Big test for Newbury Park
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As close as things are in the Marmonte League, I don’t want to stand up on my wobbly soapbox and say the winner of Friday’s contest between Westlake and Newbury Park will definitely go on to win the league title. Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Moorpark are more than just upset-makers this season and I think the title race will go down to the final weekend.
But I picked the Panthers to win it all at the start of the season and I can’t back away from my prediction only two weeks into league play.
Besides, who’s got more depth on both sides of the ball than Newbury Park? They’ve got a talented offense led by QB Colby Cameron and RB Chris Brown and the LB trio of Chance Flaaten, Ron Tathem and Brandon Born adds to one of the strongest defensive contingents around -- just ask Oak Park.
Still, even though his team is pretty talent-laden, Panthers Coach George Hurley can’t afford to look too far ahead.
“A win would certainly give us a head start on the [league] title, but it’s definitely not going to decide anything,” Hurley said. “Westlake is a very talented team …This game is about bragging rights between two cross-town rivals.”
The Warriors haven’t had the easiest of seasons, but they’ve also played the toughest schedule of any Marmonte League member. Losses to Hart and up-and-comer Saugus may take a toll on the overall record, but Westlake has a decent offensive attack led by RB Cooper Shockley and QB Nick Owens.
Unfortunately for Westlake, one thing it’s lacking is depth, especially on defense, where it’s hurting from losing eight starters to graduation last year.
You can’t underestimate the Warriors, but Newbury Park is just too talented this year to expect a repeat of Westlake’s 34-13 victory last year.
“Westlake is a very well-coached team and we expect them to give us some problems,” Hurley said. “We haven’t faced a passing team this season, so it’s going to be a new test for us.”
(Enjoy the following Youtube video highlighting some big plays by Nick Owens in 2006)
What: Westlake (2-2, 1-0) at Newbury Park (4-0, 1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Prediction: Newbury Park 29, Westlake 17
- Austin Knoblauch
