Malibu High Football Wins Fourth Straight

After two consecutive blow-out wins, the varsity football team finally had a challenge on Thursday at home against Brentwood. But the outcome was the same—another victory for the Sharks. The 24-14 victory marked the fourth consecutive win for the team, which is 4-2 this season.

"Brentwood is a good team, and we knew it was going to be a test coming in," Malibu head coach Ray Humphrey said. "It was a good test, especially before league play starts."

Malibu led through most of the game, but Brentwood went ahead 14-10 on a 16-yard halfback pass touchdown with nine minutes remaining in the contest. However, the Sharks were unfazed. Eight plays later, Malibu was in the end zone on a possession that concluded with a one-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Brennan Cassone.

Brentwood quickly got the ball back into Malibu territory. Then came a huge play when Brentwood wide receiver Garrett Swanky broke several tackles to reach the Malibu 20, but he dropped the ball, which was scooped up by Malibu's Dylan Cranson. The Sharks took advantage of the turnover, with seven plays down the field capped off by a 61-yard run by Nate Dowler for his second touchdown of the game.

"They faced some adversity today; it was perfect that this happened," Humphrey said. "Because now they know they can overcome challenges."

The Sharks were helped by an excellent performance by the line (Eddie Johnstone, Cooper Smart, Jackson Hurst, Alden Quartz, Evan Anthony, Chris Garcia and Nick Carlson) on both sides of the ball. Also contributing toward the victory were senior kicker Chris Navarro, who was successful on his two extra point and one field goal attempts and had a 70-yard punt; senior Hunter Johnson, whose first-quarter interception stopped an Eagles scoring drive; senior Devon Baldinger, who had several impressive runs and Anthony Turner, whose interception on the final play of the game prevented a potential Brentwood comeback.

The win came a day after most of the varsity and junior varsity players attended . Following a series of public comments, including one by team co-captain Evan Anthony, the commission voted unanimously to approve an LCP amendment that allows for sports field lights at Malibu High (the school district will still have to submit permit applications to the city, and go through a local hearing process). Humphrey said the commission's decision put the team in high spirits and was a factor in the successful performance on the field.

"They were really pumped about that last night, and they woke up this morning still pumped up," Humphrey said. "That contributed to today's good performance."

The Sharks begin league play next Friday against Bishop Diego in Santa Barbara. The team returns to Malibu High for Homecoming on Oct. 21 at 3:30 p.m. against Villanova Prep.

Go to see the live blog from the game.