Varsity Football defeated Lynbrook High School 44-6 on Friday, Oct. 20, improving its league record to 2-3-0 and overall record to 3-5-0. Both teams had bleachers packed with fans, as this was LHS’ homecoming game.
The Matadors started off strong, running back the opening kickoff for a touchdown, which gave them a commanding 7-0 lead. Time and time again, the team put pressure on the LHS players by making tackles before they could get as much as a first down. By the end of the second quarter, the Matadors had scored even more touchdowns, pulling far ahead of LHS with a score of 35-0.
Sophomore and right tackle Sean Malone notes his satisfaction with his teammates during the game. According to Malone, everyone did their job effectively, and each player on the field contributed to the team’s overall success.
“It was nerve-wracking on the bus here,” Malone said. “But after the first few plays, it was smooth sailing. Everyone else did a fantastic job keeping blocks, tackling and getting the ball [back].”
The team continued its strong performance after halftime, scoring during the third and fourth quarters and extending its lead. Despite playing in another school’s Homecoming game on unfamiliar turf, the Matadors were able to maintain their lead.
Senior and captain Sai Patel, who is a wide receiver and cornerback, said the team’s blocking against LHS was exceptional. Patel mentions that the Matadors’ overall performance was “a big jump” from previous games.
“We were just gonna run up the score and play our best, perfect football,” Patel said. “And that’s exactly what we did until the very last play.”
At the end of the fourth quarter, in a sudden turn of events, LHS broke through the Matadors’ defense and scored its first touchdown with no time left on the clock. Many of the Matadors had stopped playing as soon as the clock hit zero, but the ball was technically live and playable as it was snapped when the clock was still counting down. Having scored six touchdowns, with an added two points for a defensive safety, the Matadors secured a win with a final score of 44-6.
With the Matadors’ game against South San Francisco rapidly approaching, Malone said he will use the time he has to prepare by watching videos of past games and getting familiar with his playbook.
“I’m glad to be out here with these guys,” Malone said. “And I can’t wait for more, honestly.”
