By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor 

With the 2008 fall season now a memory, several questions linger as the football and volleyball coaches begin thinking of next year.

Football

What will the Westlake offense look like in the post-Ryan Swope era?

Expect much more balance, and expect quarterback Tanner Price to carry more of the burden. Swope accounted for 42 percent of the Chaps’ offense this year. Westlake’s coaching staff will likely spread the carries around to young runners such as Van Grammen, Sean Potter and, possibly, Bryce Hager. The Chaps won’t have as many big plays with the departure of Swope, so expect more time-consuming drives behind a veteran offensive line anchored by center Brandon Behrens and tackle Phillip Reed.

What about Price’s receivers?

Good question, and one Price is likely asking himself. Downfield threat Mike Walker is gone after three seasons on varsity, and veteran receivers like Matt Featherston and Chris Knight have also departed. That leaves the Chaps without any returning receivers.

How much will time will Louie Swope see on offense?

Where Louie Swope, Ryan’s younger brother, lines up during spring football will offer a giant clue to the coaches’ primary concern. The 6-foot, 180-pound Swope could be the team’s best athlete, and he has experience at wide receiver. He’s also one of the best defensive backs in the area. Quite a conundrum for the Chap coaches.

Speaking of two-way players, where will Hager play?

Hager developed into an all-district inside linebacker as a junior, but he also has running skills reminiscent of his older brother, Bron. If the coaches have difficulty finding a fullback who can make plays toting the ball, don’t be surprised to see Hager get plenty of carries next season.

Can Westlake’s defense carry over its late-season momentum?

Probably. Westlake will welcome back David Durham, who showed flashes of dominance in his first season on the defensive line. Also, outside linebacker Ellis Glaw makes plays from sideline to sideline and has the speed to cover any running back or tight end. Tackle Alex Putnam and safety James Robison also return from a unit that allowed an average of 17 points in its last eight games. If Louie Swope and Hager stay on defense full time, the Chaps could have one of the best units in Central Texas.

Will Westlake defend its district title?

Expect another dogfight between the Chaps, Bowie and Pflugerville. Bowie has developed strong subvarsity programs and appears to have an endless supply of good athletes to plug into its consistent system. The Panthers may have lost several standout defenders, but a young offense will have likely improved. Austin High, which just lost its coach to Vista Ridge, will have to battle to hold off burgeoning programs in Bastrop and Connally.

Volleyball

How will Westlake replace all-state setter Elly Barrett?

Short answer? You can’t. The 6-foot Barrett played in every rotation, provided a big block at the net and developed a deadly dump shot to keep defenses honest. But Coach Al Bennett has proven plenty adept at adjusting his system to fit personnel. Junior-to-be Avery Edwards has served a two-year apprenticeship on varsity and understands the system as well as an assistant coach. Bennett could also revert back to a 6-2 rotation, which has worked well in the past.

What will Sara Shaw do next season?

Probably what she has done in the past two years, which is plenty. The 6-foot-1 inch outside hitter, who has already committed to the University of Southern California, will cap arguably the best career in Westlake history. She has set consecutive records for kills in a season the past two years and will likely approach similar numbers in 2009.

Who will emerge as Westlake’s second option on the outside?

That’s a question Bennett will try to answer before camp opens in the summer. The top two options, Lauren Schuler and Katie Sorenson, had flashes of brilliance but neither hit over .160. At least one of those two will have to up her game.

What about the middles?

The return of Hannah Kolar creates a monstrous defensive presence for Westlake, but the development of sophomore Ella Praisner as an offensive threat will prove pivotal. At 5-11, Praisner lacks ideal size but she has quick feet and tremendous hops. She hit .330 a year ago with 183 kills and could keep defenses from keying on Shaw.

What identity will the team form?

A dozen players from this year’s state finalist team return, including eight soon-to-be seniors. That senior leadership should provide plenty of motivation for a group of girls that wants to add to Westlake’s legacy.

Will the Chaps reach a third consecutive state title match?

Why not? Shaw is the best player in the state, and returning libero Tessa Hunt will anchor a stout defensive squad. Familiar foe San Antonio Reagan will offer a stiff challenge in Region IV, and Amarillo returns a handful of veterans from its back-to-back state championship teams. But no one in the state welcomes back a set of better or more experienced players than Westlake.