Westview Wildcats safety Drew Bennett did what he does best during the Wildcats’ 35-0 win against the Southridge Skyhawks.
Bennett, turned an interception into a 70-yard pick-six touchdown during the Wildcats’ 21-point first quarter blitz. The senior continued his habit of intercepting passes during the 2021 fall season. Bennett has picked off six passes in six games this season, including taking three picks to the house for a pick-six.
“I have to attribute my play mostly to my teammates. The defensive line, linebackers and cornerbacks have really played well,” Bennett said. “We’ve got some very good coaches that let me roam around and be a ball hawk.”
Bennett snagged three interceptions and returned two of those for touchdowns during the Wildcats’ 44-42 loss to the Jesuit Crusaders in Week 4. He snagged a tipped pass and returned the interception 86 yards for a score and returned another interception 22 yards for a score later in the game.
The Wildcats’ blew a 21-0 lead against the Crusaders and Bennett said the team learned a tough but valuable lesson.
“We took our foot off the gas pedal,” Bennett said. “I think we learned that we have to play our best football for four quarters and not let up in the second half.”
The Wildcats (5-1, 3-1 in Metro League) have produced a turnaround season under coach Ryan Atkinson in 2021 after going 2-3 in the spring and 2-8 in 2019. They are in position to post their best season since 2016.
The Wildcats will face archrival Sunset (4-2, 2-1) on Friday. The Apollos dominated the Wildcats 49-10 in the spring and they have won four consecutive games in the series.
“It’s a rivalry game and it’s the last time the seniors get a chance to come out with a win,” Bennett said. “It’s a huge game and we have to go out and make a statement. They embarrassed us in the spring.”
The Oregonian/OregonLive conducted a question and answer session with Bennett to learn a little more about his life on and off the field.
Sports background: “I loved watching football since I was a little kid. My parents didn’t let me play until the seventh grade. Then I started playing football for Westview (youth team). Ever since I started playing, I fell in love with the game and have tried to get better and better each year.”
Sports hero: “Damian Lillard. I’ve always been a big fan and he’s an inspiration for me. He always works really hard and puts in the extra work. That’s why he’s so successful.”
Non-sports hero: “My dad (Max). He’s always been there for me and I wouldn’t be where I am without him. I have always looked up to him and he’s been a huge role model for me.”
Off the field interests: “I like to hang out with friends. I like to go fishing, mostly trout. I actually went fly fishing for the first time during the summer.”
Where do you want to go to college: “I have an offer from Idaho, and I have interest from other colleges. My goal is play for a “Power Five” school, but anywhere I can get a free education and play football at the next level is the goal.”
Career aspirations: “I’m really interested in sports medicine.”
Favorite sports memory: “In eighth grade, I was playing for Westview. We lost two games in the regular season and we came in as an underdog in the playoffs. We shocked everyone and we won state. We beat a stacked Jefferson team in the championship game.”
Favorite class/school subject: “Science. I have a really good teacher right now.”
— Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold
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