The Malibu High Sharks continued their winning streak Friday night, walking over the Viewpoint Patriots by a score of 41-0 to improve their season record to 8-1. The game, played at Calabasas High School in frigid weather, was never in doubt as Malibu took only three minutes to score its first touchdown.
Coach Rich Lawson took the opportunity for the Sharks to practice their little-used passing attack, with quarterback Johnny O’Neal connecting on a 25-yard completion on the first play from scrimmage.
Viewpoint never got its offense on track as the big Malibu defensive line manhandled the Patriots. Viewpoint’s quarterback never had the opportunity to plant his feet to throw a pass, as one Shark or another was chasing him out of the pocket. All-around tough guys Andrew “the Animal” Heric and Johnny O’Neal were relentless in their pass rush and linebacker Matt Nechak seemed to be everywhere on the field in pursuing Viewpoint’s runners.
After Malibu ran up a first-half score of 34-0, Lawson used the second half of the game as an opportunity to play many of his second-string players, giving them valuable game time.
Going into the game, the Sharks were ranked eighth among division XIII schools. Results from other games played last week may move the Malibu team even higher in the rankings, which will help determine playoff seeding. The Sharks look to go deep into the playoffs, having a realistic chance to win their first-ever division title.
Malibu faces one last test on Nov. 12 at home against Villanova Prep. The game time at Malibu High is 2:30 p.m.