Menlo News October 08, 2022

Football beats Aragon in PAL-Bay opener

Bianchi throws four TDs in 30-10 win

Jake Bianchi fires downfield while Ty Richardson, left, and Avery Romain keep the pocket clear against Aragon

10.8.2022 – The Menlo football team found its momentum in the third quarter, and opened PAL-Bay Division play with a 30-10 win over Aragon on Saturday.
The Knights (4-2) got four touchdown passes to three receivers from senior quarterback Jake Bianchi.
Seniors came up big on senior day. Up 14-10 at halftime, Menlo powered ahead in the third quarter with three unanswered scores. Cort Halsey and Ty Richardson forced and recovered a fumble on the opening possession of the second half. Wth ideal field position, three plays later, junior Brady Jung pulled in a Bianchi pass for a 35-yard score and a 21-10 advantage.

Halsey had three catches for 106 yards and a TD. He made eight tackles and Robby Enright had three catches for 70 yards and made a team-leading 10 tackles.
Richardson made an interception on the next possession and the Knights defense did not allow a first down on the Dons’ next two drives.

Bianchi had an outstanding day, completing 15 of 20 passes for 407 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. Jung had four catches for 136 yards and both third-quarter touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Jung also made nine tackles.

Richardson had five carries for 77 yards, four catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. He also made an interception and had seven tackles.

Midway through the third quarter, Bianchi connected with Jung again on the first play of the possession for a 48-yard score.
Menlo nearly scored again before a potential score was called back on third down. Still the Knights worked their way down field on an 11-play, 70-yard drive, senior Ross Muchnick converted a 33-yard field goal to close scoring.
The game was called with two minutes left after a Knights player suffered an injury and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.