Malvern Prep Friars - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
Episcopal Academy Churchmen - PSD photo by Zamani Feelings
INTER-AC LEAGUE GAME OF THE WEEK
Who: Malvern vs. Episcopal Academy
When: 7 PM Friday, October 20
Where: Episcopal Academy
Records: Malvern Prep 2-4, 1-0; Episcopal Academy 4-2, 1-0
Most Recent Performance: Malvern defeated Penn Charter, 23-9; Episcopal tripled Springside Chestnut Hill, 21-7
Importance: Both teams are considered league favorites. Realistically, a loss here and the best the team can hope for is a share of the league title.
All-Time Record: Malvern has dominated, 47-17-3.
Malvern Prep Notes: After allowing 36 points per game over a four-week stretch, the Friars held Penn Charter to only nine points . . . Senior RB O’Shaan Allison has gained 517 yards and scored four touchdowns . . . Junior QB Drew Gunther has made the most of his 75 completions, good for 1,014 yards and 11 touchdowns . . . The primary receivers are junior Quincy Watson (12 for 263, four TDs) and senior Quinn McCahon (17 for 266, one TD) . . . Junior Keith Maguire has three of the team’s five interceptions.
Episcopal Academy Notes: Junior RB DeeWil Barlee is a force. On 116 carries, he has gained 862 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. He is also the team’s leading receiver with 21 catches for 272 yards and three scores. No other receivers has double digits in receptions . . . Barlee has scored 17 of the Churchmen’s 23 TDs . . . Sophomore QB Marcus McDaniel has completed 51 of 98 passes for 553 yards and four TDs.
FRIAR CHAT: “They are a good team,” said senior running back O’Shaan Allison. “We have to play Malvern football for four quarters. Our focus is on playing our game.”
“They are a good team,” said senior defensive lineman Ryan Betz. “We need to be ready to battle for four quarters.”
CHURCHMEN CHAT: “We just have to be locked in from the start and play on their side of the ball all the time defensively,” said senior linebacker Milton Mamula. “Offensively, we have to fight for every yard and our execution has to be perfect. They’re a talented team, but there’s nothing we can’t handle because we are a talented team as well.”
“We need to stay unpredictable in our run and passing game,” said sophomore quarterback Marcus McDaniel. “We need to stay away from penalties and calls that we can prevent. Then we need to be able to execute on defense and offense where we want to control the pace of the game. The main focus of this game will come down to what I believe is consistency - whatever team is able to keep the ball moving in the right direction.”
“We need to win the battle up front on both sides of the ball,” said senior center/defensive end Mike McFillin. “They are strong and physical, so we need to move the ball efficiently on offense and defensively play on their side of the line of scrimmage. They have great skill players that can do some damage if we don’t do execute our jobs. We gotta come out hot and keep it going throughout the game. Like always, we are excited for the challenge and we are looking forward to playing them.”
Malvern Prep - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
Episcopal Academy - PSD photo by Zamani Feelings
Episcopal Academy - PSD photo by Zamani Feelings
Prediction: Just when it appeared Malvern was going to struggle after dropping four of five non-league games, the Friars came to life and defeated a very sound Penn Charter. Simultaneously, Episcopal went into SCH’s house and won convincingly. EA’s success goes through its running game, but Malvern is very stout against the run while struggling with the pass. Let’s give the home team the advantage. Episcopal 27, Malvern 24.
(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)