Royal Betrayed by Turnovers in Loss to Westlake

If a defense was going to win Friday night’s Marmonte League showdown between Westlake and Royal highs, it was supposed to be Royal’s.

But the Highlanders’ league-leading defense helplessly watched from the sidelines as Westlake forced six turnovers on the way to a 21-7 victory at Moorpark College.

Westlake (6-1, 4-0 in league play) is the only undefeated team in the Marmonte League. Royal (5-2, 3-1) is in a three-way tie for second with Agoura and Simi Valley.

“We’ve always had a good defense,” said defensive back Steve Aylsworth, who made two interceptions. “But we’ve got a high-powered offense so sometimes the defense gets overshadowed.”

Westlake made three interceptions and forced three fumbles. The Warriors held Royal’s powerful ground game to 152 yards.

Royal gained 218 yards, but 70 came on a last-ditch drive against a prevent defense.

Jerome Lee, Royal’s leading rusher, was held to 42 yards. Mike Reddington gained 108, but most of them came on the final drive.

Wes Lagatta, Royal’s quarterback, completed nine of 19 passes for 64 yards.

For Westlake, Billy Miller, who drew single coverage most of the game, caught five passes for 89 yards.

Quarterback Scott Spruill completed nine of 22 passes for 138 yards. Running back Craig Walendy gained 80 yards and scored two touchdowns in 16 carries. Jamal Harris gained 74 yards in nine carries.

Westlake, which was averaging more than 400 yards per game, gained 283.

The Warriors scored on their first possession, an 87-yard drive that ended with a one-yard dive by Walendy.

Royal forged a tie by capitalizing on a big defensive play on Westlake’s next possession. When the Warriors went for a first down on fourth and 11, Spruill was sacked for a 26-yard loss, giving Royal the ball at the Westlake 40.

Three plays later, Reddington scored on a 32-yard run.

Westlake took the lead for good when Spruill threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Mike Leibin with 1:47 to play in the half.

Royal got a break to open the second half, when Leibin fumbled the kickoff return, giving the Highlanders the ball at the Westlake 41. But Lagatta threw an interception on third and 18.

Walendy’s second touchdown, a two-yard run late in the third quarter, gave Westlake some breathing room.

FRIDAY’S YARDSTICK

Top performances of area high school football players. C14