Westview’s Varsity football team’s aggressive, physical defense led the Wolverines to a 14-10 CIF quarterfinal win over Bonita Vista on Friday, November 10. The Wolverines now advance to the CIF semifinals for the first time in Westview’s history.
Throughout the first two quarters, Westview’s defense held firm and kept Bonita Vista out of the end zone. In the second quarter, cornerback Logan Factor (11) batted down a Bonita Vista pass to stop a threatening drive. Later, in the same quarter, cornerback Gaven Hern (11), intercepted a pass in the end zone and ran it all the way to Bonita Vista’s 30-yard line.
“We were backed into our own end zone, and I kind of freaked out, but I knew that I had to stay focused so that I could do my job as part of our team, and I went out there and I executed,” Hern said. “[Bonita Vista] threw the ball and I saw it coming my way and I knew I had to nag it. I started running and [as] I’m moving left and right and it’s just a blur of people and I’m trying to make my way through the crowd. Eventually, I got sandwiched. It was the best feeling in the world.”
Half-time brought a shift in momentum and Westview seemed to show cracks in its otherwise stout defense, allowing more yards to Bonita Vista. They were allowing Bonita Vista to make longer runs and creep closer to the end zone. Bonita Vista took advantage and quickly scored a touchdown early in the third quarter. The score stood at 14-7.
“I think we did let up a couple of areas leading into the second half towards the end of the game,” Hern said. “We made a couple of mistakes that we shouldn’t have, but we ended up fixing [them]. We came out with the win and that’s all that matters.”
After an successful Westview drive, Bonita Vista added a field goal later in the third quarter, closing the Wolverines’ lead to 14-10. However, that would be as close as Bonita Vista would get, as the Westview defense would again take control keeping Buena Vista from scoring again.
In addition to Westview’s interceptions and other decisive defensive plays, running back Amare Gomez (11) and quarterback Mason Walsh (11) helped lead Westview to their win, each scoring rushing touchdowns.
Walsh opened Westview’s account early in the game, reaching the end zone on a 4-yard run on the first possession of the game. Gomez recalls the play.
“We were at the goal line and he was like ‘We’re gonna run it in,’” Gomez said.
Michael Friedman (12) had no trouble converting the extra point to put Westview on top, 7-0.
The momentum Walsh and the Wolverine offense started on the first drive continued, and finished with another visit to the end zone. After connecting with tight end Mark Woodard (12) on a 29-yard strike to take the Wolverine offense to Bonita Vista’s 20-yard line, Amare was then put in as quarterback, took the snap, and rushed for a 12-yard gain to score the touchdown.
With the win, the Wolverines advance to tonight’s semifinal game against Chula Vista at 7 p.m. 
