Harvard-Westlake's Football Team Looks to Get on Track

It's been a struggle for Harvard-Westlake High's football team, as the Wolverines (0-1-1) are still looking for their first victory heading into a nonleague matchup Thursday, Sept. 16 against visiting Leuzinger (0-1) of Lawndale. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

But if it's true that success comes in layers, then perhaps Harvard-Westlake is ready for a turnaround after losing its first game by 31 points to Venice, then tying Fairfax of L.A. 14-14 last week.

Quarterback Max Heltzer, one of Harvard-Westlake's key players, believes now is the time.

"This time, we should get our first win, I think," Heltzer said. "We've looked a lot better in practice. Last week wasn't so great, but this week was better."

Plus, Andrew Green, a top defensive lineman who had 10 sacks last season, is finally healthy after fighting off an injury. He teams with Adam Wolf to help form a tough defensive line that is one of the team's main strengths.

Alex Cadiff, a sophomore linebacker with a hitter's mentality, is also off to a fast start with 27 tackles, including 19 against Fairfax.

Heltzer has passed for 333 yards and three touchdowns, and he has a couple of impressive receivers in Noor Fateh (10 receptions, 135 yards) and Lewis Dix (eight receptions, 158 yards).

The running game could use as boost, as Harvard-Westlake is averaging just 72.5 yards rushing and has been plagued by fumbles.

Leuzinger opened with a 42-7 loss to Santa Monica, as the Olympians shot themselves in the foot by committing five turnovers while totaling just 124 yards total offense.

In other games:

Campbell Hall (2-0) vs. Villanova Prep (1-1) at North Hollywood High, Thursday 7 p.m. – Loaded with skill-position talent, Campbell Hall should have an easy time if QB R.J. Gordon is on and multi-purpose back Austin McBroom breaks a long TD or two like usual.

Hollywood (1-0) at North Hollywood (0-1), Friday, 7 p.m. – Forced into a 16-day break because last week's game against University of L.A. was canceled due to a schedule conflict, North Hollywood, led by QB Jesse Craven, is itching to get back onto the field.

The Huskies have nowhere to go but up after a 41-0 opening loss to Dorsey of L.A.