Hello, Chap Nation. Today, the Westlake Picayune will field questions and comments from the rabid gridiron followers who eat raw pigskin with their eggs and rock stadiums across the state with vociferous support.
And we’ll answer questions from Westlake fans, too.

I thought San Antonio Madison was good. How did we get a top seed and have to play them in the first round?

Frank Dawg, Buckeye Trail

Well, Frank, Madison apparently isn’t as good as its early-season press clippings. The Mavericks climbed into the top five of state polls early in the season but faded with two straight losses that closed out the regular season. They are a little like Pflugerville; the wins don’t always equal the amount of talent on the roster. But at least Pflugerville has a reached a state championship game.

Will the memories of the last playoff game between Westlake and Madison have an affect Friday night?

Westlake Runner, Westwood Terrace

Probably on Madison coach Jim Streety and most of his staff, who must live with the recollections of that tragic afternoon the rest of their lives. Without a doubt, the visit Friday will stir some unwanted memories for many Madison fans. No one who was in Chaparral Stadium that crisp Saturday afternoon will ever forget the hush that covered the stadium like a fog when Madison’s David Edwards lay motionless on the turf with a paralyzing neck injury.

The Chaps have given up some massive games to quarterbacks this season. Will their pass defense be their downfall in the playoffs?

Chap Mom, Royal Birkdale Overlook

It would if any San Antonio team could pass. However, there are no passing games in the Alamo City like Austin High (541 yards passing against Westlake) or Lake Travis (414 Yards). San Antonio’s best like to run ’til a foe drops.

Isn’t Clark in Westlake’s bracket? Why wouldn’t a repeat of last year’s game happen if the two teams meet?

Papa Hog, Yaupon Valley

Because this Westlake defense sells out to stop the run. Opponents average just 110 yards per game rushing and 3.6 yards per carry. I think the film of last year’s regional finals loss to Clark stuck in the craw of Darren Allman and the defensive coaches: You won’t see a team hold onto the ball for 33 minutes, 25 seconds against Westlake again.

How far will the Chaps go?

Dave Furter, Rockcliff Road

This region offers a more treacherous path than years past. There are three undefeated teams in the Division I bracket, including Clark, San Antonio Southwest and Harlingen. If Westlake keeps its balance on offense, I see the Chaps reaching the regional finals.

If the Chaps fall in the first round, will it be a wasted season?

Eyes Wide Open, Deer Shadow Pass

Not at all. In fact, considering the circumstances, it’s been a remarkable season already. Despite a new coaching staff and a brand new system, Westlake emerged from a grueling nondistrict slate that featured three eventual district champions and an improved district schedule with an 8-2 record. Give Allman and his staff another year or two to implement their system, and Westlake might start clearing space for another title trophy.