The Varsity football team at Malibu High School scored their first victory of the season on Friday, stunning the highly favored Falcons of Aquinas by a score of 20-14.
Running back Chris Lafotu ran roughshod over the Falcons, rushing for 188 yards in the first half alone as he repeatedly powered his way through the Aquinas line.
Playing in front of another large home crowd, the Sharks took the opening kickoff at their own 45-yard line. Malibu marched down the field on a series of runs by Lafotu and appeared to have an easy time punching through to the end zone for a 7-0 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, Malibu kicker Jeff Spiegel booted a perfect “pooch” kick to just past the Falcons’ blockers, where the ball was recovered by the Sharks.
The Sharks, led by the hard running of Lafotu, once again were able to score on the drive to extend their lead to 14-0.
The Sharks were unable to capitalize on two Aquinas fumbles and went to the locker room at halftime leading 14-0.
In the second half of the contest, a roughing penalty against Malibu helped the Falcons score a touchdown on their opening drive, closing the gap to 14-7. On the ensuing drive, Aquinas intercepted a Malibu pass and quickly moved the ball into the end zone, tying the game at 14-14.
It was crunch time for Malibu as they drove the ball downfield, sparked by a 46-yard romp by fullback Spencer Culbert. Strongman Lafotu capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run as the fourth quarter began. The Falcons blocked the extra point and Malibu led 20-14.
With time running out in the fourth quarter and Aquinas threatening to score, Malibu linebacker Andrew Haric put a devastating hit on the Falcons’ running back, causing a fumble, which the Sharks were able to recover. Malibu ran out the clock to hold onto the victory.
In last Thursday’s game, Malibu’s Junior Varsity squad lost a close game by a score of 21-14, breaking their three-game winning streak.
The Sharks’ next opponent will be Chadwick Academy with the Junior Varsity playing on Thursday and the Varsity on Saturday. Both games will be played at Chadwick.