The Malibu High School football team takes to the gridiron Sept. 2 at Fillmore High School determined to turn things around after a difficult campaign last year. After going 1-8-1 in 2010, MHS Coach Ray Humphrey has taken steps to instill a renewed sense of optimism within the program centered around the age-old motto “Dress for success.” Gone are last year’s uniforms, shark logo and helmet decals, replaced with new editions.
“Last season felt stagnant,” Humphrey said. “So I decided to change it up. New helmet decal, new uniforms, new shark logo and a new attitude.”
While this year’s team features only 22 total players, Humphrey said he likes the leadership demonstrated thus far by his 10 seniors. Many will play both offense and defense, and their experience will be valuable as the Sharks enter into Frontier League play.
“It’s a different atmosphere this year on how we are approaching stuff,” Humphrey, who begins his seventh year at the helm, said. “It’s a refreshing season already. It’s a great atmosphere to be in right now. I really like it. Even though our numbers are low, we just move on and move forward.”
The Sharks recently wrapped up “Hell Week,” which featured two practices per day. A typical day started with a practice from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., followed by lunch, meetings and a second practice from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Humphrey has been encouraged with the progress the team has made over the last four months.
“We had a great spring, summer and now fall camp,” Humphrey said. “The guys have been working hard and their attitude has been great. They seem to be very motivated. It’s a good group of kids.”
Senior captains Devon Baldinger and Evan Anthony will lead the Sharks on the field this season, and both expressed a quiet confidence that 2011 would be a big year for MHS football.
“Everyone has been working hard. The seniors are really dedicated,” Anthony said. “Everyone is real excited to come out and play every day. My goal is to bring home a league championship and also go out strong. Give everything I got.”
Baldinger, a strong safety who was a first team All-League selection last season, and Anthony, a middle linebacker, will anchor the defense along with outside linebacker Hunter Johnson, defensive back Jackson Hurst and defensive linemen Torino Ruiz and Eddie Johnstone.
“Our strength is running the ball and definitely defense,” Baldinger said. “We want to bring home a league title.”
The Sharks offense will focus on the talents of new sophomore quarterback Dylan Miller as well as running backs Nate Dowler and Cooper Smart. Brennan Cassone will lead the receiving corps, while Chris Navarro anchors the offensive line.
Humphrey says the Frontier League title is available for any team that can step up and take it.
“Our league is pretty solid and wide-open,” Humphrey said. “It is a good small-school league. It depends upon who emerges and steps up.”
Malibu will be on the road the first two weeks of the season and will host its first home game on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 1:00 p.m. vs. St. Monica Catholic High School.