Football: Westlake vs. Oaks Christian is epic

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Tickets for Thursday night’s Marmonte League game between host Westlake (4-0) and Oaks Christian (3-1) go on sale at the two schools on Monday, and I’d be there at 8 a.m. to buy my ticket if I didn’t have a press pass.

This game gets more interesting every hour. On Friday night, Westlake scored a school-record 73 points against Simi Valley Royal. Connor Cook, who played for Oaks Christian last season before transferring to Westlake, tied a Westlake record with five touchdowns, including kickoff returns of 85 and 80 yards in the fourth quarter. And Cook’s brother, Carson, still plays for Oaks Christian’s JV team.

Westlake Coach Jim Benkert hopes Oaks Christian Coach Bill Redell keeps sending over his second-stringers. Westlake’s all-star quarterback last season was Nick Isham, who was briefly with the Lions.

Oaks Christian rolled up 56 points in a victory over Calabasas. Who’s going to stop these two offenses?

Oaks Christian relies on a short and quick passing game that counts on its explosive receivers to turn short gains into big plays. Westlake has two imposing defensive linemen in Justin Solis and Johnny Stuart who will try to disrupt the Lions’ offense. And Westlake’s offense keeps getting better behind junior quarterback Justin Moore.

Remember, these two teams played in last year’s Northern Division final, and Oaks Christian won when an Alex Ball field-goal attempt in the final second just missed.

Yes, it could come down to the team that has the ball last. And that’s why it’s going to be the hottest ticket in town. I’ve already told Benkert to make sure the lights stay on for the entire game.

-- Eric Sondheimer