I had to come home and watch the tape of the final Westlake PAT (and then a few other things) before I wrote my weekly summary.

What can I say -- Westlake did everything the Warriors needed to do to win. About the last PAT call: I was sitting up high at about the 40, closest to that goal line. From my perspective, I was just disappointed (no boos from me or anyone around me). On TV, it looked like he may not have gotten in but the camera was not right on the goal line. If he was short, it was only by a couple of inches. Tough call. That's the way it goes. (I will quarrel about the call preceding the 99-yard pass play -- THAT was a bad call. Arguably it had no outcome on the game because Hart scored on the next play but I'll take issue with that below.

And now for the summary:

Hart kicked off and Westlake returned to the 30. On the first play from scrimmage, the Westlake QB, Carpenter, was flushed out of the pocket (a VERY positive sign for Hart) but managed to scramble for a four-yard gain. Note that Hart made some defensive changes: Ardnt was moved from OLB to DE, Howell was moved from CB to OLB, Amorelli (I think) was moved from FS to CB although it looked like Ciccone and Surratt were in the CB spots most of the time and Robbie Moore was inserted as the FS -- basically everyone took one step forward.

On the second play, the QB completed a pass to Miller -- one of the trio of GIANT receivers on Westlake (6'5"). He ran a step or two,was hit and coughed up the ball which was recovered by Toledo on the 50.

Hart series: Inc (tipped at the line) (Norton under center), complete to Leigh for 10, Howell run for 1 on a pitch from the shotgun, Howell run for 9 on a trap play up the middle from the shotgun, Howell run for 18 between the tackles from the shotgun, Howell run for 11 on a pitch from the shotgun down to the 1. Howell on a 1 yard plunge for the TD and its 7-0 at 8:28 of the first.

Westlake started at the 20 and the first play was an Inc on a dropped pass. The RB Mowry got 5 up the middle on the next play. Another Inc and Westlake punted.

Hart started at the Hart 39. The first play was a completion to Whitmore for 1. Norton made a nice fake and ran the ball for about 1 around the right but a facemask made it a 5 yard gain. The next play was a swing pass which was dropped. On third down, Norton was in the shotgun and then took about a five step drop. He was hit just as he began to throw, fumbled and Westlake recovered on the Hart 38.

On the first play, the Westlake QB was once again was flushed out of the pocket but also once again eluded the linemen and gained 12. RB for 5, RB for 2, RB for 4, pass to Stuart [WATCH FOR THIS NAME THE REST OF THE NIGHT -- AND THE REST OF THE SEASON] for 4, another QB flush but once again a nice gain of 8 down to the Hart 3. Two RB runs later and the score is 7-7.

The next series was just not an "n sync" performance for Hart. Starting at the 17, Norton threw over Ciccone on a little pass along the left sideline. The next pass to Whitmore was a little high and little behind across the middle. Whitmore just couldn't quite snag it. The next pass also was to Whitmore across the middle and was also a tad (a few inches) behind him which allowed the defender to tip it just enough so Whitmore couldn't hang on. Hart punted.

Westlake got tagged for a hold on the punt return so started on the 30: pass to Stuart for 18, illegal procedure, Inc to Stuart, Pass to Stuart along sideline for 43 yards (big time blown coverage -- he was wide open), Inc to the RB, Sack by Howell on a blitz for a 13 yard loss, Inc to Stuar, another Inc to Stuart (a knockdown by Ciccone in the endzone -- smart play because it was fourth down -- he could have intercepted it). There ended the quarter.

Hart started at the 27 and, out of the shot gun, Norton ran for 8 (an intentional running play). On the next play (also from shotgun) Howell took the handoff and was stripped. Westlake recovered on the Hart 33.

Westlake: RB for 5 between the tackles, Inc to Stuart, QB flushed but gains 6, Pass to Stuart for 9, RB run between the tackles for 1, another RB run for 1, an incomplete to No. 1 and then on third down, an INT to Amorelli which was returned to the 6.

Hart: Howell for 2, a run by Norton out to about the 16 but with a holding at about the same place, the ball was moved half the distance back to the 9 [for a net gain of 1 and repeat down -- the holding rule creates some really strange outcomes], Inc to Ciccone (PI?), Inc to Surratt (drop) and punt.

It was a nice punt but took a really bad bounce for Hart so Westlake started at the Hart 37: Inc to Stuart, a 10 yard scramble by the QB negated by a holding goal, illegal procedure, pass to Stuart. This should have been a sack but a great scamble and poor tackling turned it into a 21 yard completion. RB for no gain, Inc (Stuart?), Pass to Miller for 11 (another woulda/coulda/shoulda sack), QB flushed but gains 2, QB flushed but gains 3, Inc to Miller at the back of the enzone and then a 23-yard field goal. Westlake went up 10-7 with 2:38 left in the second.

Hart started at the 26: Pass to Ciccone for 9, Howell run for 10, Howell run for 1, Inc to Surratt (drop?), Pass to Elledge for 9, Run by Norton for 4, Inc shovel pass, Pass to Ciccone for 16, Pass to Surratt for 20 [Note: Surratt took off his gloves before this pass, maybe that ought to be the plan from here out], Inc, Run by Norton for 5 yards and a TD. Hart 14-10 with :26 left before half. Westlake ran one play (RB for 5 up the middle and it was half time).

What an awkward first half. Norton was 5 for 15 and 56 yards. Hart had two fumbles. When Norton was on the mark, the receivers seemed a little off. When they had it all together, Norton was a little off. Carpenter wasn't much better going 7 for 19, 122 yards (most on one play) and an INT and the fumble by Miller.

Howell had 46 yards on 9 carries and Norton had 27 on 5 carries. Mowry had 30 yards on 11 carries. Carpenter had 11 yards on 8 carries but that was deceptive: he was sacked for a big loss and had a large gain negated by a holding call. His positive yards were all very timely.

Hart started the second half at the 27: pass to Ciccone for 1, Norton run for 13, Howell run for 16, Inc to Howell on a shovel, Inc to Ciccone, Inc to Surratt, Punt.

Westlake at the 11: RB for 5 , Inc to Stewart, QB for 4, Punt.

Hart at the 49: Howell run for 9, Norton sneak for 3, Howell run for 9, Norton sneak for 2, run from the Wing T! for 2 (Howell), pass to Surratt for 8, Howell for 1, Inc complete to Whitmore (Whitmore found the opening in the middle of the zone and started to "sit on it", Norton thought he was going to keep going and threw it with too much of a lead), Pass to Elledge for 13, Run by Howell for no gain, Inc pass to Elledge from the wing T with Hart on the 4 yard line, Inc (knocked down), Field goal and Hart goes up 17-10 with 4:19 in remaining in the third.

Westlake started at the 20: pass to Stuart for 9, QB sneak for 3, RB run down the middle for 13, QB sneak for 2, pass to RB for 9 , RB run down the middle for 9, RB for 7 down the middle, Pass to Stuart for 28 and a TD. What can I say, this was a terrific offensive series. 17-17 with :50 seconds left in the third quarter.

Hart started at the 30: Pass to Elledge for 11, Howell for 5, [fourth quarter starts], pass to Surrat for 5, Run by Norton for 9, Howell for 3, Pass to Leigh for 6, Inc complete on a double pass by Howell, Sack (first one) for a loss of 4, then an INT on fourth down (the DB should have knocked this down; I'm sure he saved himself a lot of pain at the next practice by returning it to the Hart 37, a net 4 yard gain).

Westlake: RB run for 3, Pass to Stuart for 8, RB for 15 (up the middle), RB for 1 yard loss, RB for net 5 following a holding call, another holding moved the ball back to the 45 The RB on a draw for 5 and then an INT to Moore on the goal line with 5:33 remaining.

The call here was terrible. Moore was standing/backing on the one, leaped up (going backward) and landed with the first foot coming down on about the 2 ft line and the second foot well into the endzone, his momentum carried him back another step or two and he took a knee. The ref called it down at the 1. There is no question whatsoever he NEVER went down anywhere near the 1 and, in my mind, there is no question whatsoever that his momentum carried him into the endzone on the play. Hart should have gotten the ball on the 20. Okay, for you Westlake fans -- call it a safety -- but of all the available choices for the ref, there is NO WAY it was Hart ball on the one.

But thats what we got. Next play; Ciccone runs a short slant across the middle and beats the defense for a 99-yard TD.

The play is at about 1:30 into the linked video

(Last week he picked up a blocked kick on the five and was caught from behind on the 20 at the other end. This time he was pulling away. Westlake beware -- there's a lot of speed on SB.)

Now, one could argue that the really bad call made no difference because Hart scored on the next play. But as we shall see, this game was decided, literally by inches. This play may have made that subtle little difference: If Hart starts on the 20, only about 10 seconds , instead of 15 would have elapsed. As we shall see, Hart really could have used that extra five seconds at the end. In addition, Ciccone would have run just a little less and might have had just a tiny bit more energy on the last Westlake series. But but but -- woulda/coulda/shoulda.

With 4:44 left its Hart 24-17.

Westlake started on the 25: QB flush but run for 2, Sack for minus 4, Pass for 10, QB sneak for 2, RB run for 0, QB flush once again but 6 yard gain, pass to Stuart for 15, Inc to Stuart, Inc to Stuart.

The next play was a third and 10 situation. The ball was on the left hash. Once again Carpenter was flushed and scrambled -- this time clear to the right sideline where he let fly with a desperation pass to Stuart. Stuart fell but -- in THE play of the game -- Miller came out of nowhere and caught the ball a few inches from the ground along the right side line in a diving catch for a 24-yard gain -- first down at the 19. The QB as flushed AGAIN but got a 3-yard gain. Stewart caught a 16-yarder across the middle for a TD.

So now its 24-23 Hart and Westlake goes for two. Mowry, the RB, slips through the line and Carpenter tosses it. Mowry catches it on about the 1 and is tripped up by Elledge near the goal line. Is he in? The ref sez yes and thats all that matters. As someone in another thread said -- I'd love to see a picture taken right down the goal line.

As it turns out, the photographer for "The Signal" got a great shot of the play. Check the link:

2003-Westlake: In or out?

Hart got the ball back and started on the 20 with :37 seconds left: Pass to Elledge for 14, Run by Norton for 6, Pass to Elledge for 10.

Now comes the impact of the erroneous call. Norton rips one long down the sideline -- Ciccone leaps his highest but just can't quiteeeeeeee latch onto it as it slips through his fingers at about he 15/20. Maybe with just a little/tiny bit more gas in the tank he gets it.

The next play was also an incomplete to Ciccone in the middle of the field -- like Whitmore earlier, he "settled" into a zone in the middle of the field and Norton seemed to think Ciccone was going to keep going and threw it with a little too much lead. Once again the impact of the bad call: Hart now only has 7 second left but its only 3rd down -- ie only one play left. As noted above, there coulda/shoulda been 12 seconds -- enough for 2 plays. Hart had no choice but the Hail Mary which was intercepted.

Norton finished at 14 of 34 for 223 yards, a TD and and two INTs. Howell had 17 carries for 91 yards. Norton had 36 yards on carries.

Carpenter finished 15 of 31 for 251 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs. Mowry rushed for 90 yards on 21 carries. Carpenter had 16 carries for 29 yards.

Comments: Obviously, this was a very, very close game. Inches made the difference throughout.

The Hart defense was substantially improved over last week. Hart sacked the QB at least twice and flushed him out of the pocket well over a dozen times. Unfortunately for Hart (and to Carpenter's credit), Carpenter was just fast enough to get free almost every time and avoid the sack for the loss. In that regard, two passes were real killers for Hart. In the second quarter, Carpenter looked to be dead meat but pulled out of the tackler's grasp, rolled left, appeared to toss it up for grabs but Stewart got it along the sidelines (both the QB and the WR taking advantage of the huge height differential).

The catch along the sidelines by Miller in the 4th was devasting for Hart. I was sure that it was fatally overthrown to Stuart but then suddenly realized that a Westlake guy was there (accidently overthown by the QB but very alertly caught by the receiver).

The defensive changes really helped Hart but sometimes the defense just seems to lose focus. The long 43-yard pass in the second was simply someone asleep at the switch. The Westlake TD drive in the 3rd Quarter was too, too easy. The height differential ultimately was a very important factor. Some of Hart's DBs are really really short. Fortunately Hart won't be traveling in the land of the giants again.

The inexperience of the Hart receivers is still showing. While there have been improvements, there are just too many drops and/or too many miscommunications on the routes. Time will take care of that.

I still have a problem with the play calling at times. While I do like the shotgun formation it seems to me that Hart is too wedded to it, especially in certain situations. My problem with the shotgun is that the RB gets the ball basically at a stand still and, in particular, the linebackers then have too much time to react. In addition, the D-linemen, particularly the DTs can do a bull rush on almost every play. If the QB starts from under center it would seem to me that the RB would get the ball more often with a head of steam -- and Howell is a real load if he gets past the line of scrimmage. In addition the play-action fake tends to freeze the linebackers for just a moment which might allow the slots in particular to get more open in the center part of the field on slightly deeper routes (10-15 yards).

The one Hart drive that particularly disappointed me was the Hart drive in the third quarter that resulted in the field goal. Hart started that drive at the Hart 49 and in a very workmanlike fashion with a nice mix of runs and passes using a little shotgun and a lot of under center, moved the ball down to the 4.

Then, wholly inexplicably, Hart tried to run from the shotgun which went no gain [hey guys, when you're on the 4, the defense is gonna stack the line, and from the shotgun, the LBs really get a good look where you're going and shoot the gaps]. My view: Why not from under center? Howell hits the line with a lot more authority on a running play and probably gets at least two. Next play in that series: a Wing T formation and then a pass from that formation. Why? My view: Hart sometimes gets way too cutesy for me around the goal line and in other short yardage situations. Maximize the use of your strengths: a big agile offensive line and a big fast RB. This is especially appropriate given the fact that Howell had consistently gotten pretty decent short yardage on every run (only stopped for no gain once). In my view another under center formation with Howell barreling into the line and/or play action would have been my call at that point. On third down, Hart tried to pass from the shotgun and the pass was batted down in front of the receiver. Face it, its really tough to pass inside the five. Hart has the line and the big back to do run a "three yards and a cloud of dust" [or cloud of ground-up rubber as the case may be] at that point on the field. Norton under center, Elledge at tight end, a slot and two wideouts seems to me to be better set up. With a single tight end and the other receivers, the defense can't stack the line. With that offensive line, I think my suggestion has a lot more prospects than a winged T or shotgun near the goal line.

Another problem to which I don't have much of a solution -- Ciccone has played virtually 100% of the plays. He runs every route fullbore. He gets popped a lot on offense and because 75% of the passes by Westlake were directed at Stuart, Ciccone was in on almost every pass play. There's only so much you can ask of the kid. Figuring out how to spell him on defense out to be a concern of the first order. The same can be said of Howell.

Another positive: Norton made zero running attempts in the first two games. He's gonna cause a lot of trouble now that he can run.

So Hart is now 0-3 to start the season and on a four game losing streak. So, Hart fans, when was the last time THAT happened? It was pre-historic, or at least pre-Herrington. Hart lost the last game of the '84 season and then started out 0-3-1 in 1985 with Jim Bonds as the QB (UCLA and now head coach at St Francis). How did it go from there? Hart went to the CIF championship game!!

I don't usually prognosticate. I will tonight. Hart will end the regular season 7-3. Okay, Indians don't make me look foolish. I'm looking for a repeat of '85 (with a championship at the end) and as Yogi Bera would say, "deja vu all over again."

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