Football: Westlake controls its own destiny

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There are only a few teams in Southern California that don’t really have to worry about what other teams are doing to make a CIF state championship bowl game. One of those teams is unbeaten Westlake Village Westlake (8-0). If the Warriors finish 14-0, they’ll either take on Concord De La Salle in the Open Division final or play in the Division I final.

Coach Jim Benkert has put together a team that has been toying with opponents all season. Yes, there’s a big game in two weeks against Ventura St. Bonaventure at Moorpark College. And there will be one or two challenges in the Northern Division playoffs, but the Warriors appear ready to take on any and all opponents.

Quarterback Justin Moore’s execution of the offense has been magnificent. In his latest game against Newbury Park, he completed 9 of 10 passes for 159 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-3 win. Defensively, linemen Justin Solis and Johnny Stuart, linebacker David Ortiz and cornerback Dashon Hunt are playing like all-stars.

Anaheim Servite deserves the region’s No. 1 ranking because of strength of schedule, but Westlake is equal to or better than the Friars after Week 8 of the season.

— Eric Sondheimer