Benkert says ‘second tier’ guys important to team’s success

MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn LAUNCHING A SPIRAL--Rudy Carpenter of Westlake throws a pass during a recent practice. Westlake is expected to contend for the league championship.

Westlake’s football team has reached the playoffs each of the last 11 seasons, won a California Interscholastic Federation championship in ’99, was a finalist last year, and has made the semifinals three times (’95, ’96, ’01).

Now in his 15th year as head coach, Jim Benkert said that the key to returning to the championship game—Westlake was defeated by St. Bonaventure last year—would depend largely on players who haven’t received a lot of recognition yet.

"We’ve got a lot of unsung heroes that are the reasons why we’re excited about the season," said Benkert. "Every team has those special guys, but I think it’s the guys that are good high school football players that really make the team successful.

"And those are the guys that I’m really pleased with," Benkert added, "the way they’ve been practicing."

MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn GOOD HANDS--Adam Crane, a senior tight end, catches the football during practice. Crane will start in the season opener.

Seniors such as Jimmy Miller, a defensive end who’s already committed to play at USC next year, Greg Newman, a linebacker and three-year starter, Michael Stuart, a wide receiver/defensive end, the only player projected to start both offensively and defensively, and quarterback Rudy Carpenter are players who have received preseason recognition (see related story on page 42).

But Benkert said that seniors such as David Winer, a tackle on defense, Steve Gatena, a tackle on offense, and Jason Wick, a strong safety, would play a big role in determining the Warriors success in 20003.

"Those guys that have waited their turn to be a big-time player and now they have their chance to shine," said Benkert regarding his less heralded players.

Projected to start in the season opener at Santa Paula Fri., Sept. 12 include on offense Daniel Tromello, a senior who’s converted from quarterback to wide receiver, Jose Martinez, a junior guard, David Romano, a junior center, Jeff Wurts, a senior guard, and Ryan Sorenson, a senior tackle.

Also, Adam Crane, a senior tight end, Jeff Rapoport, a sophomore fullback, Tahj Mowry, a senior tailback, and Jason Soporito, a senior quarterback who’ll start ahead of Carpenter vs. Santa Paula.

Benkert said his offensive line averages about 300 pounds.

On defense, expect to see sophomore Jeff Miller at nose tackle, senior Matt Hileman at inside linebacker, senior Danny Nugent at strong safety, seniors Marcus Maddocks and Brett Westernoff at cornerback, and senior Ryan Ruel at free safety.

Brian Anderson, a senior, is the punter, Ryan Merritt, a senior, is the place kicker, Manny Garcia, a senior, is the long snapper, and Maddocks will be the primary kick returner.

"I think, all in all, the success of our team will depend upon the development of those good high school players," said Benkert. "We’re really counting on them this year."

What does it take to go deep into the CIF playoffs? "You’ve got to be injury-free," he said. "And you have to be prepared to play 14 games. You don’t just talk about a 10-game (regular) season."

Every year, Benkert said, his team has three goals: one, to make the playoffs; two, contend for a league title; and three, vie for a CIF championship.

"They’re disappointed that we didn’t play well in the title game (vs. St. Bonaventure) last year," said Benkert, "and they would like to have another chance at it."

Benkert said it’s too early to be talking about CIF titles, but he admitted his players, having come so close last year, have long-term goals.

"You talk to our kids, as any kid in any program, they’re talking about the big prize, not just being successful game to game," he said.

But for now, the Warriors are focusing on the Sept. 12 opener vs. Santa Paula then road games vs. venerable opponents Notre Dam and Hart. Both of those teams defeated Westlake last year.

Benkert said the players and coaches appear ready for the season.

"I think that we have an excellent coaching staff that challenges our players every day," he said. "The coaching staff does not allow complacency."

About his team, Benkert added, "They’re a bunch of good kids that work hard and it’s fun to coach these guys. They’re motivated. I don’t have to yell at them, they just get it done."