol’s lead to 17-14 late in the first half. Price completed three passes on the possession, including an 11-yard touchdown to Walker on a slant pattern.

 

Westlake safety Michael Perkins ensured that the Chaps kept their grasp on the momentum when he thwarted a late Tiger threat with an interception in the end zone just moments before halftime.

 

But that momentum didn’t take long to swing back to the home team. Consol opened the second half with a 41-yard pass and quickly reached the end zone to build its lead to 24-14. Westlake responded with a 16-play drive and a 28-yard field goal from Cody Rademacher that cut the Tigers’ lead to 24-17 entering the fourth quarter.

 

That’s when the wheels fell off for Westlake. Consol scored a field goal on its first possession of the period, and Westlake fumbled the ensuing kickoff. The Tigers took advantage with a touchdown run by sophomore Clinton Banks.

 

Westlake’s next two possessions each ended with a turnover, and each led to a Consol score. By the time Chap fullback Jeff Ballew exploded for a 53-yard touchdown run to cap the scoring, Westlake had already realized another nondistrict loss.

 

“It was just a total collapse,” Long said.” I don’t know why. If I did, maybe I could have done something to stop it.

 

“We’re not playing well, but that’s obvious. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out.”

 

Bright spots did appear for the Chaps. Price continues to appear more comfortable in the pocket and completed 12 of 25 passes for 130 yards against a defense trying to protect a lead. He also rushed for 35 yards.

 

Walker had a season-high seven catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns, but Westlake’s running game struggled for just 162 yards on 27 carries. Consol held all-district running back Ryan Swope to 46 yards on 10 carries.

 

Consol had its way with Westlake’s defense, tallying 2676 yards on the ground and 262 yards through the air. Banks and classmate Chris Nutell, who Consol coach Jim Slaughter each moved up to varsity just prior to this game, combined for 126 yards rushing.

 

“We gotta keep our heads up,” Ballew said. “Being 0-3 doesn’t matter now. We want to win district. We need to forget about preseason and get ready (for Bowie.)”