Catalano Emerged as Silent Star

It’s almost game time for Westlake High, which means two things:

* A victory is likely.

* No talking to Chris Catalano.

Catalano, a senior receiver and defensive back, was the definition of focus before the Warriors took the football field.

He didn’t speak to anybody. Nobody spoke to him.

He played a mental game with himself, then helped the Warriors win their game.

“He focuses like no other player I’ve had,” said Coach Jim Benkert of Westlake. “None of the kids would talk to him because he would become a machine.”

The machine worked like a Rolls-Royce engine, smooth and powerful.

Catalano, who has committed to Wisconsin, had 68 receptions for 1,050 yards and 16 touchdowns.

He had a team-high five interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and he returned a fumble for a touchdown.

Catalano is The Times’ Ventura County player of the year.

His performance in the Warriors’ 24-21 victory over San Luis Obispo in the Southern Section Division IV championship game exemplified his season.

With Westlake clinging to a 10-7 lead early in the fourth quarter, Catalano scored on a 10-yard reception with two defenders covering him.

San Luis Obispo scored two quick touchdowns to take a 21-17 lead, but Catalano kept alive the Warriors’ game-winning drive with a catch for a first down. He injured his chronically sore right ankle on the play and looked to the sideline.

“He looked to me like he couldn’t walk,” Benkert said. “He was on one foot.”

He stayed in the game and caught a pass on the next play.

Catalano finished with seven receptions for 83 yards to lead Westlake (13-1).

His accomplishments were more impressive considering he battled ankle problems throughout the year.

After almost every game, Catalano would head for the sideline with a trainer, unwrap his ankle and tend to his injury, which occurred during summer two-a-day practices.

“He played hurt probably most of the time,” Benkert said. “He had to play every down. And he knew it.”

Catalano undeniably was vital to the Warriors’ success. Just don’t tell him before a game.