Westlake vs. Agoura

It's sad that such a great football game had to end that way.

The game I am alluding to, of course, is Westlake High's 26-23 double overtime victory Friday night over Agoura in a Marmonte League showdown.

Trailing by three points in the second overtime, Agoura running back Matt Bradley appeared to cross the goal line from 2-yards out for the game-winning score.

It appeared from my vantage point - at the goal line on the Agoura side - that Bradley maintained possession before the ground caused the fumble right at the chalk.

Apparently, the referees ruled that Bradley did not have full control of the ball at the time.

If that's what they saw, then that's what they saw.

It was such a bang-bang play that it's unfair to criticize the call.

It really could have gone either way, and Westlake (8-0 overall, 5-0 Marmonte) just happened to be the team that got the call.

Agoura, on the other hand, was so devestated by the play that dozens of players walked off the field in tears.

The Chargers (5-3, 2-3) played well enough to pull off the upset, but Lady Luck just happens to be on Westlake's side this season.

I was at the Warriors' 28-27 victory over Hart of Newhall in Week 3, when Westlake won by thwarting a 2-point conversion with less than a minute remaining to win.

After Friday's game, Westake quarterback Ryan Campbell even admitted that "somebody in the heavens really likes us this year."

So, hats off to Westlake, which will meet Moorpark (7-1, 5-0) Nov. 10 in a game that should settle the league championship - baring any major upsets next week.

And all my condolences to Agoura, which just as easily could have won.

kevin.connelly@dailynews.com
(818)713-3607