Vista Ridge, Westwood clash in high-octane affair

Rangers and Warriors have been able to show something through the first three games of the season that they weren't able to all of last season. 

Both teams have been able to win, and win in very different ways. And both have proven that they will undoubtedly be pushing for the playoffs at the end of the season. 

Friday could be a big step for either team. 

Westwood hosts Vista Ridge in the second game of the district season Friday at 7 p.m. at Dragon Stadium. Both teams enter the contest 1-0 in District 13-6A, and the Rangers have yet to lose a game this season. 

One thing is almost guaranteed: points won't be in demand. 

The Rangers have averaged 40 points per game through their first three games, with their season-high coming by way of a 51-29 win over Killeen at home in the second week of the season. 

The Warriors are only averaging 34.7 points per game, but have shown the tendency to put up gobs of yards, especially through the air. Junior quarterback R.J. Martinez has more than 1,000 passing yards in the first three weeks. 

Vista Ridge quarterback Kyle Brown has been just as proficient, passing for nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns last Friday night, a district-opening win against McNeil. He has 874 yards and nine touchdowns so far this season. 

Westwood head coach Anthony Wood only cares about the number in the win column, and he put his money where his mouth is last Friday night. 

Martinez found Oliver Yu in the fourth quarter to set up what would be the game-tying extra point in the fourth quarter against Hendrickson. But the longtime Warriors' coach set the offense back out for the two-point conversion and a win. 

Jace Lyne caught the game-winning pass to give Westwood a one-point win. 

"What a freaking feeling," Wood told KVUE. "Last year when we played (Hendrickson), they were up 50-0 at halftime and we told our guys, 'We're better than that,' and we (showed up) tonight."

Following the tilt against the Rangers, Westwood takes on Round Rock and McNeil before having a bye week. Vista Ridge continues district play against Leander next week and Stony Point the first weekend of October. 

Follow @ByZachSmith and @HCNSports on Twitter and Instagram for the latest news on all local and regional sports.