ARLINGTON - After two early turnovers, it looked like it might be tough sledding for Westbrook in its repeat bid.

Turned out, it just took the Wildcats a bit to start clicking on all cylinders as they rolled to a 69-24 mercy rule win over Abbott in the 1A Division I UIL State Championship on Wednesdat at AT&T Stadium.

Surviving a forced fumble by Abbott’s Isaiah Singleton-Brooks and interception by Joey Pevelka, Parker Matlock was able to throw a touchdown to each of his running backs: Cedric Ware and Grayson Jefferey. The defense also came up big as well not allowing Abbott any points in the first quarter. But Abbott would finally break the goose egg with rushing scores from Brooks and Mason Hejl. 

Despite Abbott getting on the board, the two-headed rushing attack of Ware and Jefferey proved too much for Panthers’ defense. The pair combined for a total of 280 rushing yards and six touchdowns with Ware running in four of them earning him offensive MVP, the same award he won last year. 

Westbrook was able to capitalize on big moments such as Aiden Sullivan recovering a Bo Payne onside kick attempt or Matlock’s interception to give the ball back to the Wildcats to set up a game winning Ware touchdown run.

Westbrook’s defense was able to shut down the feared running game of Abbott, limiting them to only 17 total rushing yards. Credit goes to the two-way play of Ware, whose 10 total tackles earned him defensive MVP, going back-to-back on the award. Pahton Dominguez also came up big with his sack and five total tackles. 

The Abbott offense tried to hold up as they were forced to go to their passing game, where Karsyn Johnson threw for 105 yards and a touchdown Pavelka. Johnson also went to work on defense where he recorded eight total tackles.