Diamond Bar Ousts Westlake

Not even highly regarded wide receiver Billy Miller could have completed the connection that knocked Westlake High out of the Southern Section Division III playoffs.

The Warriors led by three points when a bad snap sailed over the head of punter Brian Shubin early in the fourth quarter.

Three plays after Shubin covered the ball for a 21-yard loss, tailback Lathian Tyler scored on a seven-yard run for the go-ahead touchdown that helped Diamond Bar stun top-seeded Westlake, 25-16, Friday night at Walnut High.

Tyler scored again on a three-yard run with just over one minute remaining to cap a six-minute drive that clinched it for the Brahmas. He finished with 59 yards in 20 carries. The Diamond Bar option attack accounted for 195 rushing yards.

“It gave us fits,” Westlake coach Jim Benkert said. “We don’t see a lot of it but missed some responsibilities.”

Diamond Bar (9-3) also controlled a Warrior (10-2) offense that averaged nearly 400 yards a game. Quarterback Scott Spruill completed 11 of 22 passes for 150 yards, but Miller was held to 58 yards in his five receptions.