For Jordan Payton, a big game to end a huge career

It is only fitting that Jordan Payton end his high school career with a championship football game for Westlake Village Oaks Christian, because he has been a consistent, invaluable weapon during his four-year varsity career.

“He’s the most outstanding receiver to ever come from Oaks Christian,” Coach Bill Redell said.

Payton enters Friday’s Northern Division final against Westlake Village Westlake with 175 receptions for 2,844 yards and 42 touchdowns, all school records.

“Time flies definitely in high school,” Payton said. “It’s been a blessing to play for Oaks Christian.”

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Payton had a recruiter from Notre Dame drop by campus Monday. The Fighting Irish, along with California and Michigan, are his final three choices for college.

He knows he’ll have to be at his best for Oaks Christian to have a chance against an unbeaten Westlake team that knocked off the Lions, 43-21, in October. Of course, Oaks Christian was also the underdog to Westlake last season, when the Lions won in the Northern Division final, 29-28.

The community is fired up for another meeting between two schools less than a mile apart.

“This is a great thing for Westlake Village,” Payton said. “We’ve always talked about it as a team. There’s nothing better than to have two teams inside the city to play each other. We’re definitely excited to take on this big challenge.”

Payton also plays safety on defense, and he understands how good Westlake (13-0) has been this season.

“It’s a big-play offense,” he said. “They can pound, they can throw the ball. They run a balanced system, and I haven’t seen that balanced system in their offense for a while. This year they have it, and it makes them even more troubling.”

But Payton can be troubling himself. He has speed, leaping ability and toughness. He has grown up, going from a young, promising freshman into a much more mature, polished senior.

Payton won section titles as a freshman and junior, and he’d love to end his prep career with a third championship.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com