If this keeps up, Nick Owens will play under the radar no longer.

The Westlake High senior quarterback did his best Joe Montana impression Friday night, spreading the ball around, throwing for 314 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for two more scores in a 31-14 victory over host Simi Valley High.

The first-year starter hasn't been routinely included among the region's top quarterbacks, but he played like one in lifting the defending league champion Warriors to 3-1 in the Marmonte League and 4-3 overall. Simi Valley, with running back Langston Jackson limited to 45 yards on 15 carries, fell to 2-2 and 4-3.

Owens completed 23 of 36 passes, including touchdowns of 9 and 7 yards to top target Curtis Peterson, and did not throw an interception.

"How hot was he?" marveled Simi Valley coach Todd Borowski. "Everything he threw was right on the money."

Westlake coach Jim Benkert was also impressed.

"He's taking totally positive steps each week," Benkert said. "The more we release the reins to him, the more he seems to take over."

Owens, for his part, passed the credit to his teammates.

"The receivers were great, getting open on every play," he said. "The offensive line blocked great and gave me all the time I needed. I'm really feeling more comfortable every week, and trying to help this team any way I can."

Peterson grabbed 10 pass receptions for 131 yards, while Steve Hagy had six catches for 84 yards and James DeLa Cerna caught six passes for 63 yards.

With Westlake battling injuries on its offensive line, Benkert said the game plan leaned on quick passes.

"We felt like we needed to open it up and widen the field," said Benker. "(Owens) did a great job of finding the open receiver."

Owens threw for 183 yards in the first half, directing the Warriors to three scores and a 17-7 lead at halftime. His 7-yard connection with Peterson came with 2:15 left in the second quarter.

Following an interception of Simi Valley quarterback Jared Zahorik by Devin Talevera on the opening series of the third period, Owens and company captitalized.

The Warriors drove 40 yards in five plays, capped by Owens' 9-yard toss to Peterson.

Owens' 5-yard touchdown run at the top of the fourth period ended a seven-play, 72-yard drive and gave Westlake a 31-7 lead.

Zahorik completed 7 of 17 passes for 176 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown pass to Keith Williams with 10:52 left in the final period.