This Week in Football

Acorn Sports Writer
Westlake (2-1)



Acorn Sports Writer

Westlake (2-1)


at Thousand Oaks (0-3) Thursday 7 p.m.


It’s a bad break for Thousand Oaks to open the Marmonte league campaign against Westlake.


After a tough pre-season, the Lancers could have used a couple of more weeks to get ready for this one. Thousand Oaks took a step back last week in a 39-20 loss against a strong Camarillo team.


Westlake is ready to go.


The Warriors’ rise to the top of Division IV is a direct result of the improvement in their defense.


Last week proved the point. The Warrior defensive front, led by Leo Reed and Joe Lemma, sacked Hart quarterback Kyle Matter 11 times. As a result, the Hart offensive machine sputtered and their 25 game winning streak was history.


Two weeks ago, Hart held Thousand Oaks to just six points as Lancer quarterback Ben Olson was sacked 12 times. The Thousand Oaks offensive line must protect Olson if they want to compete in this game.


The Lancers may represent Westlake’s biggest obstacle to another league championship.


The Warriors should clear the hurdle with room to spare.


Agoura (2-1)


at Royal (2-1)


Thursday 7 p.m.


This may be the most important game of the season for these two teams.


The winner will have the inside track to the final playoff spot in the Marmonte League.


Both teams have crumbled to a top team over the past two weeks. Agoura was throttled by Camarillo two weeks ago, 41-23. The Royal defense was given a wake up call against Tyler Ebell and Ventura last week in a 34-0 whitewash.


Otherwise, both teams have had strong showings.


Until the Highlanders ran into Ebell last week, their defense had allowed less than 200 yards per game. The Chargers offense, led by the passing of Chris Denove and the running of Brad Altman, has put up an average of 37 points per game. Something must give.


Look for the Royal defense to return to form this week.


Oak Park (3-0)


at Santa Paula (2-0-1)


Thursday 7 p.m.


This week quarterback Josh Walker returns from his suspension after connecting on 11 of 12 passes for 206 yards against Calabasas two weeks ago.


Monte McNair also returns to give the Eagles help in all phases of the game, especially special teams. These two threats should open the lanes for running back Eric Testan, who’s found little daylight this year.


Santa Paula is large up front with a phlethora of solid skilled players. This may be their best club in years.


Last week the Cardinals scratched out a come from behind 28-28 tie with Carpinteria. Special teams and Warrior turnovers gave Santa Paula the opening they needed but their offense struggled.


Look for the Eagle defense to control the game and Oak Park to survive their last suspension game.


Newbury Park (1-2)


at Moorpark (1-2)


Thursday 7 p.m.


After their 41-14 victory over Channel Islands, Moorpark may be waking up at the right time to make its annual run for fourth place against Royal and Agoura.


Still, the Muskies have never won this game and Newbury should be able to take care of business and keep that tradition alive.


The Panther offense continues to struggle.


Running back Marcus Crawford was held to less than 50 yards last week as defenses key on him.


Newbury Park should have more success this week against a Moorpark defense that is solid, but not in the same class with Buena.


Calabasas (1-2)


at Channel Islands (1-2)


Thursday 7:30 p.m.


Calabasas hasn’t allowed a single point in six consecutive quarters after dispatching Verdugo last week 30-0. Channel Islands will be a tougher test.


This is a different Channel Islands team than the Coyotes faced the past couple of years.


In the past they could score, but could not defend. Now they can defend, but have trouble scoring. While Channel Islands has given up 79 points in the last two weeks against Division IV competition, they held Division VII Harvard Westlake to just six points to open the season.


Calabasas will be in tough company this week.


For more coverage of the 2000 prep football season, visit Tom Pichotta’s "The World of Prep Sports" Web site at www.twpsports.com.





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