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Westlake High football team says aloha with 21-0 victory
Team figures out Hawaiin team's offense for Benkert's 150th victory
STORY TOOLS 
More from FootballIt's not likely that the Westlake High defense will see too many triple-option offenses for the rest of the 2007 football season.
Maybe not one.
If it does, Westlake is prepared.
Returning only three defensive starters from its 2006 Marmonte League championship team, Westlake grew up in a hurry Friday night in a 21-0, season-opening win over Waipahu (1-1) in Hawaii.
Nick Owens rushed for two touchdowns and completed 8 of 13 passes for 84 yards, including a 20-yard scoring strike to James De La Cerna, for Westlake. Cooper Shockley rushed 17 times for 114 yards and Ben Conlin, who alternated at quarterback with Owens, was 6 of 11 for 76 yards. Curtis Peterson caught six passes for 64 yards.
The win was the 150th for Westlake coach Jim Benkert. He became the third Ventura County football coach to reach that milestone. Former Rio Mesa coach John Reardon and former St. Bonaventure coach Jon Mack are the only two who have won more in the county.
Scouting reports on Waipahu gave Westlake a good read on what to expect.
"We were told to expect a tough game," said Benkert. "That team can play in the Marmonte League. I was very impressed with them."
Adjusting to the triple option did not come easy. Defensive players not only had to be disciplined to carrying out their assignments, but had to have an awareness of opposing blockers.
"We had trouble staying on keys in practice," said Benkert. "They picked it up early in the game and kept Waipahu out of the end zone."
Waipahu quarterback Troy Matautia rushed 15 times for 100 yards. Running back Keo Palimoo gained 66 yards on 14 attempts.
"They (Waipahu) chewed up a lot of clock," said Benkert. "Most of their yards came on broken plays. Their quarterback is an outstanding athlete."
Justin Lilley and Tommy Doupe played well defensively for Westlake.
The field that the two teams used created problems for the Westlake offense.
"You couldn't see the hash marks or the sidelines," said Benkert. "We caught three or four passes that we thought were inbounds, but were ruled out.
"That's why you play preseason games."
Westlake returned home Saturday night. The team's next game is Sept. 14 against Saugus at College of the Canyons.
Posted by pkck on September 4, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
High School football team travels to Hawaii, must be nice. Would they consider playing Oaks Christian across the street?
Posted by jz4havasu on September 4, 2007 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Devensive Ends Occhipinti and Doupe both went for a combines 3 sacks on the night. Occhipinti, 2: Doupe, 3.
Posted by jz4havasu on September 4, 2007 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Devensive Ends Occhipinti and Doupe both went for a combines 3 sacks on the night. Occhipinti, 2: Doupe, 1.
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