La Salle Student Section - PSD Photo John Knebels
Archbishop Ryan student section - PSD photo by Kevin Murphy
CATHOLIC LEAGUE GAME OF THE WEEK
Who: Archbishop Ryan vs. La Salle
When: 7 PM Saturday, September 23
Where: Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School
Records: Archbishop Ryan 2-2 overall, 1-0 league; La Salle 3-1 overall, 1-0 league
Most Recent Performance: Archbishop Ryan upended neighborhood rival Father Judge, 20-13. La Salle overwhelmed Archbishop Carroll, 42-6.
Importance: If either squad is to win the Catholic League title, which is determined by the best regular-season record, this is a must win because, realistically, juggernaut St. Joseph’s Prep is not going to lose more than one game.
All-Time Record: La Salle leads the series, 32-23-1.
Ryan Notes: In their two straight wins, the Raiders have allowed a paltry 13 points . . . In win over Judge, junior QB Jahlil Sanders was unstoppable. He rushed for 153 yards on 16 carries and completed 11 of 19 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown – all career bests – and now averages more than nine yards per carry on 29 attempts. Senior Jason Jefferson added 93 yards on the ground.
La Salle Notes: While the offense has surpassed 40 points thrice, the defense has surrendered more than 20 points thrice as well . . . Senior QB Danny Solecki has been a revelation since taking over for injured senior Isaiah Jones. In 2 1/2 games, Solecki has completed 49 of 75 passes for 597 yards and seven touchdowns. Receivers Brett Mallee (junior) and Troy Holland (senior) have combined for 37 catches, 500 yards, and five scores . . . Junior RB Manny Quiles has amassed 233 yards and six touchdowns. Senior Octavious Carter collected 152 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns in win over Carroll.
Ryan is hot off a 20-13 victory over Father Judge - photo by Ryan Jr. Reporter Jackie Schaeffer
In their most recent game, La Salle dominated Archbishop Carroll 42-6 - PSD File Photo La Salle vs. Carroll
Raider Chat: “La Salle is really good,” said coach Frank McArdle. “They return a lot of kids from a very good team last year. They are excellent on defense. Offensively they are very good up front and athletic at wide receiver and running back. Really impressed with the quarterback, who has come in and done a great job for them. They don’t beat themselves. We have to play really smart football.”
“La Salle is a good team, but after the game we had (against Judge), I feel like we can compete with any team,” said junior wide receiver/defensive back Kyron Long. “It's going to be a good game. To win this game we can't have any mistakes and have to give it our all every snap.”
Explorer Chat: “Ryan has a good offense,” said coach John Steinmetz. “Their quarterback is fast and difficult to track in the pocket and they have a number of good skill guys. Their offense has a nice scheme. If we don't stay disciplined we will be chasing them all night. Their defensive line is tough and physical. We need to stay focused on improving on our core offense/defense plays, take care of the ball, don't give up any big plays, and continue to get good special teams play (average starting position after kickoff for the past two weeks has been 20-yard line or less).”
“Though we won last week, we still have a lot to work on as a cohesive unit,” said senior tight end/linebacker Liam Trainer. “Ryan is a traditionally tough and hardworking team that we never take lightly. We know they are better than last year, but if we execute and finish every quarter, we will be in good shape for the game.”
Prediction: Two dynamic teams pose threats to one another in what promises to be a high-scoring affair. In the end, La Salle prevails, 37-30.
(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com.)