Oak Park’s Westgate is impressive in person

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Every once in a while, before coming into the office, I like stopping by one of the regional high schools to watch the first 30 minutes, or so, of a football practice. Figured it was about time to swing by Oak Park and check out Sean Westgate. And let me tell you, it was worth the visit, even if I did end up sitting in horrible traffic all the way to downtown Los Angeles.

The senior safety/linebacker was flying around, all over the field, sideline to sideline, with reckless abandon. Dude has a motor that doesn’t stop. Guess that explains why he’s been so productive this season. Over the last four games, Westgate has finished with 12 or more tackles each time out, highlighted by 13 stops, three sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in a 38-6 victory over Grace Brethren.

There’s no reason to believe that he won’t have another big game Friday against Carpinteria (4-5). Plenty is at stake for Westgate & Co. in this one. A victory would secure a share of the Tri-Valley League title for the Eagles (6-3), who are currently tied with Oaks Christian and Nordhoff heading into the final week of the regular season.

Beyond that, the future appears bright. Westgate committed to Arizona in June, choosing to play for the Wildcats despite having offers from Boise St. and Utah. Other programs that expressed interest include: Cal, Michigan Oregon and UCLA. I’m imagining the recruiters noticed some of the same things I did. Westgate only knows one speed and that’s full speed, all the time. The kid can flat-out play.

-- Sean Ceglinsky, guest blogger