Football: Westlake has high hopes
My timing for phone calls to football coaches couldn’t be more precise.
On Thursday morning, I called Westlake’s Jim Benkert, and he was in his team’s equipment room trying to chase a mouse on the loose. Hey, he needed a break.
Westlake doesn’t begin practice until Monday. The Warriors are part of a trio of top teams in the four-team Marmonte League that includes St. Bonaventure, Oaks Christian and Moorpark. All the games will be outstanding, and Westlake also plays Long Beach Poly and Mater Dei in nonleague games.
The Warriors figure to be very good with junior quarterback Malik Henry, who is going to be much better than he was as a sophomore, and he was solid. Henry announced on Thursday his final four in deciding a college: Notre Dame, UCLA, Florida State, Ohio State.
There are lots of weapons. Center Patrick Mekari (6-3, 300 pounds) leads the line. There are good receivers with Andre Baccellia and Theo Howard. Linebackers Quincy Bennett and Reno Dubreuill lead the defense, along with defensive backs Jayln Harrison and Jesse Cuccia.
And, of course, there’s always kicker Kevin Robledo to turn to. He has been a standout since his sophomore season.
Now, if only Benkert can catch that mouse.
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
