The community spirit of Homecoming was unable to translate into a victory for the Malibu High School football team on Friday. The Sharks lost to Bishop Diego, 47-14, dropping to a 1-5-1 record.
The game began well for the Sharks, with Malibu’s defense forcing a fumble as a Cardinal running-back was beginning to cross the end zone. The Sharks’ offense also started off well, as the passing game took flight in the first quarter. Senior quarterback Chris Konkol capped off the Sharks’ opening 80-yard drive with a touchdown pass to sophomore receiver Brennan Cassone. With five minutes left in the first quarter, the Sharks found themselves up 7-0.
The Sharks then struggled against the Cardinals’ offense, as Bishop Diego began running the ball increasingly well. The Cardinals tied the score with three minutes left following an eight-yard touchdown run.
The Sharks then fumbled the ball on their second drive, and the Cardinals were able to capitalize with another touchdown run, giving Bishop Diego a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Cardinals began the second quarter with more running, as they took a 21-7 lead after their third touchdown run of the first half. Meanwhile, the Sharks’ offense continued to struggle as they could not get anything going against a tough Cardinal defense. The only time the Sharks made their way into the red zone, they missed a field goal. Meanwhile, the Sharks’ defense started to step up during the second quarter, as senior linebacker Laker Dohan recovered two forced fumbles during the second quarter of play. At halftime, the Sharks were down 27-7.
Halftime festivities were abundant for the Homecoming game. The Malibu High dance and cheer teams performed, the class floats and the Homecoming Court was presented, with the homecoming queen being crowned as well. Before the game, the Malibu High Associated Student Body hosted a tailgate party on the blacktop instead of the usual dance. With this and the added spirit associated with the Homecoming game, this contest experienced a much higher attendance than the Sharks’ previous games.
The Sharks began the second half with a quick score from Konkol to sophomore receiver Apollo Loomis, who, after not beginning the year as a starter, has made a place for himself on the starting roster. However, this was the only success the Sharks would have on offense during the second half, as the Bishop Diego defense shut down Malibu’s run and pass offense.
The Cardinals continued to pour the points on the Sharks, as Bishop Diego scored its fourth rushing touchdown at the end of the third quarter, giving them a 34-14 lead going into the final quarter of play.
The fourth quarter showed the Sharks’ attempts to rekindle their offensive rhythm, but could not because of turnovers and mistakes. The Cardinals scored another two rushing touchdowns (making it six on the day) to give them a 47-14 win over the Sharks.
“ I don’t think it was one thing that caused us to lose,” Head coach Ray Humphrey said. “But I think the biggest thing was that we didn’t take care of the opportunities that we got. We made them turn over the ball and we weren’t able to capitalize.”
With this latest loss, the Sharks move to 1-5-1 on the season with an 0-1 record in league. Next week, Malibu travels to Villanova Prep to take on another league opponent.