The day after: Surviving the track meet
Westlake rushed the field, knowing its 36-35 victory over third-seeded Oxnard kept its season going at least one more week. Oxnard stood still, painfully absorbing the reality that a 10-0 record means nothing with a first-round loss. The historical significance added more to the Warriors' celebration. Westlake won 31-28 in the first round in 2006. And the Warriors (7-4) did again this year, earning a quarterfinal meeting with Valencia (9-2) next Friday.
With clenched teeth and sweaty palms, fans saw both teams slug it out in a track meet that one could presume would be decided on the last play. After Oxnard led 14-10 at halftime, both teams combined for six straight touchdowns. The Yellowjackets led 35-30 with 6:02 remaining, plenty of time for anyone to march into the endzone. Someone needed to make a stop.
Westlake forced Oxnard to a 3-and-out at its own 20-yard line on the following drive. And the Warriors made sure they continued to score.
Westlake quarterback Nick Isham scored the game-winning touchdown with 1:44 remaining. Isham filled in for Ben Conlin, who injured his shoulder last week against Moorpark, and went 22-of-40 for 254 yards and a touchdown. The Warriors have platooned Conlin and Isham all year. Isham has gone 79-of-128 for 967 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's also had 86 carries for 626 yards and four touchdowns. But in this game, Isham learned how to carry the team.
Oxnard couldn't answer on its last drive. The Yellowjackets reached their own 43-yard line and were faced with 4th-and-5. They went for it on a handoff to Sam McCowan, who plowed the field with 22 carries for 173 yards and three touchdowns. But he was stuffed at the line of scrimmage.
History just repeated itself.
--Mark Medina
