Mowry, Maddocks step up big-time in chamionship game

MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn GETTING AWAY-Marcus Maddocks of Westlake tries to escape St. Bonaventure defenders during Friday night's California Interscholastic Federation Division IV championship at Moorpark College.

Westlake utilized its 6-foot-5 bookend defensive backs to the fullest extent in the championship game last Friday night against St. Bonaventure as each—Jimmy Miller and Michael Stuart—had two sacks and a touchdown reception.

Two less heralded players, each 5-foot-9, came up big as well for the Warriors in the historic win over the Seraphs.

Marcus Maddocks, a senior wide receiver/defensive back, had seven receptions, including three on the opening drive when Westlake battled back from a 3-0 deficit to take a 7-3 lead. And Tahj Mowry, a senior running back, gained 90 yards on 21 carries while assuming full responsibility in the backfield with sophomore sensation Jeff Rapoport injured.

"When they bracket Michael (Stuart), we have to have some other place to go," said Warrior head coach Jim Benkert, noting that St. Bonaventure was keying on Stuart. "And Marcus was the answer. He was one of countless guys on this football team who took it upon himself to make plays."

All season, Maddocks covered the opponent’s toughest receiver. He was thrilled after the championship game.

"I can’t even describe with words how good it feels right now," Maddocks said. "I’ve been waiting four years for this moment and it’s the most satisfying, the most fulfilling feeling you can imagine."

Benkert knew he’d have to rely on only one running back.

"Sure I’m concerned," Benkert said. "Jeff Rapoport averages 10.5 yards a carry and when he can’t play that’s a significant blow to our offense. But Tahj (Mowry) is a great back. We thought we had a great one-two punch all season and today we had to ‘one punch.’ Everybody else picked up the slack."

Mowry was also elated after the win.

"I can’t explain how good it feels," he said. "It hasn’t hit me fully, yet. It’s the best feeling I’ve had in my life. No team at Westlake has gone 14-0 and we did it."

—Wayne Harrison