Behind Malakai Taufoou’s two picks, two TDs, Serra rallies to beat Los Gatos for CCS Division I title

SAN JOSE — Malakai Taufoou’s official position is safety. 

It should be safety net. 

When Serra needed a big play in its 28-21 win over Los Gatos in the Central Coast Section Division I championship game on Friday night, the Padres knew where to turn. And the junior came through for Serra over and over at San Jose City College. 

With the Padres tied with Los Gatos late, Taufoou, serving as the double-wing quarterback, ran in the game-winning touchdown from 5 yards out with 2:07 to play.

Then on defense, he sealed the championship by intercepting quarterback Callum Schweitzer with 1:50 left, all but ending Los Gatos’ season. 

But his work still wasn’t done. Serra lined up in the double wing one more time, and Taufoou quarterbacked the Padres’ offense to one final first down. 

With the game over, Taufoou could finally rest on his laurels: two rushing touchdowns, two interceptions and his name firmly etched in the storied football tradition at Serra High.

It’s the same legacy his father, Lopeti, helped build when he played under Serra coach Patrick Walsh in the early 2000s.

“It definitely means a lot,” Taufoou said. “This is something I’ve worked for since I was little. I’ve known I was coming to Serra since I was young. Coach Walsh coached my dad, actually, so it’s a full circle moment. And it’s just a blessing to be able to be in this position right now.”

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