HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: WEEK 5 : Westlake Pass Finds Wrong Man in End Zone

THOUSAND OAKS — The ball floated into the end zone and over his shoulder, and Chris Melzer simply did what he had watched Westlake High receivers do the entire game.

He cradled it in his arms, securing a key Marmonte League victory for Thousand Oaks on Friday night.

Melzer’s interception with less than a minute remaining was the last in a succession of electrifying plays in the Lancers’ stunning 27-26 victory, spoiling Westlake’s first league game in its new stadium.

“I just wanted to bring it in,” Melzer said.

After 16 meetings between the rivals--all at Thousand Oaks--Westlake invited the Lancers to its house to play. Thousand Oaks brought along its favorite action figure, Brandon Jackson, and he spoiled the Warriors’ fun.

Jackson rambled for 141 yards and three touchdowns--his fourth consecutive 100-yard effort. After scoring on a 54-yard end run in the first half, Jackson scored on runs of 14 and two yards in the second half.

His last touchdown gave the Lancers a 27-16 lead after they had trailed, 16-10, at halftime. “We had a massive explosion in the second half,” Jackson said.

However, one play after Jackson’s final touchdown, Westlake scored on a 68-yard pass play from Steve Aylsworth to Jason Victor and added a two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 27-24.

Thousand Oaks controlled the clock until a Westlake possession moved the ball to Thousand Oaks’ 36-yard line with 47 seconds to play. Melzer’s interception ended the drive and Thousand Oaks took a safety 25 seconds later.

Westlake had five pass plays of more than 30 yards. Victor had 176 yards on six receptions and Aylsworth passed for 267 yards, completing 11 of 23.

Thousand Oaks had a balanced attack behind the running of Jackson and passing of Scott McEwan, who completed 12 of 21 for a career-high 225 yards.