A 20-8 victory over Ribet Academy brings the team’s record to 1-1 on the season
By Hans Laetz / Special to The Malibu Times
The Malibu High School football Sharks found their feet Friday, battering and beating up an out muscled and injury-riddled Ribet Academy team, 20-8, in Atwater Village.
The victory evened the Sharks’ season record at 1-1 and handed incoming coach Ray Humphrey and his new staff their first victory.
“We came out with a different attitude, the nervousness of the first week was gone,” Humphrey said.
Miles Edman’s running and pass-catching capabilities continued to pace Malibu. With a total of 174 yards gained on 26 carries, Edman drew first blood in the second quarter with a 15-yard reception for a touchdown.
The team’s aversion to point-after-touchdown kicks continued, with a faked kick transforming into a Bennett Sherman pass down the left sideline to Garrett Brizendine for two points.
The tide had turned, as the Sharks pushed the Fighting Frogs back with defensive lineman Jake Jesson’s 15-yard-sack, and Alec Sherwood’s timely interception that set up the Sharks’ second touchdown drive.
That drive was marked by a 21-yard pass from quarterback Sherman to Brizendine. Sherman’s accurate passing, honed by years on the Sharks’ water polo team, impressed fans.
Brizendine also nailed an interception in the second half, a turnover near the end zone that he ran back for 28 yards. The subsequent Sharks’ possession ended with a failed field goal attempt.
But the Sharks’ physical domination over Ribet grew more evident in the second half. Four interceptions and two fumble recoveries showed a defense that had ground down the Fighting Frogs.
Defensive back Sandro Dileo nailed two of the interceptions. “He was definitely in the right places at the right times,” Humphrey said.
At least 10 Ribet players were hurt during the last quarter.
“We had a week of practice aimed at hitting, blocking and sustaining the drives, Humphrey said. “Once again, Garrett Brizendine and Ross Ellis really sparked us.”
The junior varsity team won a forfeit against Ribet, which had called up many JV players to its varsity squad due to injuries.
This week’s game against Brethren Christian of Huntington Beach promises a different flavor, Humphrey said. “They are a passing team and we are going to have to work hard on getting our defenders in the right place,” he said.
The game will take place on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Long Beach at Clark Stadium, located at 4832 Clark Ave.