Special Teams Key Westlake Victory

Westlake High broke open a close game by scoring 21 points in the final 4:25 of the first half and went on to defeat Camarillo, 56-20, in a Southern Section Division IV quarterfinal Friday night at Westlake.

Cory Miles of Westlake (11-1) returned the opening kickoff 76 yards for a touchdown.

Westlake failed to score on its first two possessions, but Drew Thomas pooched successive punts to the Camarillo one-yard line and both were converted into Westlake touchdowns after turnovers.

Zac Wasserman connected with Chris Catalano for two six-yard touchdown passes following fumble recoveries by Michael Brignac and Catalano.

“We had some scares early, but our players responded well to the adversity they created for themselves,” Coach Jim Benkert of Westlake said. “Our special teams have been key all year.”

Wasserman threw two more touchdown passes late in the second quarter, connecting with Brignac on a 34-yard play and Catalano for seven yards.

Wasserman completed 10 of 18 passes for 128 yards and four touchdowns, all in the first half.

Backup Cory Miles played the entire second half in place of Wasserman, who sprained an ankle. Wasserman is expected to play next week in a semifinal against Arroyo Grande.

Julian Lambert rushed for 158 yards in 21 carries for Westlake.