Westminster Shuts Down Ocean View

Westminster’s defense shut down Ocean View’s potent aerial attack Friday night during a 29-14 Golden West league win at Westminster High.

With 6-foot-4 defensive back Akilah Lacey shadowing Ocean View’s top receiver and scoring threat, Phil Smith, Seahawk quarterback Patrick Campbell struggled to deliver the ball to Smith throughout the game.

“In practice, we worked all day on coverage for [Smith],” Lacey said. “I was a little nervous at the beginning, then as the game went on I relaxed and played my heart out.”

The defensive scheme worked as Campbell completed 12 of 32 passes for 139 yards and one touchdown.

Smith, who entered the game with nine touchdowns, finished with six receptions for 103 yards, but was held to no touchdowns and one big play--a 52-yard reception in the second quarter that set up a two-yard touchdown run by Jason Rhoads to tie the score, 7-7.

Westminster’s special teams broke the tie early in the third quarter when Corey Riggins blocked a Rick Sweetin punt. Several players dove for the ball and finally, Westminster’s Paul Bauer scooped up the ball and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown.

However, Ocean View (4-3, 0-2) struck back on its next possession when Campbell found Adam Nimmo for a four-yard scoring pass to culminate a 75-yard drive to tie it, 14-14.

Westminster (2-4-1, 2-0) answered by driving 78 yards to regain the lead for good on Jason Milane’s one-yard touchdown run.

Westminster put the game away with seven minutes left on Jared Jenkins’ 11-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion. The Seahawks never threatened to score again.

Westminster’s Fidel Gonzales completed 14 of 22 passes for 193 yards.