Malibu football ends strong season with playoff loss

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Malibu football

Malibu’s successful season came to an end with a 44-21 loss to Linfield Christian of Temecula in the first round of the CIF East Valley Division playoffs. Playing in their first postseason game since 2007, the Sharks fell behind early and never recovered the rest of the contest.

Senior wide receiver Brennan Cassone finished his magnificent career by catching 11 passes for 187 yards and three touchdowns.

Malibu (7-4) won seven games for the first time since 2004 when it went 10-2. With a roster of only 19 players, MHS was the “little engine that could,” playing with heart and determination the entire season.

“I thought the season was amazing. I had a group of guys with so much heart, talent and drive,” Malibu Coach Ray Humphrey said. “To be 7-4 and second place in league was great for this program and the school.”

Injuries would not derail the team’s quest to reach the CIF playoffs. Overcoming adversity and rising up to the next challenge became the Sharks battle cry. Week in and week out, Malibu rallied to win games in dramatic fashion, in the process earning the respect and admiration of its fans and opponents.

“Senior captains Brennan Cassone, Eddie Johnstone, Alden Quartz and Apollo Loomis will be missed, but it’s going to be great to watch them play on Saturdays now,” Humphrey said. “The other seniors, Taurino Ruiz, Nick Carlson and Jordan Klarenbeck, will surely be missed as well.”