In a football duel between PAL-Bay Division leaders, Menlo School lost to visiting Los Gatos 28-0 - its first loss of the season Saturday.

The Knights move to 7-1 overall, 2-1 in the Peninsula Athletic League-Bay Division, and play at Wilcox on Friday night.

Menlo stopped Los Gatos early with senior linebacker Liam Pappalardo making three tackles, and junior Nathan Banatao a pass break up, on the opening drive

The Wildcats started their second possession at Menlo’s 39-yard line, then capitalized, scoring on a keeper with 39.3 second left in the first quarter.

Menlo countered an interception by stopping Los Gatos’ 12-play drive on fourth down at the Knights’ 23 with stout defense, including a pass breakup by JayAr Davis and tackles by Pappalardo and Palmer Riley.

Before the half, Menlo marched down the field thanks to a trio of passes from Jack Freehill to fellow senior Trevor van der Pyl, one to Davis and a Chuck Wynn run got Menlo down to the 26, but the Wildcats would get the ball back on Hudson Schrader’s second pick.

The Knights’ defense came up big again in the third quarter, ending a Wildcats’ drive at fourth and goal at the 8. Junior Nathan Banatao made a key pass breakup, Merrick Ward tackled for no gain and Pappalardo came up with a tackle for a loss.

Freehill had 144 total yards, completing 15 of 24 passing. Van der Pyl finished with six receptions for 55 yards. Wynn leveled a sack just before the fourth quarter, but the 65-player strong Wildcats took over in the final quarter. 

Los Gatos 7 0 7 14 - 28

Menlo School 0 0 0 0 - 0

First quarter

-Callum Schweitzer 3 run (Efe Acar kick) :39.3

Third quarter

- Hayden Benjamin 15 run (Acar kick) 9:07

Fourth quarter

-Max Thomas 15 pass from Schweitzer (Acar kick), 10:36

-Devonte Trout 1 run ( Acar kick) 5:20