Photo Credit: Stuart Wilson

M-A faces up against Aragon at Coach Parks Field.

Several hours after head coach Tony Rosso guaranteed a win at the homecoming rally, Menlo Atherton lost their homecoming game 34-7 to Aragon.

Although Menlo-Atherton (1-6, 0-2) lost their second straight league game, they did something they haven’t done all season: shutting out their opponent in the first quarter. However,  Aragon (4-3, 1-2) exploded with 20 points in the second quarter as Don’s quarterback Sam Tuivailala scored all five touchdowns, three in the air, and two on the ground.

The lone M-A touchdown came in the second quarter after DeVonte Piper ran for 25 yards, leveling the score at 7-7.

The Bears’ ground game came predominately from Alofangia Sakalia, who produced 75 yards on 10 carries, compensating for a nonexistent passing game.

Another first for Menlo-Atherton this year was the staggering 12 fumbles which led to the lack of offensive production.

This year’s rivalry is far from the offensive shootout that it has been in the last few years.  M-A is far from being the team that claimed the CCS title last year after their 11-2 record on the shoulders of senior Vaughn Smith’s 1626 rushing yards. It leads one to question what happened to last year’s explosive offense that averaged 31 points per victory.

If it’s any consolation, Menlo-Atherton only has eight seniors this year after losing starting QB Turner Baty to New Canaan High in Connecticut. This proves to be a rebuilding year with plenty of young talent on both sides of the ball. Or at least we hope. Juniors Dan Mohr and Alofangia Sakalia are pivotal defensive playmakers. Sakalia also makes plays on the offensive side, earning five yards per carry. Sophomore speedster Cameron Moody leads the team in many offensive categories including touchdowns and receiving yards and although he is 5’5, Moody is electrifying on the field.

The Bears’ last losing season came in 2005 when they went 1-9 and 0-7 in league play. The last three games of this season are against Sacred Heart Prep (5-2, 2-1), Terra Nova (4-3, 3-0) and Woodside (0-7, 0-2). Hopefully, M-A will avoid repeating the woeful season of 2005.

Sacred Heart is coming off of 42-17 victory at King’s Academy to whom M-A lost decisively 45-19 two weeks ago.  Even though this Friday’s game vs. SHP is a lopsided match-up, the stands will likely be filled Friday night for Menlo Atherton’s first night game at Coach Parks Field. With Menlo-Atherton’s raw talent and size it’ll prove to be an exciting and emotional rivalry nonetheless.