Malibu High Football Wins First League Game

A confident varsity football team faced off against a winless Villanova Prep squad in Friday's Homecoming game in Malibu. The Sharks were undefeated at home and had averaged nearly 40 points per game on their home turf. But with a rocky Malibu start that included turnovers, penalties and a sputtering offense, the outcome was far from certain at the close of the first quarter with the teams locked in a 7-7 tie.

The second quarter brought calmer seas for the Sharks. The offense began to sail and the Sharks weathered their early self-induced storm to cruise to a dominant 48-14 win over Villanova in front of a large home crowd.

The win was the first Frontier League victory for the Sharks, who are 5-3 overall and 1-1 in league play.

"It was a good win to have after ," Sharks head coach Ray Humphrey said. "They played with a lot of heart, but we put the ball in the ground way too much and there were way too many penalties."

Humphrey said he was impressed by Villanova's effort, but the Sharks defensive line was able to create havoc for the Wildcats' spread offense. Senior defensive tackle Cooper Smart had multiple tackles, including some key sacks, and forced the Wildcat quarterback into hurried passes throughout the game. Senior Jackson Hurst and juniors Eddie Johnstone, Alden Quartz and Nick Carlson also contributed to a stellar performance by the defensive line.

The game featured senior receiver Anthony Turner's first varsity touchdown of his career. Junior quarterback Brennan Cassone connected with Turner early in the second quarter on a 48-yard passing play that gave the Sharks a 14-7 lead and was the spark that turned what had been a tight battle into a one-sided game.

"That was really cool that he gets his first touchdown in his senior year in front of a large Homecoming crowd," Humphrey said.

The game opened in less than desirable fashion with a Shark fumble on the first possession. Malibu was unable to convert on the second possession, but the Sharks got into the end zone on a 57-yard interception return by senior defensive back Nate Dowler. Another Malibu fumble followed, giving the Wildcats a short field, which they used to tie the game.

The Sharks offense woke up in the second quarter with the Turner touchdown. The quarter also included a 40-yard passing score and 53-yard running score by  senior fullback Devon Baldinger. Malibu went into the locker room with a 27-7 lead.

The halftime show included the introduction of the Homecoming Royal Court as well as performances by the Malibu High Cheer Squad, Dance Team and Drumline.

Third quarter highlights included a 60-yard touchdown pass to senior Hunter Johnson and another Baldinger touchdown on a 10-yard run behind key blocks from center Eddie Johnstone, guard Alden Quartz and tackle Evan Anthony. The third quarter included some ugly moments for the Sharks, including several penalties and a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Villanova. Malibu returned to form in the fourth quarter, which included a nifty 25-yard touchdown scamper by Cassone.

Humphrey said the team was helped by the big crowd, and this could be a preview of what the team can look forward to next season when .

"It was huge," Humphrey said. "I wish all the crowds were like this. It was great to look back, see lots of people in the stands and sitting on the track; the concessions were selling out. That's how football is supposed to be."

Following a bye week, the Sharks play again on Nov. 4 in the final home game of the regular season against Grace Brethren at 3 p.m. Their regular season concludes on Nov. 10 with a night game at Santa Clara.