The Menlo football team used well-time plays and an opportunistic defense to shake off a slow start and defeat host Carlmont 21-7 in a non-league matchup Friday night.
The Knights took the lead in the third quarter when senior quarterback Mikey McGrath bolted right, cut then saw open field left and ran into the end zone for a 14-yard score and a 14-7 lead.
From there, on consecutive possessions, Menlo’s defense stopped Carlmont on 4th-and-short, led by senior Harry Housser and sophomore Palmer Riley.
Again the Knights stopped the Scots short on 4th and short, Menlo sent McGrath in from 2 yards and Menlo led 21-7 early fourth quarter.
Riley delivered a sack to end Carlmont’s 12-play drive at the Knights’ 24.
After the Scots (0-2) scored first to take a 7-0 lead right before the half, the Knights (2-0) did one better, scoring 12 seconds later.
McGrath hit senior Nicky Scacco who ran down the right sideline for a 34-yard score. A two-play possession included a huge catch and run by Brady Jung from sophomore Jack Freehill and a late-hit penalty. The teams entered the half tied at 7.

Menlo School 0 7 7 7 - 21
Carlmont 0 7 0 0 - 7

Second quarter
C: Elliot Weinman 99 pass from Carlo Campobello (Jacob Tom kick), 1:30
M: Nicky Scacco 34 pass from Mikey McGrath (Tyler Fernandez kick), 1:12

Third quarter
M: McGrath 14 run (Fernandez kick), 7:43

Fourth quarter
M: McGrath 2 run (Fernandez kick) 10:02

JV – Menlo 26, Carlmont 12