Menlo’s varsity football team defeated Los Altos High School 56-6 on Friday, Sept. 13. The Knights got started quickly with a rushing touchdown by junior quarterback Jack Freehill less than three minutes into the game, putting Menlo ahead 7-0 after kicking the extra point. The Eagles responded later in the first quarter, bringing the score to 7-6, but were silent for the rest of the game. In the second quarter, a safety due to the Los Altos punter stepping outside the end zone gave the Knights two points to their name. By halftime, the Knights had a comfortable lead of 35-6 and continued their dominance in the third and fourth quarters.
Freehill totaled four touchdowns, one rushing and three passing, two of which went to the hands of senior Jamie Forese and the other to senior Tyler Fernandez. Junior running back Chuck Wynn added two rushing touchdowns, sophomore Nathan Banatao had a pick-6 and the Knights’ defense was nearly unstoppable with senior Kc Chavinson and junior Trevor van der Pyl adding an interception each. In addition to throwing a touchdown to senior Ryan Jabal, senior and backup QB Benjamin Salama heaved a 55-yard pass to Freehill in a trick play.
Forese believes the team came out stronger this game than in their 49-41 win against Carlmont High School the week prior. “I think last week we didn’t go into the game with our best,” Forese said. “Even at the start of this game on defense, they scored on us, but I think we were really able to come out with fire, and it was a team effort.” With a 3-0 record, the Knights look to stay undefeated in their game against Capuchino High School on Friday, Sept. 20.
