Westlake Surprises Simi Valley

Westlake High, the Marmonte League’s Cinderella team, has spent much of the season trying to earn some respect. Respect from the press, respect from its peers, respect from anyone.

The Warriors didn’t get any. In turn, they showed none.

Behind the brilliant play of Todd Thompson, Westlake defeated Simi Valley, 24-20, for its second win over a highly ranked team in three weeks.

Two weeks ago, Westlake knocked off Lompoc, which was ranked No. 4 in the Coastal Conference. Friday, it was Simi Valley’s turn. The Pioneers were also ranked No. 4 in the conference.

Friday’s result in the Marmonte League opener left both teams with 3-1 records.

“We haven’t had any respect all season,” said Thompson, who made two key interceptions that stopped potential Simi Valley scoring drives. “When we beat Lompoc, people started to have a little respect, but then we lost to Ventura and then people said we would lose this game by two touchdowns. It feels pretty good to beat another ranked team.”

Until Westlake, Simi Valley’s defense had given up only 11 points. After the Warriors, the number is 35.

After Simi Valley led, 14-7, at halftime, Chris Mann returned a short kick to the Simi Valley 36. Four running plays later, Rob Mandel muscled his way into the end zone from two yards out.

On the ensuing kickoff, Simi Valley’s Jeff Blank fumbled and Westlake’s Chris Maturo recovered, giving the Warriors the ball on the Pioneer 16. Five plays later, Westlake quarterback Chris Lemieux, in heavy traffic, lobbed a two-yard touchdown pass to Mann. Garret Messner’s point after kick made it 21-14 Westlake.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Simi Valley couldn’t handle a punt by Westlake’s Vic Topper and took possession at its own three-yard line. On the second play from scrimmage, Topper intercepted Todd Studer, setting up a 22-yard field goal by Messner to give Westlake a 24-14 lead.

“It’s great to come in here and be the underdogs and beat a top-ranked team,” Lemieux said.

Said Westlake Coach George Contreras: “This is a very big win for our kids, a very big win.”