The Malibu High School varsity football team was soundly beaten at home on Friday by the Santa Clara, 53-7. The Sharks fell behind by three touchdowns in the first quarter, and were unable to reverse their fortune. Malibu had a tough time stopping Santa Clara’s running game, led by 2006 State Sophomore of the Year Cierre Wood.
The Sharks made several drives into the red zone, but saw potential touchdowns slip through their fingers due to either penalties or interceptions. Malibu’s lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter on a short pass from quarterback J.P. O’Fallon to receiver Tyler Victor, after a long reception by Shark receiver Justin Hale. The Sharks saw key performances by both Hale and running back/ linebacker Jake Wisnicki, who, on a squib kick-off return, trucked over two defenders before he was taken down.
The Sharks gave up seven touchdowns on the ground, compared to one through the air. The Saints’s Wood and tight end Randi Vines have already been offered full football scholarships by major college programs, including San Diego State and Utah for Vines, and defending college champions Florida, Nebraska and San Diego State for Wood. Coming into the game, Santa Clara was 3-1-1, with a four-game non-losing streak.
The Sharks came into the game at 3-2, with a three game winning streak, including their last game, a rout over Daniel Murphy, 56-14. The Sharks can take some consolidation in the fact that they were able to improve over last year’s performance when they were shut out by Santa Clara, 52-0. The Sharks play away next week against Bishop Diego, but return home on Oct. 26 to take on Fillmore at 7 p.m.