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Westlake football's Connor Vasek follows brother as next Chaparrals defensive star

(This story was updated to correct an error.)

Westlake football defensive lineman Connor Vasek didn't play for most of Thursday night's 70-0 win over Akins.

He had a nagging injury from the Chaparrals' previous win that was reaggravated against Akins, but he was more than happy to watch his team lay the beatdown. It's something he has gotten used to, thanks to him watching so many Texas football games this season.

Westlake edge rusher Connor Vasek, left, talks to defensive back George Jones during Thursday night's 70-0 win over Akins. Vasek, the younger brother of Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colton Vasek, has become one of the Chaparrals' top defensive players.
Westlake edge rusher Connor Vasek, left, talks to defensive back George Jones during Thursday night's 70-0 win over Akins. Vasek, the younger brother of Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colton Vasek, has become one of the Chaparrals' top defensive players.

Why does the senior, who's committed to the Air Force, watch the Longhorns so much? Because Texas defensive lineman Colton Vasek has five total tackles and two sacks this season, and there's nothing Connor enjoys more than seeing his brother dominate on the biggest stage of college football.

"I love watching my brother ... It's my favorite thing ever," Vasek said. "I mean, it's seriously, just someone I really look up to."

The Vaseks are Austin natives who grew up around football thanks to their dad coaching them from a young age. Brian Vasek said he recognized his kids' aptitude for the sport quickly, and made it his mission to help them improve as much as possible.

Brian' Vasek said he is immensely proud of what his kids have achieved, and being able to coach the position they both play is "special" to him.

More: Westlake dominates Prosper 35-14: Texas football recruit impresses, plus other takeaways

"Just like with all the other kids I coach, I think there's always room for improvement, and you're never good enough," he said. "You can always get better."

Akins wide receiver Ryan Gable is tackled by Westlake defenders during the Chaparrals' 70-0 win on Thursday night at Chaparral Stadium. Westlake improved to 4-1 on the season.
Akins wide receiver Ryan Gable is tackled by Westlake defenders during the Chaparrals' 70-0 win on Thursday night at Chaparral Stadium. Westlake improved to 4-1 on the season.

Connor says he's a little bit smaller and slower than Colton, making him more reliant on technique than physicality.

There's less room for error for the younger brother, and the success that Colton had in high school is nearly unreplicable. Westlake (4-1, 1-0 District 26-6A) had an unprecedented run that included 54-straight wins, with Colton registering 71 tackles and 14 sacks his senior season. The advantage that Connor has, however, is that he's been able to follow his brother's excellence throughout his entire life.

"I mean, it was since middle school watching him when he was a freshman, even," Connor said. "And then, like, I was a ball boy when he was playing ... his junior season. So I was watching every single play, taking notes, mental reps, so it really helps."

All of it has led to Vasek becoming Westlake's new star edge rusher. Westlake coach Tony Salazar saw both of them grow through the program.

"It helps when the older brother, you know, is a guy who's a big-time contributor, or, obviously, somebody just buys into our program and does everything the right way," Salazar said. "It was great for Connor to be able (to) look up to him and see exactly how to get it done."

It's Connor's dream to one day play with his brother. But he has to handle business with Westlake first. The Chaparrals have state championship aspirations, and they'll need him healthy against teams like Austin High, Lake Travis and Dripping Springs. Blowout wins offer Salazar the opportunity to lean on his depth and give the backups some experience.

"We hope to be playing for a long time. So obviously, building the depth now, it pays off ... down the stretch," Salazar said.

More: 'Our magic finally ran out': Westlake's 54-game football streak ends against North Shore

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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Westlake's Connor Vasek following brother's guide to football stardom