CHESTER, PA- It has been said that, more than in any sport, football teams need a week or two to eliminate deficiencies such as missed tackles, penalties, and turnovers.
On Friday night at Widener University, Haverford School and West Catholic and exhibited enough evidence to support such a notion. However, despite some occasional frivolity, an entertaining second half made the event worthwhile.
While Haverford School’s 21-18 non-league victory wasn’t particularly memorable, the Fords’ resolve was admirable.
“That first half, that’s not us,” said Haverford coach Mike Murphy, addressing his exhausted, exhilarated troops after the game. “When the chips are down in the fourth quarter, you don’t quit, and we didn’t.”
Coming off a 43-12 loss to Woodson of Washington, D.C., the Fords trailed, 6-0, at halftime. Appearing listless, Haverford School received a gift midway through the third quarter when West Catholic fumbled a punt, which was recovered by sophomore Daiyaan Hawkins at the nine-yard line. Three plays later, junior quarterback Ben Gerber punched the ball into the end zone from the one-yard line. Junior Chris Clark’s extra point gave the Fords a 7-6 lead, one that they would not relinquish.
HS Jr. Quarter Back Ben Gerber (photo: John Knebels)
Haverford School would then score two highlight-reel touchdowns. With 9:17 remaining in regulation, Gerber and junior Dan Whaley connected on an 82-yard touchdown connection. Just 1:26 later, junior Nate Whitaker returned a punt 65 yards for another score.
Gerber (12 for 19, 197 yards, touchdown pass and run) labeled his performance “exciting” and credited former and current players for his success.
“Tommy (Toal) was a great quarterback, and so was Kevin (Carter),” said Gerber. “Those guys really helped me a lot.
“At halftime, we were only down by one touchdown. We knew our receivers could blow by their corners. We pounded the ball in the first half. We knew we would open up in second half. It’s the kind of thing you wait for and set up.”
Whitaker’s touchdown return included the need to run east-west for about seven yards before turning the corner and racing untouched to the end zone.
“Our coaches like to say, when you see an opportunity, take it,” said Whitaker. “As soon as it bounced up in the air, (the West Catholic defender) wasn’t close enough. I took it and ran. I saw an opportunity and took it.”
Whitaker contributed again late in the fourth quarter.
After West Catholic scored two touchdowns to trim its deficit to 21-18, Haverford was forced to punt. Incredibly, West Catholic again fumbled the kick. Whitaker landed on the ball with 2:29 left.
Haverford School's Nate Whitaker "talks about seizing the right opportunity" (video: John Knebels)
Unable to ice the victory, Haverford again punted. The Burrs ran four plays, two of which resulted in sacks by senior Colin Hurlbrink.
“It was a very physical game,” said two-way senior lineman Anthony Reginelli. “West Catholic always comes to play, and they have a dangerous quarterback. At some points, our defense put things in a different gear.”
Reginelli lauded the work of strength and conditioning coach Matt Rosko.
“He gets us prepared,” said Reginelli. “At the end of the game, everyone is tired, but you have to push past it. He makes sure we are ready for those moments.”
HS Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Rosko" talks about the importance of preparation". (video: John Knebles)
Rosko, now in his ninth year at Haverford, appreciated the recognition but deflected the plaudits to his players.
“Our conditioning takes place all summer long,” said Rosko, “The season is more about the grind and remaining durable. Nutrition is a big part of what we do. We take time at least once a week to talk about what we’re eating and what we’re drinking, and how we’re prepping right before the game as well.”
Murphy told his players that practice begins 9:30 the next morning.
No rest for the weary.
For West Catholic, senior quarterback Da’Vion Kidd-Jackson was harassed throughout the game but completed 7 or 19 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown to junior Seth Degree (3 catches, 93 yards). Kidd-Jackson added 55 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Junior Tre Johnson gained 49 yards on 12 carries and caught one pass for 28 yards.
(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com.)
