HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK : Wasserman Passing Up Bigger Stats

Westlake quarterback Zac Wasserman doesn’t have bad passing statistics--who could argue with 1,439 yards and 18 touchdowns in seven games?

But his numbers could be better if he played more in the second half.

Wasserman has not played in the fourth quarter in four consecutive games because Westlake (6-1, 3-0 in the Marmonte League) has held significant leads.

Against Royal and Thousand Oaks, Wasserman didn’t take a snap after halftime.

“It’s definitely hurt him statistically,� said Westlake Coach Jim Benkert, who expressed concern that Wasserman might be overlooked for postseason honors.

“When it comes to all-state, All-CIF, All-American, they look at statistics. It’s always based on 3,000 yards and whether he’s the guy. They’re not going to look at how far ahead we were and how much he played.�

Wasserman, who has committed to Penn State, is still expected to exceed his passing totals from last season--2,404 yards and 22 touchdowns.

And easy victories have meant increased playing time for several backups, including junior quarterback Corey Miles.

“It’s allowed other guys to contribute,� said Benkert, who lauded Wasserman’s attitude. “From his standpoint, it’s just being a team player. It’s not about chasing records.�

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Hold the applause, please.

Agoura (2-4-1, 0-3) has lost three of its last four games partly because of a rash of hand injuries.

Four starters--Chris Denove, Geo Martin, Steve Tagai and Scott Drucker--have been sidelined in recent weeks because of broken fingers or hands.

“We’ve really been lucky for a long time with injuries, but it finally caught up with us,� Agoura Coach Charlie Wegher said. “It’s our turn, I guess. We’ve had hand injuries like nobody’s business.�