Football: Conlin and Rodriguez putting on a show in Ventura County

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The first half of Friday’s nonleague game between Saugus and host Westlake has been wildly entertaining. And quarterbacks Ben Conlin and Desi Rodriguez have been largely responsible for all the action, providing highlight after highlight as the Centurions lead 14-12 at intermission.

The Warriors’ Conlin has completed 18 of 32 passes for 193 yards over the course of the first 24 minutes of play. His accuracy softened up the Centurions defense, and subsequently led to a 26-yard touchdown run by Justin Lilley to give Westlake a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Trailing 9-0, Saugus answered. Ryan Zirbel scored on a 3-yard run and Rodriguez followed with an electrifying 55-yard touchdown run in which he zig-zagged across the field twice, dodging numerous Warriors en route to the end zone to give the Centurions a 14-12 lead at the half.

-- Sean Ceglinsky