While Menlo School graduated a lot of its offense from last year’s successful football team, there certainly hasn’t been much of a drop off following back-to-back victories.
The latest was a 68-8 romp by the Knights over Mission (San Francisco) on Saturday night at Sequoia High in Redwood City.
Menlo sophomore Charlie Ferguson put on a display of how to break free for the long run with a pair of 50-yard touchdown runs in the first half. He collected 190 yards in 13 carries.
“We knew they were a good team with some good athletes,” said Ferguson, who also caught a 50-yard pass. “They played a lot of 4-1 (single-linebacker alignment). Our line played awesome.”
The Knights showed why they are a multiple-threat team, finishing with 501 total yards — 232 yards of which came through the air. Austin D’Ambra completed 10 of 19 passes and threw four touchdown passes to three receivers. Along with Charlie Ferguson, Sam Ferguson and Jack Marren also hauled in TD catches. Marren had four catches for 95 yards, and tallied 109 return yards.
After an opening week’s shutout, the Menlo defense again took care of business. After Mission quarterback Jerril Stancil connected with Bran’den Rodriguez for a 66-yard second-quarter score and conversion, the Knights adjusted. Mission punted and fumbled on its next several possessions before Garrett Matsuda, Antoinio Lopez and Jordan Pluchar (two) each had interceptions — Pluchar’s second accounted for Menlo’s last score. Charlie Roth posted three tackles and two sacks while Macklan Badger made a team-high six tackles.
“(Defensive coordinator) Todd Smith has got us out there every day . . . We prepared really well for the game,” Roth said. “We played great and I’m happy with the win.”
By Menlo School Athletics
By Menlo School Athletics
By Menlo School Athletics