HS FOOT: It's a key stretch for Thousand Oaks

Already tagged with one league loss in the ultra competitive Marmonte League, Thousand Oaks (4-1, 3-1) is among four teams tied for second place behind Westlake, and the Lancers have a tough two-game slate beginning tonight at Oaks Christian, followed by a home game against St. Bonaventure on Oct. 22.

Oaks and St. Bonnie are the two newbies, and so far they've shown they mean business. In the meantime, Thousand Oaks is trying to get the next level after going 5-6 last year.

"It's obviously a key stretch.There's no doubt about that," Thousand Oaks coach Mike Lieben said. "We have one league loss, but there are still a bunch of combinations out there. You look at Oaks Christian, and they still have a lot of tough opponents ahead. I can't even think about St. Bonnie yet. I haven't even seen them."

Thousand Oaks is hurting with injuries. Already down to their third-string left tackle heading into last week's game against Agoura, running back Rickey Minyard (foot) and right guard Trevor Gerety (knee) went down on the first play against the Chargers.

Minyard is questionable against Oaks Christian. Gerety, one of just three players on the roster who weigh 245 pounds or more, is out for the season.