3 TDs by Gossen Defeated Lompoc

For Brad Gossen, the best way to tell the change in seasons is to look at the shape of the ball in his left hand.

During the spring, Gossen pitches a baseball. During the fall, he passes a football.

His senior year at Westlake High is just beginning, but already Gossen (6-1, 205) is compiling some impressive statistics as the starting quarterback.

During last week’s 33-20 victory over Lompoc, which was rated No. 2 in the Coastal Conference before the season, Gossen hit 10 of 19 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed seven times for 59 yards and another touchdown.

Gossen has been selected as the Times’ player of the week for his performance.

“Brad made some very key decisions in the second half when the pressure was the greatest,” Westlake Coach George Contreras said.

Lompoc was not exactly a lollipop of a team. The loss was only the Braves’ fifth at home in the last eight years.

“Yeah, we were a bit worried,” Gossen said of his thoughts before Friday’s game. “But I don’t think the ratings mean that much so far. It gave us a boost to win.”

The Warriors clobbered San Marcos, 44-7, in their opener, also largely on the strength of Gossen’s arm and judgment. He was 13 of 16 passing for 161 yards and three touchdowns in that game.

The school record for touchdown passes is nine. Gossen already has five.

Although a senior, Gossen is not sure where he’ll attend college. Winning the Marmonte League championship is foremost in his mind.

To do it, Westlake will have to stand out in the well-balanced League. Gossen said Simi Valley may offer the stiffest competition, but there’s really no way to tell for sure.

“It’s hard to say,” Gossen said. “I think anybody can beat anybody.”

With that in mind, you can be sure Gossen won’t save his best pitches for spring.

Honorable mentions

Cleveland running back Elliot Franks (5-9, 150 junior) rushed eight times for 122 yards, including runs of 33 and 56 yards against Chatsworth. . . . Taft running back Kevin Wolfe rushed 21 times for 109 yards and one touchdown against Grant. . . . Bell-Jeff quarterback Keith Fitzgerald hit 12 of 16 passes for 141 yards and three touchdowns against Santa Paula.