Note: Westlake finished with a 3-7 overall record in 2018 and was fifth in Region 4 with an 0-4 record. It did not qualify for the 6A playoffs.
Westlake 2018 Offensive and Defensive Stats
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The top four teams from Region 4 proved to be the top four 6A teams in the entire state last year, with each of them advancing to the semifinal round of the playoffs. So imagine what being the fifth team out of Region 4 feels like.
Westlake has been that fifth team in recent years, which is very much like fighting a losing battle when it comes to qualifying for the playoffs no matter how good your team truly is.
For that reason, Westlake heads into 2019 with perhaps a different perspective, given the UHSAA’s new RPI seeding system, which should benefit the Thunder as much as anyone.
“I’m excited to see how this region works out,” said Westlake offensive coordinator Mark Ercanbrack. “You want to play against the best and we’ve had that opportunity every year in Region 4, for better or for worse, but this year I think it’s going to definitely be for the better.”
The Thunder will field a relatively young team, but one that has shown promise throughout the offseason.
“We have a team that played a lot of sophomores last year, so those guys are coming up and they’re hungry, They’re competitive,” Ercanbrack said. “I don’t think there’s going to be a drop-off at all, but an improvement from last year.”
Westlake Thunder at a glance
Coach: Louis Wong coached Timpview to four straight state championships from 2006-09. He compiled a 77-10 overall record with the Thunderbirds. He graduated from Castle High in Hawaii and played offensive line for BYU. He went 7-23 his first three years coaching at Westlake.
Offensive coordinator Mark Ercanbrack on the new UHSAA RPI:
“That last team gets left out, and when you play in the region we do, it’s tough because you literally have the top four teams in the entire state ahead of you. So this new system definitely helps us and so we’re excited to see what comes of it.”
Westlake offensive snapshot
Offensive coordinator: Mark Ercanbrack
2018 offensive production: 20.3 ppg (15th in 6A)
— One returning starter
— Spread
Offensive returning starter
Jace Hayes
Offensive newcomers to watch
Brayden Ross (QB)
Breven Balser (QB)
Jett Vance (WR)
Oakley Slade (WR)
Jimmy Ballard (WR)
Fabi Aitken (RB)
Andrew Jacob (RB)
Ercanbrack on his quarterbacks:
“Right now we have two guys who are competing. Brayden Ross is the guy we’ll use to start the first game, but Breven Balser is another guy we like a lot. I’m honestly comfortable with either of them, and they both have different skill sets. We’ll just see how it plays out.”
Ercanbrack on his receivers:
“We had four seniors starting last year, but we’ve really had some guys step up. They’re all going to be a huge part of our offense and have really done a nice job through the offseason and into practices. I like what I see.”
Ercanbrack on his running backs:
“Right now it’s running back by committee. We have three guys who are different skill sets, but they all work great together.”
Keys to offensive success in 2019: The offensive line can’t afford many injuries and the quarterback situation needs to solidify for the Thunder to prove effective. A young and relatively inexperienced offense could experience some initial growing pains.
Westlake defensive snapshot
Defensive coordinator: Viliami Halasima
2018 defensive production: 37.6 ppg (20th in 6A)
— Six returning starters
— 4-3
Key defensive returning starter:
— Kale Anderson (DB): Anderson led the Thunder in tackles last season with 88.
Defensive returning starters
Kale Anderson (DB)
Taufa Kanuch (DL)
Cristian Resendiz (LB)
Daniel Taumoepeau (DL)
Jackson Lees (DL)
Felipe Peeler (DB)
Defensive newcomer to watch
Isaac Allen (DB)
Halasima on Isaac Allen:
“No one really got to see him play last year because he was hurt, but he’s one of our defensive leaders right now. He flies around and plays with the intensity you want all your players to play with. He’s going to put on a show for us.”
Halasima on Kale Anderson:
“Kale Anderson played for us last year and he’s going to be a big part of our defense this year, as well as being one of our leaders.”
Halasima on his defensive line:
“We have a lot of returners along the defensive line that are still just juniors. So we’re in a good spot with those guys continuing to develop and to get that much better.”
Keys for defensive success in 2019: Westlake’s defensive backs have to prove as effective as Coach Halasima expects them to be with the defensive front performing in kind. Avoiding injuries is also key in the most physical region in the state.
Bottom line:
Westlake should be improved and will now have the means to truly show it with the new UHSAA RPI system. But as for Region 4 play, it will be tough for the Thunder to rise from the bottom considering how tough their region opponents will be.
Coaches Region 4 preseason straw poll: Sixth
Deseret News Region 4 prediction: Sixth
Key region game: Oct. 10 at Pleasant Grove
2019 Schedule
Aug. 16 — WOODS CROSS, 7 p.m.
Aug. 23 — at Provo, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30 — at Hunter, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 — HERRIMAN, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 — at Bingham, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 — at Lone Peak, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 — AMERICAN FORK, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 — CORNER CANYON, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 — at Pleasant Grove, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 — SKYRIDGE, 7 p.m.
….
Felts Facts for Westlake High School
All-time record: 38-61 (10 years)
Region championships: 0
Playoff appearances: 3
Current playoff appearance streak: 0
All-time playoff record: 1-3
State championships: 0
State championship record: 0-0
Most played rivalry: 5 meetings with Timpview dating back to 2009. Timpview leads 5-0.
...
Last 5
- 2018 — 3-7 (0-4 in Region 4 – Missed playoffs)
- 2017 — 0-10 (0-4 in Region 4 – Missed playoffs)
- 2016 — 4-6 (1-5 in Region 4 – Missed playoffs)
- 2015 — 5-5 (2-4 in Region 4 – Missed playoffs)
- 2014 — 3-6 (1-5 in Region 4 – Missed playoffs)
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Westlake coaching history
- 2016-current — Louis Wong (7-23)
- 2013-2015 — Steve Clements (11-17)
- 2012 — Gary Clark (4-6)
- 2009-2011 — Jason Walker (16-15)
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Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
- 2011 — Moana Ofahengaue, DL
To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.
EMAIL: bgurney@deseretnews.com TWITTER: BrandonCGurney