After Slow Start, Westlake Finishes Off Ventura, 28-12

If you bet that Westlake High could give an opponent 12 quick points and then shut the opponent out for three quarters, it’s your turn to pay up.

Westlake (1-0-1) employed the big play and its defense stiffened as the Warriors upended Ventura, 28-12, at Westlake High.

Ventura (1-1) scored the first two times it had the ball, driving 65 and 60 yards for touchdowns.

But Westlake roared back each time. Jamal Harris, who gained 158 yards in 15 carries, scored from two yards following his 50-yard run.

Jonathan Weems, who had 87 yards in nine carries, bolted 57 yards to put the Warriors ahead for good.

The first quarter ended with Westlake holding a 15-12 advantage.

“We were pressing too hard and made some early mistakes, but then began to move the ball the way we know how,” Westlake Coach Jim Benkert said.

Westlake’s final two touchdowns came on scoring bombs from Steve Aylsworth to wide receiver Jason Victor.

Aylsworth, who completed 12 of 24 for 226 yards and threw an interception, connected with Victor, who had eight receptions for 182 yards, on a 62-yard play in the second quarter and a 58-yard pass play in the fourth.

“We are blessed with great receivers who have great speed,” said the senior quarterback.

Westlake totaled 485 yards.