Rivals Recap: Westlake vs. Newbury Park
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Four-star wide receiver Theo Howard didn't fill the stat sheet but he made his presence felt when it
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mattered, helping Westlake to a comeback victory against Newbury Park on Friday
night.
I was impressed with...
Howard, the No. 5-rated wide receiver in the 2016 class, flashed his breakaway
speed when Westlake needed him most, turning a slip screen into an 85-yard
touchdown that put his team in front for good in their 35-24 win. In the blink
of an eye, he left opponents in his rear view, bursting through the running lane
and weaving through traffic before shedding a tackle near the goal line. It
wasn't the flashiest performance for Howard, who was unsuccessfully targeted a
number of times throughout the game, but he certainly showed off his star
potential.
I was surprised by...
Dual-threat quarterback Cameron Rising, a 2018 prospect for Newbury
Park with early offers from California and Washington State,
looked poised operating the offense. He made plays with his feet but also showed
good touch for the fade throw down field, hitting receivers in stride and
fitting passes into tight windows. Rising extended plays when the pocket
collapsed and, given his athleticism, should garner his share of looks the next
couple years.
Other notes...
Howard
hit the road this weekend for his official visit to Texas A&M, and he
told Rivals.com that he could announce a decision next week or the one after
that. He visited UCLA earlier this month and wore Bruins gloves during
Marques EvansClick the game Friday.Here to view this Link. of Newbury Park looked stout at cornerback defending Howard most of
the night. He kept up with the speedster in and out of breaks, and made sure to
attack the football when it came his way. UCLA and Washington have
expressed early interest, Evans said.
Newbury
Park lost a few standouts to transfer in the offseason, namely five-star
cornerback Darnay Holmes, but they still have some good talent on the
roster. Chris Brooks, a 2017 running back, showed good agility in the
return game.
