Harvard-Westlake Limps to Victory

Harvard-Westlake High had just clinched a share of the Angelus League football title but Coach Dave Bennett wasn’t in a mood to celebrate.

Bennett was more concerned about the health of the Wolverines, who suffered injuries to three key players in a 35-28 victory over Serra on Saturday at Harvard-Westlake.

First, running back Lerato Simelane went down with a possible quadriceps injury after an 18-yard run early in the third quarter.

His backup, Austin Scott, followed with an ankle injury late in the third quarter and defensive back Danny Kahn suffered an ankle injury after returning a punt 31 yards in the fourth quarter.

“I don’t know what to say,” Bennett said. “Those are three key kids.”

Simelane was well on his way to a memorable performance, having rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns in 16 carries. He has 1,155 yards and 15 touchdowns in 154 carries.

Scott had 75 yards and two touchdowns in nine carries.

The Wolverines (5-4, 2-0 in league play) opened up a 35-14 lead on Scott’s second touchdown, a 28-yard run midway through the third quarter.

After Serra (2-6-1, 1-1) responded with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, Harvard-Westlake quarterback Richard Irvin sealed the victory when he connected with Aaron Alexander-Bloch on a 37-yard pass to the Serra 16 with 1:52 remaining.

Irvin, a 14-year-old freshman starting his second game, was steady under fire for the Wolverines. He completed six of seven passes for 90 yards.

Eric McNeal of Serra completed 16 of 21 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdown passes went to Jerome Foster, who had seven catches for 235 yards.