Malibu High Football Wins Third Straight

Flintridge Prep marched down the field quickly in the opening minutes of Saturday's varsity football game against . With first and goal at the Sharks' 6-yard line, the Rebels were poised to draw first blood. But four plays later, Flintridge quarterback Clayton Weirick was stymied by senior linebacker Hunter Johnson's end zone interception.

The Sharks needed only six plays to cover 80 yards the other way, capped by a 26-yard touchdown run by senior Cooper Smart. Following a successful extra point by senior kicker Chris Navarro, the Sharks took an early 7-0 lead, and they never looked back.

Malibu dominated Flintridge, 49-0, for its third straight win of the season. After opening the season with two tough losses, the Sharks (3-2) are above .500 for the first time this season. In the last three games, Malibu has scored 115 points while only allowing 15. The team has not allowed a touchdown on its home field.

"These guys are playing inspired football, just unbelievable football right now," Malibu head coach Ray Humphrey said after the game.

Humphrey credited the offensive line for opening up the holes that allowed the Sharks to get big plays. The line includes left tackle Evan Anthony, left guard Alden Quartz, center Eddie Johnstone, right guard Chris Garcia and right tackle Nick Carlson.

All the Sharks' touchdowns were scored on break-away, big-yardage plays, including 21-yard and 64-yard runs by senior fullback Devon Baldinger, a 49-yard pass play connecting junior quarterback Brennan Cassone with senior tight end Jackson Hurst, a 43-yard run by Cassone and a 19-yard rush by senior tailback Nate Dowler.

Smart had a career day in all-purpose yards and wowed the home crowd with an 87-yard kickoff return to open the second half. Kicker Chris Navarro continued on his record-setting pace, succeeding on all seven extra-point attempts.

"The emotion on the team is really high," Humphrey said. "And our confidence is on the rise. I think we could be 5-0, but we are learning how to win and how to battle every day."

The only negative in the game for the Sharks were several unnecessary penalties.

"We've got to clean up the penalties, control our emotions," Humphrey said.

The Sharks play again at home on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. against Brentwood.

"It is tough playing on five day's rest," Humphrey said. "We have a routine that we are used to, but I know the players are focused enough and will be ready for Brentwood on Thursday."