HAVERFORD, PA - Faced with a desperate situation, Malvern Prep’s coaches and players needed to do anything and everything to avoid being knocked out of the Inter-Academic League race.
Mission accomplished.
Led by senior Zac Fernandez 104 yards rushing and 51 receiving, the visiting Friars defeated Haverford School, 24-21, on a windy Saturday afternoon. The victory evened up the league records of both teams at 1-1. The only undefeated squad in the Inter-Ac is Germantown Academy. Convoluting matters worse is that Penn Charter and Episcopal Academy are also 1-1.
Ah, the never-boring Inter-Ac.
“We had a good week of practice,” said Fernandez. “We played with energy and focus and it translated to the game. We knew it was a must game.”
The Friars (4-3 overall, 1-1 league) stunned the three-time defending league champs with a first-quarter, 17-yard touchdown pass from junior wide receiver Quinn McCahon to sophomore Keith Maguire out of the wildcat formation. The Fords (5-2, 1-1) responded with a one -yard touchdown run by senior Mallik Twyman (108 yards on 19 carries).
A 26-yard touchdown run by sophomore Quincy Watson pushed the Friars ahead, 14-7, at halftime. Twyman’s second touchdown – and 14th of the season – tied the game.
In the fourth, Maguire scored again, this one via a four-yard run. Aided by a bouncing, rolling, 55-yard punt by Fernandez that pitted the Fords inside their own one-yard line, the Friars took over their next possession at the Haverford 31-yard line. A 27-yard field goal by senior Brandon Chiazza with 1:28 left in regulation augmented Malvern’s lead to 24-14 and rendered moot Haverford’s late touchdown pass from senior Tommy Toal (10 of 19, one touchdown; 69 yards on 11 carries) to sophomore Ismail Morrison.
It also severed Haverford’s league winning streak at 14.
“It was an awesome team win,” said Fernandez. “We played a very physical game and I think that made the difference. The win means so much to our team, especially our seniors. We hadn’t beaten them (since 2011). I think so it means a lot to our guys to get this win.”
Malvern coach Aaron Brady lauded the raucous Malvern rooters.
(photos by Zamani Feelings)
Haverford School vs. Malvern Prep
“Our team is very appreciative of the student body – Friar Nation – and our community support,” said Brady. “I am really happy for our football program, the seniors, and our students. Anytime you can win a big rivalry game against a top team it really builds school spirit.
“We have one day to enjoy it, and now on to the next challenge.”
That would be 1:30 Saturday versus visiting Germantown Academy while Haverford hosts Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy a half hour later. Wins by both Malvern and Haverford School would create a four-way tie for first place since Penn Charter and Episcopal – both 1-1 – will have already played Friday night.
Gotta love the Inter-Ac.
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com or by Twitter @johnknebels.)