Heltzer Carries Harvard-Westlake to First Football Win

Max Heltzer completed 14 of 18 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns Thursday to carry Harvard-Westlake to a 42-8 victory over visiting Leuzinger of Lawndale, propeling the Wolverines to their first victory of the season.

Harvard-Westlake (1-1-1) jumped to a 28-point halftime lead and finished with four interceptions while limiting Leuzinger (0-2) to 141 yards.

"We made some adjustments, opened up our passing game and started to roll," Heltzer said.

Chad Kanoff, a sophomore backup, added two touchdown passes and finished 4 of 6 for 85 yards. Lewis Nix had six receptions for 129 yards and three touchdowns, and Noor Fateh had five catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns.

Harvard-Westlake opened the scoring on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Heltzer to Dix, then the Wolverines added three second-quarter touchdowns to take control.

"We had a lot of injuries and a lot of young guys playing tonight, but they played their hearts out for this win, and it was much deserved," Harvard-Westlake coach Vic Eumont said. "We're happy with the win tonight. Very happy."

It could have been even more one-sided, but two Jamias Jones touchdowns were nullified by penalties.

"It's a bit disheartening when mistakes happen, but we're a team and we picked each other up when we had to," Jones said. "You just have to get back to the huddle and get ready for the next play. Tonight's win was a big confidence booster for us, and we are ready to look ahead." 

Charlie Porter, Brian Shultz, Julian Shabahang and Cameron Komisar had interceptions for Harvard-Westlake.

Dix switched from receiver to tight end because of an injury, and Heltzer thought he did a great job.

"He stepped up and played that role to perfection," Heltzer said. "He played exceptionally well, and this is what our team is about – everyone doing their job."

Will Oliver was 6 for 6 on PATs but missed a 46-yard field goal attempt that bounced off the upright.

Leuzinger scored with 44 seconds remaining on Anthony Williams' 3-yard run. John Carrier completed 14 of 30 for 117 yards and four interceptions. Williams rushed for 46 yards on 11 carries.

BOX SCORE

Harvard-Westlake 42, Leuzinger 8 

Leuzinger 0-0-0-8 – 8

Harvard-Westlake 7-21-7-7 – 42

HW-Dix 20 pass from Heltzer (Oliver kick)

HW-Hooks 43 yard pass from Heltzer (Oliver kick) 

HW-Fateh 30 yard pass from Kanoff (Oliver kick) 

HW-Fateh 20 yard pass from Kanoff (Oliver kick) 

HW-Dix 45 yard pass from Heltzer (Oliver kick) 

HW-Dix 15 pass from Heltzer (Lenard kick) 

L-Williams 3 run (Carrier run) 

Leaders

Passing

L-Carrier 14-30-4-117; HW-Heltzer 14-18-0-244

Rushing  

L-Williams 11-46; HW-Jones 10-16 

Receiving 

L-Barnes 8-70; HW-Dix 6-129