Westlake Seeks Better Results Against Ventura

Westlake High, still winless under first-year Coach Jim Benkert, will play Ventura tonight at 7:30 in a nonleague football game at Thousand Oaks High.

The Warriors, who compete in the Marmonte League, have lost to Buena and Oxnard, considered among the favorites in the Channel League. Ventura, also of the Channel League, already has defeated one Marmonte team (Simi Valley, 12-3) and tied another (Newbury Park, 7-7).

Ventura is led by Danny Taylor and Jeff Green, who have combined for 201 yards rushing in two games. The Cougars rely primarily on their running game. Quarterback Jeff Dietz has passed just 12 times, completing five for 45 yards.

Westlake has had its difficulties stopping the run. The Warriors have allowed 293.5 yards rushing per game.

“We’ve got to stop the run,” Benkert said. “Whatever it takes to stop the run we have to do that.”

To that end, Benkert said he is considering unspecified personnel changes on defense.