Hart Scores a Bracing Win Over Westlake

After two surgeries on his right knee, running back Tim Gregory of Newhall Hart High had concerns whether his speed and durability would return.

Not anymore.

Gregory rushed for 180 yards in 24 carries and scored three touchdowns in Hart’s 42-35 non-league victory over Westlake Village Westlake Friday night at College of the Canyons.

“The doubts are gone--I’m back,” Gregory said.

A custom-made knee brace made all the difference for Gregory, who was held to 55 yards in Hart’s season opener.

“It’s padded, smaller and lighter,” he said of the brace.

Hart (2-0) turned loose all its formidable offensive weapons to outlast Westlake (3-1).

Quarterback Matt Moore completed 14 of 19 passes for 196 yards with two touchdowns. Receiver Chris Steck caught five passes for 105 yards and the two touchdowns. But the Indians were hurt by one interception and three fumbles.

Westlake’s rushing attack was effective throughout. Jonathan Contos, averaging 11.7 yards per carry, gained 121 yards in 22 carries and scored three touchdowns. Fullback Kasey O’Brien rushed for 69 yards in six carries and scored a touchdown.

Hart took a 42-21 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter. Then Westlake stormed back.

Contos scored on a seven-yard touchdown run, then the Warriors recovered an onside kick. O’Brien scored on a three-yard run, cutting the lead to 42-35.

The Warriors regained possession with 1:57 left when B.J. Bush stripped the ball from Julian Lewis on the Westlake 13. Westlake drove to the Hart 39, until four consecutive incompletions ended the drive with 31 seconds left.

Some defensive players stood out in an offensive game. End Bill Thompson of Westlake returned a fumble 45 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. Defensive back Micky Mercado of Hart had an interception and played aggressively.

Hart led, 21-13, following a first half that featured an entertaining individual duel between two of the San Fernando Valley’s quickest running backs. Hart’s Gregory rushed for 106 yards in nine carries and broke off a 48-yard touchdown run. Westlake’s Contos rushed for 89 yards in 14 carries and scored two touchdowns.

Moore, who struggled at times two weeks ago in his first varsity start at quarterback against Wilmington Banning, looked sharp and more at ease from the outset.

On a perfectly executed 55-yard touchdown pass to Steck in the second quarter, Moore faked a handoff, patiently waited for Steck to break open, and lofted a spiral that Steck caught in stride.

Moore completed seven of nine passes for 108 yards in the first half with one interception.

Moore, who committed to UCLA last week, seemed to mature during the game.

He responded to pressure and hits by completing passes on the next play. He ran the option well and made mostly good decisions.