Serra’s Malakai Taufoou (10) runs with the ball against Los Gatos' Jared Newman (42) in the fourth quarter during the CCS Division I championship game at San Jose City College in San Jose, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
SAN MATEO — Need something done on the football field?
Malakai Taufoou can do it for you.
Safety? All-league performer.
Double-wing quarterback? Sure.
Dynamic leader? No problem.
Just a junior, Taufoou led Serra to a Central Coast Section Division I championship this fall, playing key roles on both sides on the ball as the Padres finished second in the West Catholic Athletic League and beat Los Gatos 28-21 in the section’s D-I title game.
In the final, Taufoou ran for two touchdowns, including the game-winner, and snagged two interceptions.
With that performance, plus his general excellence all season long, Taufoou seized the mantle of the Bay Area News Group Peninsula player of the year.
“It definitely means a lot,” Taufoou said about winning a CCS title. “This is something I’ve worked for since I was little. I’ve known I was coming to Serra since I was young. Coach (Patrick) 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.”
Taufoou is indeed a Serra legacy – his father, Lopeti, played on some of Walsh’s first Serra teams in 2003 and 2004.
His positional versatility and leadership shined in the biggest moments when the Padres needed a big play to be made.
“It was amazing,” Walsh said of Taufoou’s performance. “He’s becoming our emotional leader. He’s becoming our team leader. He’s a wonderful human being. He loves Serra since his dad was a Padre. This is his mission in life, to be remembered here at Serra. And he’s only a junior, so we’re very proud of him. He’s making plays all over the field, on both sides of the ball.”
All-BANG football online publication schedule
Monday, Jan. 5
Coach of the year
Alameda County player of the year
Contra Costa County player of the year
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Peninsula player of the year
Santa Clara County player of the year
Bay Area News Group player of the year
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Kickers/punters
Offensive line
Defensive line
Athletes
Thursday, Jan. 8
Linebackers
Running backs
Utility
Friday, Jan. 9
Defensive backs
Wide receivers/tight ends
Quarterbacks
Sunday, Jan. 11
Entire team in one article
Those eligible for all-BANG honors come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The news organization’s high school sports staff chooses the players and coaches.
Originally published at Christian Babcock