Home of the Westlake Warriors

We Salute Our Warriors in Service around the World

Rebecca — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:05:54 +0000

We Support our Troops!

Westlake Football Alumni in Service around the world.

Give thanks to those who defend Democracy

for they bear the gift of liberty

and pay the price of

Freedom

A.J. Castro Funeral Services Update

Tim McGrath — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:49:25 +0000

Confirmed information: (From the Castro Family) — There will be a Wake for A.J. Castro on Thursday, Sept. 9th, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Pierce Brothers, located at 5600 Lindero Canyon Blvd., Westlake Village. The Funeral will be on Friday, Sept. 10th at 10:00 a.m., at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, located at 32032 Lindero Canyon Blvd., Westlake Village, with burial to follow at Pierce Brothers Cemetery. Cards can be sent to Hector Castro & Family c/o Westlake Football, Westlake High School, 100 Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362

Hundreds attended a candlelight vigil to honor and remember
Andrew J. Castro on Wednesday, September 1st at 9:00PM at the Westlake Warrior Stadium. Thank you to all friends, family, the Westlake High School Warriors Band of Brothers and all members of the Westlake and Conejo Valley communities that came out to show their support. We know the Castro family is appreciative to see everyone there showing their support.

Click this link to see the Fox LA article and video

Click this link to see the ActionPhotos.net Facebook Photo Tribute to A.J. Castro

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Westlake Village Soldier A.J. Castro

Warriors Finish Perfect – win CIF Championship 14-10 over Moorpark

Tim McGrath — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:44:12 +0000

The Westlake Warriors finished their magical march to a perfect 14-0 season by winning the CIF Southern Section Northern Division Championship in a 14-10 come from behind win over the Moorpark Musketeers, now a seemingly perennial CIF Finals bridesmaid. With heart, determination & grit that defied the stereotypes that many a naysayer tried to hang on the 2009 Warriors since before this season even started, the “band of brothers” persevered under the guidance of Coach Jim Benkert and his loyal and talented coaching staff.

Moorpark played their usual aggressive ’smack you in the face, then hit you in the back of the helmet on your way down’ when the officials aren’t looking style of defensive play. Westlake didn’t help their cause due to several missed scoring opportunities by that could have torn the game wide open.

In any event, the Warriors were behind early in the third quarter when their game changing play maker quarterback Nick Isham was knocked out 0f the game with a broken collar bone and things definitely looked bad for the home team at that point. Racing through everyone’s minds for at least a nanosecond was, “Would this magical season just end, falling down like a house of cards or would one more dose of intestinal fortitude rocket the Warriors forward to get one more win to seal their destiny into the record books forever?

Ah, just read the details in the Ventura County Star, it’s late, I’m tired and they have already posted! What can I say, I stopped off at Chili’s for the Champions celebration of dancing & toasting in traditional Warrior fashion, with native indian drums beating , while chanting “Un-De-Fe-Ted” and holding arrow head tipped hunting spears above our heads.

They have stats and kudos for the players and some pictures too, just click on the link below to get there:

Westlake rallies for championship * By Loren Ledin * Posted December 12, 2009 at 12:01 a.m.

Also, read about the game in the Daily News:

The unofficial CIF Championship Award photo of the official photo

Westlake Warriors beat St. Bonaventure Seraphs 17-7 in CIF Northern Div. Semi-Final, now 13-0

Tim McGrath — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:21:54 +0000

The Westlake Warriors beat the St. Bonaventure Seraphs 17-7 in CIF Southern Section Northern Division Semi-Final Game. In an epic match up between two offensive powerhouses, no one predicted a defensive battle of the ages. At times it felt like classic heavyweight boxing slug fest between two champions that may end up in a decision by the judges if no knockdown punches were thrown.

At halftime, the score was 0-0, and most of the crowd was relatively quiet, contemplating the historic implications of what they were witnessing. In the end, being kept in the game by their tough defensive side, the Warrior quick strike offense came to life and scored 10 points in the second half to put them ahead 10-7 with less than 1 minute left in the game.

The stellar Warrior Defense put their signature on the game with a fumble recovery TD when the Seraphs were deep in their own territory and attempted a trick play that backfired.

In the end, as hundreds of Warrior students rushed the field to join the team in celebration and the crowd of almost 7,000 slowly left the stadium; most realized that the Westlake Warriors, in their own way issued the St. Bonaventure Seraphs a warm welcome to the Marmonte League. This game marks the 3rd time the 2 schools have met in 6 years. Westlake has won 2 out of the 3 games. Starting next year in the 2010 season, the two teams will play at least once a year in regular season Marmonte League play for the next 4 years.

Look for the 12/4/09 game to be available for viewing on demand at one or more of the following sites:

Vootage

IBN Sports

KADY TV : Bringing Ventura County Home : Westlake vs St. Bonaventure game

To read more about the game, see photos and video interviews + highlights at the following links:

Ventura County Star – St. Bonaventure vs Westlake game highlights & interviews

Read the Daily News take on the Westlake win over Favorite St. Bonaventure in the CIF Semi Finals

Read artcle by LA Times writer Eric Sondheimer on the relationship between summer passing league and Champions

Westlake Warriors vanquish Hueneme Vikings 54-24 in CIF Quarterfinals, now 12-0

Tim McGrath — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:18:13 +0000

The Marmonte League Champion Westlake Warriors traveled to Oxnard on ‘Black Friday’ greeted by bitter cold winds gusting to 50 mph. Despite the the climate being perfect ‘Viking’ weather, the Westlake Warriors arrowheads pierced the cold with ease and unceremoniously ended the Hueneme Vikings Cinderella season 54-24 in CIF Quarterfinals Game, extending their unblemished record to 12-0. A 1st quarter 25 yard field goal attempt by the Vikings was blocked by the Warriors and completely stopped any momentum the Vikings had accumulated on their long drive. After that, the Westlake Warriors romped to a 34-0 halftime lead. Click here to find game links and exclusive photos.

Jared Fry (#1) carries the ball down from an Isham pass to the 4 yard line to set up TD pass to Tavior Mowry

Read more about the game in the Ventura County Star a the link below:

Westlake beats Hueneme 54-24 in CIF Quarterfinal Game

It's no wonder why RB Tavior Mowry (#5) has nothing but praise for his offensive line as they continue creating huge lanes allowing him to rack up 223 yards on 13 carries in the 1st half. RT Zach Miller (#76) and TE Johnny Stuart (#82) shown blocking on far right side.

A little celebration by RG Brenden Root-Burkes (#72) and QB Nick Isham (#10) after scoring the Warriors 5th TD of the first half.

Westlake Warriors cage Ventura Cougars 49-27, up record to 11-0 in CIF 1st Round

Tim McGrath — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:10:44 +0000

In another fireworks show filled with explosive offensive plays, the Westlake Warriors beat the visiting Ventura Cougers 49-27 for their 11th straight victory in the first round of the CIF SS Northern Division Playoffs. The Ventura Cougars came to play, however and began the contest by recovering an onside kick and driving down into Westlake territory and kicked a field goal when stopped by the Warrior defense in the Red Zone to make it 3-0 to start the game. Read more about the game at the Ventura County Star article by Loren Leiden with Photos by Joseph A. Garcia by clicking on the link below. You can also see the tape delay of the entire game at IBNSports by clicking on the link also below.

Read how the Westlake Warriors tamed the Ventura Cougars 49-27 at home

Watch the game: Westlake Warriors beat the Ventura Cougars 49-27

Champions! Westlake Warriors beat Moorpark Musketeers 38-14 to finish season 10-0 and win the Marmonte League Crown

Tim McGrath — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:13:23 +0000

The Westlake Warriors grabbed for the brass ring and took the Marmonte League title from the Moorpark Musketeers en route to a perfect 10-0 regular season record. At home in front a capacity crowd of nearly 7,200 spectators the ‘underdog’ Warriors dominated from start to finish with an explosive offense that lit up field like the 4th of July. To make it even more impressive was that the Westlake Warriors did this to a Moorpark defense that had only surrendered an average of roughly 7 points against all other Marmonte League competitors all season long. The night began with a wonderful Westlake Football tradition of recognition of all the Senior Warrior players and their families in front of the entire stadium at a ceremony prior to kickoff where each player presented their parents with a rose and a letter of appreciation for all their support. Thanks to Coach Jim Benkert and the entire coaching staff for their hard work and dedication to make this season something truly special. And it ain’t over yet!

Watch the game from start to finish here:

KADY TV – Bringing Ventura County Home : Westlake vs Moorpark 2009 Marmonte League Championship game

Warriors storm the field and dominate Musketeers from start to finish in taking Marmonte League crown.

Also: Read about the game, see photos & video clips in the Ventura County Star at link below:

Westlake VS Moorpark Game November 13 2009 VCSPreps

And see story, photos & post game interview of Jim Benkert and Nelson Spruce from the L.A. Times at the link below:

Read Eric Sondheimer article and see post game video from the L A Times

Nelson Spruce (#20) leaves Moorpark secondary behind on this brilliant 69 yard 1st Qtr TD on a pass from QB Nick Isham

Johnny Stuart (#82) stops Moorpark RB cold in his tracks for no gain.

Westlake Warriors Raid the Simi Valley Pioneers 56-13, improve record to 9-0

Tim McGrath — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:14:08 +0000

11-7-09: In a scene reminiscent of the one once seen on Tom Sawyers Island at Disneyland, you know; the one where the Warriors raid the Pioneer camp and leave the cabin riddled with arrows and burning to the ground…That was what it felt like to watch as Westlake High School Football team traveled to Simi Valleys’ brand new home field last night and beat the Simi Valley High School Pioneers 56-13. Before the Pioneers could even circle the wagons, the Warriors attacked and were up 7-0 on the third play of the game on a Jack Shepard interception and runback for a TD. But, don’t just take my word for it, click on the link below and read the VCSPrep story on the game by reporter Richie Wohlers:

How the Westlake Warriors spoiled Simi Valley Pioneers homecoming dreams

And of course, look for exclusive Warrior photos from the game in this post…

Senior Team Captain Defensive End Mason Thibo (#28) and Junior Defensive End Lukas Fancy (#66) stop Simi Valley Running Back (#33) dead in his tracks for no gain. With defensive plays like this, it's no wonder Simi Valley went 3 and out on every offensive series in the second quarter. The Warriors shut out the Pioneers 28-0 in the first half of play.

: The Westlake Offensive Line helped to keep the Warriors in control of the game and score on each of their 1st 7 consecutive offensive series. Impressive! In this series, that drove to score the final Warrior TD of the game, the Offensive Line was comprised of several configurations that included Jon Flores (#50), Kenny Cruz (#73), D.J. Grubaugh (#68), Chubba Duran (#71), Keith Ramljak (#62), Ramon Zepeda (#78) and Jesus (of Suburbia) Lopez (#54)

Senior Team Captain Running Back Colin Fan sheds several would be tacklers and does a nice spin move here as he scampers 13 yards to the Simi Valley 2 yard line. On the next play he carried the ball into the end zone for a TD and the Final Westlake score of the night to make it 56-7. Fan was congratulated by nearly half the Warrior team in the end zone before he finally surrendered the ball to the referee.

A perfectly placed punt by Nick Isham and heads up play by the Punt Team put the ball on the 1 yard line. Here on 1st down for the Pioneeers, the Warrior Defensive Team gets into a hot pursuit of the Simi QB deep in Pioneer territory. Westlake defensive players shown in this photo are Junior Linebacker Colton Hoffmans (#32), Junior Linebacker Logan Chase (#44) and Junior Defensive End Jimmy Hopkins (#58)

Senior Team Captain and Offensive Lineman Chubba Duran (#71) makes mincemeat out of a Simi Defensive Lineman. It was said that on this particular play the hole created in the Simi defense was open so large and for so long that Booster President and part time videographer Hector Castro could have run though it. Wow! Great Job Chubba!

Westlake Junior Running Back Geoff Carr (#25) gets a wide berth courtesy of the Warriors Offensive Line as he makes his longest run of the night for another Warrior first down.

Westlake Warriors Ranked 15th in CA, 4th in Ventura County Week of November 2 2009

Tim McGrath — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:58:00 +0000

11-2-2009: MaxPreps.com has the undefeated Westlake Warriors (8-0 overall, 5-0 league) ranked #15 in California, just ahead of St. Bonaventure #16, and behind Oaks Christian #9 and Westlake’s Marmonte League Co-Leader Moorpark #8. Interestingly, the Ventura County Star ranks the Westlake Warriors #4 behind the three other area teams mentioned here. Most importantly, the Warriors must first get past the deceptively better 1-7 Simi Valley Pioneers who will be at full strength this Friday with many starting players returning to play this week who were sidelined earlier in the season for a variety of reasons.

Click here to see the Ventura County Star Top HS Football Team Rankings for week of 11-2-09

Westlake Warriors Stampede the Royal Highlanders 38-0, extending record to 8-0

Tim McGrath — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:03:53 +0000

A band of wild Westlake Warrior football players and their coaching staff found their way to the Simi highlands and took some names while stampeding to a 38-0 victory over a Royal High School Football team that was unwilling to roll over, but eventually did. Tavior Mowry helped lead the stampede, gaining 112 yards on 17 carries behind an offensive line that continues to open some impressive holes in opposing defenses. On the other side of the ball, Michael Tack had the entire crowd standing on a 90 yard sprint for a touchdown right before the 1st half ended after literally picking a pass from the hands of a Highlander receiver at the Warrior 10 yard line.

The stampeding Warriors put fear in the hearts of the Highlanders, shutting them out 38-0.

Click on the link below to read more in the Ventura County Star Sports section:

Read about the scary Westlake vs Royal pre Halloween game here

Tavior Mowrey (#5) breaks out in the open for a nice gain in first half action.

Max Klinedinst (#4) creates some separation and makes a clutch catch from QB Nick Isham on 3rd down and 25 deep in Warrior territory. Isham and Klinedinst capped the drive with another hookup for a TD and the 1st Westlake score in the second half.

Another Tack Attack. Senior Michael Tack (#6) leaves a string Royal players in his wake as he goes for extra yardarge after a catching a pass from QB Nick Isham.

The Warriors First and Second Defensive teams combine to shut out the Royal Highlanders.

“A good defense will bend but not break” – a quote of unknown origin, but an often used phrase by many a wise defensive coordinator. The photos below highlight some great defensive plays made in the recent Warrior victory over Royal:

Westlake Linebacker Shane Giraldo (#47) evades a double team to stop Royal Running Back at the line of scrimmage. No surprise that Giraldo is one of the Warriors tackling leaders.

Justin Solis (#57) tackles Royal ball carrier

Casey Bliss (#24) brings down a Royal Ball Carrier

Jack Shephard (#23) tackles a Royal ball carrier