Harvard-Westlake Risk Rewarded With Victory

How many high school football coaches would replace their starting senior quarterback in the eighth game of the season with an untested freshman for the league opener?

Coach Dave Bennett of Harvard-Westlake High took a giant leap of faith in freshman Richard Irvin, but the decision could mean an Angelus League championship for the Wolverines.

Irvin, 14, brother of Marissa Irvin of Stanford, runner-up in the the NCAA women’s tennis tournament, completed six of nine passes for 75 yards and one touchdown in the Wolverines’ 35-7 win over Bishop Montgomery last week.

“We couldn’t have had it work out in a better way,” Bennett said. “He’s a very talented youngster. This kid is going to be something else.”

Aiding the transition was the positive response of senior quarterback Bryan Carlson, who became the starting tight end and strong safety. Carlson threw a 47-yard touchdown pass on a reverse on the first play of the game.

“If [Carlson] dragged his head, it could have affected team morale,” Bennett said. “Instead, he took it in a positive way and the other kids said, ‘Let’s go.’ ”

Irvin was told by Bennett he would start last Monday during stretching exercises and almost couldn’t believe the news.

“At first, I didn’t know what to say because I was so shocked and taken aback,” he said.

Later, he called Bennett at home to let him know he was ready.

“I didn’t feel too much pressure,” Irvin said. “I know a lot was riding on it, but I felt it would be OK and was confident our team would back me up.”

The Wolverines’ passing game had been sputtering. Carlson was completing only 34% of his attempts.

The 6-foot Irvin said he learned about dealing with pressure from watching his sister play.

“I’ve seen her handle so many situations it was almost like I was on the court with her,” he said.