Top-Seeded Westlake Sees Its Hopes Sail Away, 25-16

Not even All-American receiver Billy Miller would have been able to catch the ball that helped knock Westlake High out of the Southern Section Division III playoffs.

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

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

Tyler scored on a three-yard run with just over one minute remaining to cap a six-minute drive and seal the victory. 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 slowed a Warrior offense that averaged nearly 400 yards a game. Scott Spruill completed 11 of 22 passes for 150 yards and Miller was held to 58 yards on five receptions.

Westlake rushed for 129 yards, 36 in the second half.

Diamond Bar quarterback Erik Stidham completed nine of 20 passes for 142 yards and ran for 83 yards in 17 carries.

“We saw a lot of film on Westlake and we thought they weren’t going to be able to handle the option well,” Stidham said. “After the bad snap we knew we would put points on the board.”

Jamal Harris’ 39-yard run on the first play of the game set up a one-yard sneak by Spruill to give Westlake (10-2) the early lead.

Steve Alysworth’s 47-yard punt return set up Craig Walendy’s one-yard run that made it 13-0.

Diamond Bar drove 72 yards in nine plays, scoring on a two-yard run by Stidham to make it 13-6.

“We weren’t worried even when they went up by 13,” Stidham said. “We still had to show them what we were capable of.”

Diamond Bar scored again after an interception by Scott Williams. A 42-yard pass play from Stidham to Spencer Obord set up a one-yard sneak by Stidham.

The Brahmas failed on the two-point conversion and trailed, 13-12.