HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

The best 0-2 team in the region? That’s easy. Thousand Oaks High.

The Lancers lost to Crescenta Valley, 24-20, and Hart, 16-6, in games against The Times’ No. 6 and No. 1-ranked teams, respectively, in the region.

Instead of heartbreak, the Lancers feel hearty in their first year under Coach Mike Sanders.

“We feel good about the growth we’ve made,” said Sanders, a former assistant at St. Francis. “To compete with Hart the way we did, I’m proud of the kids. We’re learning some life lessons early.”

Junior Dave Anderson has 238 yards receiving, the most in the region among Southern Section players. Anderson, who has 16 catches, also leads the Lancers with 13 tackles.

Quarterback Ben Olson, a 6-foot-5 junior, has not thrown a touchdown pass, but Sanders isn’t concerned.

“He’s done a nice job finding the open receiver for the most part,” said Sanders, pointing out Olson has not been intercepted.

“He’s not making bad decisions for a very young quarterback. He’s not just throwing it up for people. There are a few timing things there, but his learning curve is real high.”

Olson was credited with 27 carries for 63 yards against Hart, the result of intense pressure.

The Lancers’ next games are against Camarillo and Westlake.

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Westlake has had a short practice week, never a good sign when preparing for Hart.

The Warriors returned from a Saturday night loss to Clovis West at 3:45 a.m. on Sunday. They practiced for three days and host Hart tonight.

“We didn’t even have time to look at tapes of Clovis West as a team,” said Coach Jim Benkert of Westlake. “The week has gone by too fast.”