Oxnard Poses a Stiff Test for Westlake

Westlake High’s defense will be stretched in a different direction than it was last week as the Warriors face Oxnard in a nonleague game at 7:30 tonight at Thousand Oaks High.

The Yellowjackets, one of the favorites in the Channel League, rushed for 317 yards in their 41-23 victory over Camarillo last week. Westlake gave up 215 yards passing in a 17-14 loss to Buena. Oxnard quarterback Johnel Turner gained 219 total yards--113 rushing.

“I think the kids are ready, Westlake Coach George Contreras said. “Whether that’s good enough, we’ll have to wait and see.”

Contreras has abandoned Westlake’s platoon system at quarterback, naming sophomore Todd Preston as the starter and moving senior Chris Edwards to split end. Against Buena, Preston completed 6 of 10 passes for 59 yards but had 3 passes picked off.

In Thursday’s other 7:30 p.m. game, Crescenta Valley plays Los Altos at Glendale High.

Crescenta Valley fumbled three times in the fourth quarter last week, allowing La Canada to win, 13-10, on two late field goals.

“We have to eliminate those mistakes,” Coach Jim Beckenhauer said. “Los Altos is a playoff-caliber football team and we’re going to have to play up to their level.”

Crescenta Valley is led by John Whitlock, who rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown last week.