How Austin Westlake football boosts their game day strategy to ‘next level’ with SkyCoach replay
As one of the most accomplished high school football programs in Texas and across the nation, the Westlake Chaparrals in Austin are a powerhouse with a legacy of championship titles, including the 2021 6A Division II, 2020 6A Division I, 2019 6A Division II, and 1996 5A State Championships. This season, Westlake is capitalizing on SkyCoach’s game-changing technology to stay near the top as they look to make a championship run.
With the University Interscholastic League’s recent rule change allowing Texas high school football teams to use in-game replay in the coaches' booth and at halftime, Westlake’s coaching staff, led by head coach Tony Salazar, who has been at the helm since 2014, is fully utilizing SkyCoach’s three-angle system to optimize in-game strategy.
“SkyCoach has taken our in-game and halftime adjustments to the next level. We have made many key plays in the second half due to intel provided via SkyCoach,” Salazar said.
Westlake’s setup includes five iPads—two for defense, two for offense, and one for data input on offense—along with two locker room TVs for each side of the ball to show the players on a larger screen. This configuration allows the Chaparrals to gain valuable insights in real time, with coaches on the field and in the booth constantly communicating. Key questions like, “Where did the play hit?” and “What coverage was it?” help fine-tune the game plan.
Assistant coach David McGhee notes the significant impact of SkyCoach on their game-day approach, explaining, “SkyCoach allows us to see what’s happening as the game goes on. It enables our coaches to confirm what they see to make adjustments with our players during the game and at halftime. The ability to show our players instead of just telling them what the other team is doing has been a game-changer.”
SkyCoach provides an added layer of confidence for everyone involved: “Players are more confident in what is being told to them with the verification of the SkyCoach video,” McGhee added. “They are able to see certain looks and adjust to that look because they have been shown it on SkyCoach.”
For Westlake, SkyCoach has proven to be a valuable tool, enhancing their already high-caliber program. The Chaparrals now have the SkyCoach advantage, allowing them to make quick, data-driven adjustments that keep them sharp and prepared for whatever challenges come their way.
