CAN WESTLAKE EVER BE STOPPED?

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Daily News Staff Writer

They've caused more sleepless nights than midterm exams and just as many headaches. For opposing defensive coordinators, figuring out a way to stop them is more complex then filing a tax return. A trip to the dentist is more enjoyable then defending them.

They're the core of No. 1 Westlake High's offense - Zac Wasserman, Julian Lambert, Mike Seidman, Chris Catalano, Kevin Howard and maybe Travis Campbell - and through five games this season they've been unstoppable.

Tonight, No. 6 Newbury Park gets its shot at containing the unbeaten and top-ranked Warriors in a key Marmonte League game.

``They have some fantastic athletes playing for them, especially at the skill positions,'' Newbury Park coach George Hurley said. ``Plus they always play sound football and their coaches have them prepared. They present a lot of problems.''

Westlake is averaging 378 yards per game. Quarterback Wasserman (1,234 yards, 13 TDs) is the third-best passer in the area, and Seidman (28 catches, 443 yards), Catalano (23, 326), Campbell (20, 225), Howard (11, 218) and Lambert (605 yards, 77 rushes) are his weapons.

Who do you try and stop? Double-team Seidman, the tight end? That means Howard, Catalano and Campbell have more room to operate. Drop six or seven players in pass coverage and suddenly Lambert is breaking long runs.

``Like we keep saying, the running game sets up the passing game or the passing game sets up the running game,'' said Lambert, wearing a sly smile.

Not that the Panthers (4-1, 2-0) don't have a potential answer. It comes in the form of linebacker Anthony Foli, a big, fast, disruptive force.

``Newbury Park has never really had that one superstar defensive player, but they have one in Foli,'' Westlake coach Jim Benkert said. ``He can cause so many problems, from blitzing the quarterback to running down backs and getting back in pass coverage. He makes plays on both sides of the ball.''

If Foli can shake things up, put pressure on Wasserman and help limit Lambert, Newbury Park has a chance.

But it won't be easy.

Westlake has outscored its opponents 161-58. And that's with Campbell missing the better part of two games games because of an injured shoulder. The scary part is the Warriors haven't put together two consecutive well-played halves. The Warriors usually struggle in the first half, regroup at the intermission and dominate the third and fourth quarters.

Still, their lowest point total is 27 points.

``That's been a problem for us, we just haven't been hitting on all cylinders in the first two quarters,'' Benkert said. ``Hopefully (tonight) we can come out strong in the first half, but if not our defense will have to keep us in the game.''

Ah, the defense. With as many offensive stars as Westlake has, that side of the ball is often overlooked. Benkert concedes his defense is equal to, if not slightly better, than his offense. The Warriors give up just 171.8 yards per game.

They'll need to be up to the challenge tonight against a typically potent Panthers team. Besides quarterback Nick Czernek (1,414 yards, 15 TDs) and receivers Cause Hanna (29 catches, 463 yards, nine TDs), Brian Swett (23, 395) and Tyler Johnson (18, 268), they also need to be aware of running back Ryan Shipton, who has 587 yards on 88 carries.

``You start dropping guys back in pass coverage and all of a sudden Shipton is getting 10, 15 yards on runs up the middle,'' Benkert said. ``He gives them an added element that they haven't had in the past.''

No. 6 NEWBURY PARK at No. 1 WESTLAKE

Place/time: Westlake High, 7 p.m.

TV: Fox Sports West 2, 10 p.m. (tape delay).

How to get there: 101 Fwy. north. Exit at Westlake Blvd. North to Thousand Oaks Blvd. East to Lakeview Cyn. Rd. North to school.

Last year: Newbury Park 20, Westlake 7

Marquee players: Westlake - QB Zac Wasserman; TE Mike Seidman; WR Travis Campbell; WR Chris Catalano; RB Julian Lambert. Newbury Park - QB Nick Czernek; RB Ryan Shipton; WR Cause Hanna; LB Anthony Foli.

What Westlake has to do: Get off to a good start offensively, protect Wasserman and contain Newbury Park's Shipton and Czernek.

What Newbury Park has to do: The defense needs to force some turnovers and keep Westlake out of the end zone. If that happens, Czernek and Co. will have an opportunity to build a lead.

CAPTION(S):

Box

BOX: No. 6 NEWBURY PARK at No. 1 WESTLAKE (see text)