Photo credit: Midland LEE Rebel Football Booster Club

What happened: Lee struggled on the road against Austin Westlake on Friday, falling 49-6 and dropping the Rebels to 3-2 overall. Lee, ranked No. 97 in Texas and No. 51 among UIL 6A teams, faced a Westlake team ranked No. 20 in the state and No. 14 in UIL 6A. Westlake built a 42-0 lead by halftime, while Lee’s lone touchdown came on a 75-yard run by Sophomore Quarterback Santi Mendoza late in the fourth quarter.

The big picture: Westlake opened the night with a touchdown on a six-play, 65-yard drive. After a Lee three-and-out, Westlake went 65 yards again, this time in three plays, to take a 14-0 lead. Lee Junior Wide Receiver Ja’braylen Anders answered by returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, but an illegal block near midfield wiped the score off the board. The Rebels couldn’t score on the possession and eventually punted.

Westlake took control from there, building a 42-0 lead by halftime. Neither team scored in the third quarter, leaving the score unchanged heading into the fourth.

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Lee put together a drive deep into Westlake territory early in the fourth quarter but turned the ball over on downs. Westlake responded with a rushing touchdown and extra point to extend its lead to 49-0. Mendoza provided Lee’s lone scoring bright spot shortly afterward, breaking free for a 75-yard touchdown run. The Rebels missed the extra point, bringing the final score to 49-6.

Go deeper: Westlake outgained Lee 330-194 in total offense, finishing with 182 rushing yards and 148 passing yards. The Chaparrals completed 12 of 17 passes for two touchdowns and scored four more touchdowns on the ground.

Lee finished with 139 rushing yards and 55 passing yards. Mendoza accounted for 90 rushing yards on nine carries, including the Rebels’ 75-yard touchdown. Senior Quarterback JP Reyes finished 8-of-16 for 54 yards, while Anders led Lee’s receivers with five catches for 34 yards. Defensively, Junior Defensive Back Tyler Day led the Rebels with 13 total tackles, followed by Senior Danny Hernandez with 11.

What’s next: Lee (3-2) returns home Thursday, Oct. 2, to face North Las Vegas’ Somerset Academy Losee at 4 p.m. at Astound Broadband Stadium. The Lions are 1-5 overall and ranked No. 32 in Nevada. The Rebels will then begin district play against Permian on Oct. 9.