Wolves dominate Lampasas to setup showdown with rival Canyon

The West Plains Wolves made sure next week’s highly anticipated rematch is officially on the calendar — and they did it by winning a rematch of their own from a year ago.

Just like last season, West Plains handled Lampasas in convincing fashion, rolling to a 42–7 playoff victory Friday night in Snyder to advance to the region semifinals. With the win, the Wolves (11–1) now return home to Happy State Bank Stadium for what promises to be one of the biggest rivalry games in Canyon ISD history, a Friday night showdown with district rival Canyon.

If West Plains’ performance against Lampasas is any indication, they’re heading into rivalry week with momentum — and a steadily evolving identity. The Wolves have flashed balance all season, but their burgeoning running game took center stage again in this one. Two West Plains players cracked the 100-yard mark, and both did it with authority.

Slade Russell powered the ground attack, rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, slicing through the Lampasas defense with a combination of vision and burst that’s become his trademark. Quarterback Reid Macon was just as electric, piling up 156 rushing yards and a touchdown on only 10 carries. And he wasn’t done there — Macon added 155 yards and a touchdown through the air, giving the Wolves a dual-threat punch Lampasas simply couldn’t contain.

Defensively, West Plains played with the same physicality and discipline that’s defined its playoff run, limiting Lampasas to a single score and controlling the tempo from the opening kickoff.

Now comes the matchup everyone in Canyon ISD has been waiting for. With a trip to the region final on the line and bragging rights hanging in the balance, West Plains vs. Canyon under the Friday night lights has all the makings of a classic.