Malvern defeats Penn Charter, sets up huge matchup for next week

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Quigley Field, Malvern PA - On a windy, chilly Saturday afternoon, Malvern Prep made one last statement before competing in the game of the season next week, as they defeated division foe Penn Charter 43-21 to improve their record to 8-0.

Malvern Prep's homecoming game didn't start out pretty for either team; they both fumbled on their opening drives. But Malvern would score first in the first quarter, as Jr. RB James Connelly squeezed through the line for a 2 yard run on the right side.

Penn Charter counter-punched with a TD pass from Jr. QB John Ryan to Sr. TE Blaise Fullen, tying the ballgame at 7. It would not be too long after that when Malvern went back on top thanks to an incredible touchdown catch by Jr. RB Neil Willis whom caught the long pass, managed to stay on his feet despite defenders all over him, and hustled into the endzone to make it a 14-7 game. Penn Charter countered again with a well-put together drive that ended in a touchdown catch by Sr. TE Colin Still, and thus the teams went into halftime nodded up at 14.

The game was evenly matched to this point, but Malvern turned up the pressure in the second half. The running attack of Connelly and Willis was key; they both used power and speed to mow through the Quaker defense and pick up substantial yards. Willis picked up a running TD in the second half, and Connelly came close to getting one but fumbled at the goal line; the fumble was recovered in the end zone by teammate Jr. WR Joseph Price.

The Quaker's had trouble mounting any offense in the second half. Part of the reason was because the Friar defense zoned in on the option play that Ryan ran so well in the first half. In the first half, Ryan kept the option almost all the times they ran the play. The Friars adjusted to this in the second half and converged on Ryan, picking up multiple sacks. When Ryan was actually able to throw the ball, the Friar secondary held up, giving the Quaker recievers fits.

The end result was a 43-21 victory for Malvern. The high point total was double sweet; in a very classy move, the Friars football team dedicated the game to Chris Evons, a boy who was seriously injured in a recent car crash. Evons is a friend of their team captain Sr. RB Chris Layne, and Malvern coordinated a pledge where money would be donated to the Evons family for every point the Friars scored. So 43 points not only put Penn Charter away, but also served as a great help for a family in need.

Malvern moves on to the biggest game of the season as they host undefeated Chestnut Hill Academy next Saturday at 1pm for the Inter-Ac division crown. Penn Charter will wrap up their season next week at Germantown Academy.




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