Westlake Has Memorable Night

The members of the Ventura High class of 1968 held their 30th reunion Friday, attending the nonleague football game against visiting Westlake.

But while the grads reminisced, it was Westlake that left with happy memories after trouncing the Cougars, 42-16.

The Warriors, who have won the last three games in the series by a combined 136-43, were never in anything but firm control of the game and led, 42-7, at halftime.

If not for Westlake Coach Jim Benkert’s decision to substitute liberally in the second half and five fumbled center snaps by Warrior quarterback Zac Wasserman, two of which he lost, the score could have been more lopsided.

“They’re loaded,” Ventura Coach Phil McCune said before the game. “They have too many weapons and they know how to use them.”

One of the most dangerous components in Westlake’s arsenal was receiver Travis Campbell, who accounted for 24 of his team’s points.

Campbell, a 6-foot, 185-pound senior, caught six passes for 79 yards and three touchdowns and converted each of his six point-after attempts. He also intercepted a pass.

Wasserman completed 14 of 21 passes for 184 yards and four touchdowns and tailback Julian Lambert rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns in nine carries. Neither Wasserman nor Lambert played in the second half.

The lone bright spot for Ventura (1-1) was sophomore running back Tyler Ebell, who rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns in 22 carries. In two varsity games, the 5-9, 165-pounder has rushed for 319 yards and four touchdowns.

Westlake (2-0) opened the scoring on its second drive. After earning a first down on consecutive Ventura encroachment penalties, the Warriors tossed the ball to Lambert and the junior rambled 66 yards for a touchdown.

The ensuing kickoff was fumbled by Ventura’s Clark Goodwin and recovered by Westlake’s Tony Muna on the Cougar 32-yard line. The Warriors needed only three plays to score on a one-yard pass from Wasserman to tight end Mike Seidman.

After a Ventura punt, Westlake upped its lead to 21-0 with a five-play, 76-yard drive capped with a one-yard touchdown run by Lambert and Campbell’s extra point.

The Warriors forced another punt on Ventura’s next possession, but turned the ball over on their first play. Campbell caught a five-yard pass from Wasserman but fumbled and the ball was recovered by Ventura’s Bryan Easterly.

On the next play, Ebell rushed for a three-yard touchdown. Following Scott Ellis’ conversion kick, the Cougars trailed, 21-7, with 32 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Westlake closed out the half with Campbell catching a five-yard and two seven-yard touchdown passes from Wasserman.