Menlo’s varsity football team fell to Palma 24-23 in the CCS Division II semifinals on Nov. 23. The Chieftains got on the board first with a 50-yard touchdown by sophomore running back Eli Dukes, who proved to be a problem for the Knights. But, at the start of the second quarter, junior Chuck Wynn received a nine-yard pass from Freehill for the Knights’ first touchdown, tying the score at 7-7. 

Later in the quarter, senior Brett Frauenhofer blocked a Palma field goal attempt. Freehill ran 50 yards, and then, three plays later, threw a 30-yard pass to Forese, bringing Menlo up 14-7. But a couple of minutes later, Dukes ran 35 yards, tying the score at 14-14. Frauenhofer intercepted a Palma pass to end the half. 

Late in the third quarter, Dukes scored his third touchdown bringing Palma ahead 21-14. The Knights started the final quarter similar to how they did the second — less than ten yards from their end zone — after a long run by Freehill in the third. Freehill ran the ball eight yards, tying the score at 21-21. After Menlo stopped Palma in the backfield, the Chieftains opted to kick and their 30-yard field goal was successful, bringing the Chieftains ahead 24-21.

After a successful hook-and-ladder play for the Knights’ first down, a Freehill pass was intercepted at Palma’s nine-yard line. While Menlo prevented the Chieftains from advancing down the field, the Chieftains strategically conceded a safety to run down the clock and kick the ball farther into the Knights’ territory than they would have been able to with a punt. After that, there was little time left in the game for Menlo to score.

The loss marks the end of the season for the Knights, who finished the year with an 8-4 record. The Knights advanced to the semifinals after defeating Christopher 21-14 on Nov. 15, avenging their loss to the Cougars in last year’s CCS DII semifinals.