Menlo News October 10, 2025

Fast start for football in 37-7 win over Menlo-Atherton

Knights win league opener

Knights senior Palmer Riley tackles M-A back Monty Turner in Friday’s game

Senior quarterback Jack Freehill evades defenders for a big gain

Menlo School dominated early in a Peninsula Athletic League-Bay Division opener at crosstown rival Menlo-Atherton in a decisive 37-7 win Friday night. The Knights made a statement from the start, capitalizing on their first two possessions and quickly building a 14-0 lead en route to remaining undefeated at 6-0 for the season.

Menlo's Trevor van der Pyl runs into the end zone after reeling in a pass from Jack Freehill in the second quarter Menlo's Trevor van der Pyl runs into the end zone after reeling in a pass from Jack Freehill in the second quarterFrom the opening drive, Menlo showcased explosive playmaking as senior quarterback Jack Freehill orchestrated three first-half touchdowns—all caught by senior receiver Trevor van der Pyl. Freehill ended the night with 339 total yards, accounting for three passing touchdowns and a rushing score. Van der Pyl’s touchdowns came on receptions of 12, 55, and 46 yards, helping Menlo build an imposing first-half lead.

Senior Palmer Riley anchored the Knights’ defense with a standout all-around performance, racking up six tackles (two for loss), two sacks, an interception and a deflection. Riley pitched in offensively as well, notching two receptions for 48 yards.

In the second quarter, Riley’s block of an M-A pass attempt, then sack on the next play, gave Menlo the ball back. A pass interference call, and to plays later, Freehill found van der Pyl for a 46-yard score and a 23-0 lead.

The defense held Menlo-Atherton scoreless until the third quarter and set the tone early with aggressive pursuit and key stops. On the Bears’ second possession, the Knights knocked the ball loose, Riley jumped on the fumble, and van der Pyl hauled in a 55-yard Freehill pass for a 55-yard score.

Menlo was even more driven given last year’s narrow three-point loss to Menlo-Atherton. “They’re a good football team; we just played a really good football game,” Freehill said. “What fueled our fire was last year, and especially for us seniors, we’re probably not going to play them again and couldn’t lose to them again, so we had to come out and get a win.

“We just carried the momentum from non-league, and want to continue that, and keep the train rolling”.

Menlo School struck first with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Freehill to van der Pyl, followed later in the quarter by a 55-yard strike to van der Pyl. Senior Dylan O’Malley nailed a 33-yard field goal early in the second quarter, and van der Pyl added his third touchdown on a 46-yard pass play. Freehill’s 10-yard rushing touchdown and senior Chuck Wynn’s 1-yard plunge in the fourth quarter capped the Knights’ scoring. Menlo-Atherton scored on Matthew Kwon’s 6-yard reception from Teddy Dacey late in the third quarter.

Another senior Dylan O’Malley was beyond efficient as usual with four more PATs reliable deep and down the middle, and a 33-yard field goal.

Menlo School (6-0) keeps momentum as they continue their road trip next Friday against Palo Alto, aiming to extend its undefeated streak.

Menlo School 14 9 7 7 - 37

Menlo-Atherton 0 0 7 0 - 7

First quarter

M - Trevor van der Pyl 12 pass from Jack Freehill (Dylan O’ Malley kick), 5:54 7-0
M- Van der Pyl 55 pass from Freehill (O’Malley kick), 2:52 14-0

Second quarter
M - O’Malley 33 FG, 9:04 17-0
M - Van der Pyl 46 pass from Freehill (pass failed), 7:15 23-0

Third quarter
M - Freehill 10 run (O’ Malley kick), 7:58 30-0
MA- Matthew Kwon 6 pass from Teddy Dacey (Anthony Perez kick) 2:49 30-7

Fourth quarter
M - Chuck Wynn 1 run (O’Malley kick) 10:17