The Malibu High School football team lost 28-14 to Santa Clara in the final game of what was a troubling season for the Sharks. Malibu finished with a 1-8-1 record in a season marked by numerous injuries. Because of these injuries, many juniors and sophomores got a chance to play, and the team is looking forward to these seasonsed athletes excelling in 2011.
Prior to the game, the senior football players were recognized. The honored players were Chris Konkol, Jake Lubell, Jeffrey Bloeser, Saadiq Hassan, Matt Mason, James DeLuna, Jeremy Gooden, David Sandborg, Laker Dohan and Louis Curson.
The actual game began with a fierce Santa Clara running attack. The Saints did not pass the ball once on their opening touchdown drive. The Sharks were once again without sophomore starters Brennan Cassone and Jordan Alexander as well as senior David Sandborg. However, the team was still able to respond with a touchdown drive of their own that included a 33-yard run by Konkol and was capped off by a touchdown pass from Konkol to sophomore Apollo Loomis. This tied the game at seven with 11 minutes remaining in the second quarter.
The rest of the second quarter was scoreless, as both defenses were able to keep the opposing offenses in check.
The second half began with the Sharks fumbling the ball on the 27-yard line, a turnover that Santa Clara was able to turn into a touchdown. The Sharks then turned the ball over on downs on their following drive. This was followed by a touchdown that gave Santa Clara score to take a 21-7 lead.
The season-long injury jinx hit the Sharks again in the third quarter, with quarterback Konkol being knocked out for the remainder of the game. Freshman Donald Schmit then took the field.
The fourth quarter began with another Santa Clara touchdown, which gave the Saints a 28-7 lead. The Sharks responded with touchdown of their own, as Schmit threw his first touchdown pass of his high school career to junior receiver Jackson Hurst.
“We battled all year,” head coach Ray Humphrey said. “It was very tough with injuries but I’m very proud of all of the guys because they never stopped and never quit. I’m very proud of all of the seniors and I think that this particular group really helped set the program in motion.”
As for those seniors, although this season did not end up the way they would have liked, they said they were excited about the young talent coming up next year and were thankful for their time on the team. “It is disheartening that this season turned out the way it did with such a great group of guys, but that just shows how the returning players have to work hard and get this program back to where it should be,” senior Jeffrey Bloeser said. “Personally, I would like to thank coach Humphrey and the entire Malibu High Football staff for an amazing two years.”
The Sharks coaches, players and supporters are looking forward to the young talent that developed this season. Next year may prove to be a very successful season for the Sharks, as numerous juniors and sophomores were able to start and play well for this year’s varsity squad.
“I expect to be good next year,” Humphrey said. “ I expect these guys to work hard, play hard and be victorious when next season comes around.”