PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA – Impressive.
While the coaches certainly found fault and concern, and pointed out such troublesome realities while reviewing game film with players, La Salle’s 45-21 non-league triumph over Malvern Prep Saturday night at a packed Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School was at times jaw-dropping.
“We have a lot of athletes who can make a lot of plays,” said senior Troy Holland. “Tonight, we clicked.”
That’s putting it mildly.
Against a Malvern Prep defense that had allowed only one touchdown in a season-opening 27-7 win over St. Augustine Prep of New Jersey, the Explorers scored early and often and never trailed, raising its overall record to 2-1.
A back and forth first half – touchdowns by La Salle, then Malvern, then La Salle, then Malvern, then La Salle – provided promise of a proverbial barnburner. Instead, the Explorers dominated the final 24 minutes.
Explorers celebrate the victory with their fans
Three consecutive touchdowns pushed the margin to 42-14. Thoughts of the mercy rule – when a margin reaches 35 points, the clock continues to run with limited stoppages – were dashed after Malvern junior quarterback Drew Gunther’s third touchdown pass, set up by bullish running by senior O’Shaan Allison (17 carries, 107 yards), moved the Friars to within 42-21. A 39-yard field goal by La Salle senior Dan Karrash with 6:32 left in regulation supplied the explanation point.
La Salle vs. Malvern Prep - Photos by John Knebels
La Salle’s offense conducted a clinic on play calling. If Malvern attempted to stymie senior running back Manny Quiles (63 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries), senior quarterback Danny Solecki dished short and long passes to his receivers.
Seven different players caught Solecki’s 24 completions on 33 attempts for 327 yards. Four resulted in touchdowns.
In addition to Holland’s seven receptions for 126 yards and two scores, senior tight end Liam Trainer (3-37) and senior fullback Joey Burnham (2-20) also reached the end zone. Junior Brett Mallee (4-49) and senior Octavious Carter (3-68) were additional beneficiaries of Solecki’s breakout performance.
“That’s a great team over there,” said Burnham. “We knew the only way we were going to beat them is if we were more physical than them. I think our O-line really set the tempo. Same thing with the D-line. Us backs kind of followed their lead. They set the tone. They started shoving kids around.”
Solecki, who was pushed into duty after an injury to senior Isaiah Jones in a 21-9 loss to McDonough (Md.) last week, played like a seasoned veteran.
Poised both during and after the contest, Solecki admitted that it is “difficult at times” to be a backup quarterback, so he “pretended it was practice” and executed the game plan with aplomb.
“It feels good after a win like that against a great program like Malvern,” said Solecki. “Before the game I knew I had to step up and keep my confidence up.”
Having faced McDonough a week before provided a benefit.
“McDonough is one of the top teams in Maryland, so I got a taste of some real football,” said Solecki. “Malvern is a top team in PA. It was a good test.”
Among those not surprised by Solecki’s standout effort was Holland.
“Dan did a good job,” said Holland. “I knew he had it in him. I played with him freshman year. He was confident. He knows the offense, and he was ready.”
Danny Solecki threw four touchdown passes in win vs. MP
Joey Burnham explains importance of the victory
Troy Holland compliments his teammates on the win
Looking Ahead: Tomorrow La Salle will take the field in their first PCL game of the season vs. Archbishop Carroll at 7PM at Upper Dublin High School. On Saturday, Malvern Prep will travel to New Jersey for another non-league match-up against Pope John Paul at 1:00PM.
(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com.)