Malibu High Football Electrifying in Big Win

A rare Southern California electrical storm forced officials to suspend play for 30 minutes in the first quarter of varsity football game against Bellarmine-Jefferson. But the real lightning strikes came in the form of a fast-hitting Malibu offense, which first struck in the game's opening 19 seconds and twice more unanswered in the first 13 and a half minutes.

The Malibu storm continued throughout the contest, with the Sharks (2-2) winning 49-12

The game in North Hollywood opened with a 40-yard kickoff return by junior Brennan Cassone. The Sharks followed this with a score on a trick play from scrimmage that had wide receiver Cassone throwing a 40-yard bomb to senior Hunter Johnson. 

The Sharks' offense continued to light up the sky behind the passing of sophomore quarterback Dylan Miller, who connected on three more touchdown passes before halftime—one to Cassone and two to senior Hunter Johnson. Senior tight end Jackson Hurst complemented the receiving corps with several receptions, including a 47 yarder that set up another Shark score. Malibu held a commanding 28-6 lead at halftime.

"That opening play fired our guys up, and then we unleashed Dylan Miller ... and they just couldn't stop him," said Sharks head coach Ray Humphrey after the game. "The offensive line played great, our running game clicked, and it set up a great night for Dylan."

The Sharks struck again early in the third quarter on a nine-yard scamper by senior Nate Dowler. The touchdown was set up by a 57-yard kickoff return by Cassone, who had a career night in all-purpose yards (142) and scoring (three touchdowns). 

Humphrey said of Cassone, "Brennan had the trifecta: a scoring pass, a scoring run and a scoring catch [on a 9-yard run]."

The Bell Jeff Guards refused to go down without a fight, and scored late in the game. But the Sharks' thunder was not over, and they responded with another lightning fast score on an electrifying 45-yard bolt by senior Devon Baldinger.

The Bell Jeff squad used the ball-control-oriented double wing offense, relying on misdirection and short-yardage runs, but the Sharks' defensive line was up to the challenge.

"We won the battle in the trenches," Humphrey said. "Our line played great on both sides of the ball."

The Sharks linemen include Eddie Johnstone, Cooper Smart, Jackson Hurst, Alden Quartz, Evan Anthony, Chris Garcia and Nick Carlson.

"These guys are playing with so much passion," Humphrey said. "I'm so proud of them. They want to win, and they're relentless, and that was the key: Being relentless on defense and having a great night on offense."

The Sharks return home next Saturday against Flintridge Prep. The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Other Sharks Highlights:

Kicker Chris Navarro is becoming a legitimate college prospect with kickoffs into the end zone and a perfect 7 for 7 night on extra points.

Highlights and scoring plays:

• Opening kickoff – 40-yard return by Cassone
• Malibu High 40-yard TD pass (on a fake reverse) - Cassone to Johnson (7-0)
• Ensuing kick-off returned to Sharks' 29-yard line – lost 20 yards in penalties and defensive plays
• Setup - 40-yard pass play – Miller to Hurst
• Malibu High 25-yard TD pass – Miller to Cassone (14-0)
• Chris Navarro kickoff goes past the end zone
• Malibu High 5-yard TD pass – Miller to Johnson (21-0)
• Bell Jeff 1-yard TD run, failed 2-point conversion (21-6)
• Malibu High 20-yard TD pass – Miller to Johnson (28-6)

HALF

• 57-yard punt return by Cassone
• Malibu High 9-yard TD run – Nate Dowler (35-6)
• 20-yard punt return by Cassone
• 21-yard run by Dowler
• Malibu High 9-yard TD run by Cassone [42-6]
• Bell Jeff 3-yard TD pass, failed conversion [42-12]
• Malibu High 45-yard TD run – Devon Baldinger [49-12]