Menlo’s varsity football team was defeated 21-18 by cross-town rival Menlo-Atherton High School in Menlo’s homecoming game on Oct. 18. The Knights got on the board first with a field goal from junior Dylan O’Malley and led 3-0 at the end of the first quarter. After giving up a rushing touchdown, Menlo capitalized on a field goal blocked by senior Jack Enright which was returned for a touchdown by sophomore Nathan Banatao on the final play of the half.
To open the second half, the Knights’ defense gave up two touchdowns to fall behind 21-10. However, junior quarterback Jack Freehill connected with senior wide receiver Jamie Forese on a deep ball for a touchdown. Menlo also converted on a two-point conversion try after, as Freehill completed a pass to Enright to pull the Knights within three. Despite making it a one-score game, Menlo couldn’t string a sustained drive together late in the fourth quarter, and the Bears were able to run out the clock. With this loss, the Knights dropped to 5-2 on the season and will face Los Gatos High School on the road on Friday, Oct. 25.
At halftime, each grade performed their dance in front of a decorated float designed based on their homecoming theme. The freshmen were sailors, sophomores were sasquatch, juniors were sardines and the seniors were safari-themed. After the homecoming parade, Upper School Director Adam Gelb announced that the seniors would be awarded the Spirit Shield for showing the most school spirit this week.