NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA--The Malvern Prep Friars had their work cut out when they faced competitive non-league teams early this season. Once they opened up their action in the Inter-Ac League, their progress has been consistent.
A 20-7 victory at the home of the Episcopal Academy Churchmen on Friday, October 20, gave Malvern a record of 2-0 in the league and 3-4 overall.
“We worked hard all week on doing our job and playing hard,” said Malvern senior kicker Garrett Reilly. “That’s all that it comes down to.”
Total team effort on the Friars' end helped pave the way to an honest win.
“Defense, offense and special teams played well,” Malvern head coach Dave Gueriera told the team in his post game address. “It’s a competitive game win.”
(Photos by Episcopal Academy junior Alexandra Conroy)
EPISCOPAL ACADEMY vs. MALVERN PREP (photos by Episcopal Academy junior Alexandra Conroy)
Episcopal Academy dropped to 4-3 overall and 1-1 in the league. The Malvern defense proved to be a difficult match for EA.
“We just couldn’t capitalize on opportunities,” said Episcopal Academy head coach Todd Fairlie. “We stalled out at midfield.”
The Churchmen were off to a solid start. They began their first drive at their own 17-yard line when junior safety Jack Bush picked up a first down. Sophomore quarterback Maurcus McDaniel completed a pass to junior defensive back Jack Purcell for another first down at the 47. Matt Bush had a big moment for his team when his team had a fourth down. The sophomore LB carried the ball to the EA 25-yard line keeping the drive going. Junior RB DeeWil Barlee got a five-yard touchdown for a 6-0 surplus with 2:12 to play in the first quarter. EA senior James Silvi successfully kicked the extra point.
Although EA held a 7-0 advantage after the opening period, the Friars kept the Churchmen silent from that point onward. Reilly kicked a 31-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Malvern had great possession on its next drive at the EA 34. Senior RB O’Shaan Allison was able to get a first down at the 11 and went five additional yards before getting the touchdown and a permanent lead for the Friars. Reilly kicked the extra point and the score was 10-7 at halftime.
“I credit the whole line,” said Allison. “We were making very few mistakes. We had to execute every play.”
The score stayed the same throughout the third quarter as the defense prevailed. Malvern had plenty of energy left going in to the fourth quarter. Reilly came in to kick a 32-yard field goal with 8:42 in regulation.
“The team put me in good position,” said Reilly. “I just do my job.”
Malvern Prep's Garrett Reilly kicks a 32-yard field goal early in 4th quarter to give the Friars 13-7 lead (video Dan McCarty)
Jack Bush gave EA a first down at the 25-yard line, but Malvern's junior defensive back TyGee Leach made an interception at the EA 37-yard line. Junior wide receiver Keith Maguire got all the way down to the eight-yard line before another touchdown by Allison. Reilly kicked the extra point with 4:48 on the clock and that turned out to be the final score.
The Churchmen made it as far as the Friars’ 38 on their final drive but could not go any further and Malvern took over on downs putting the game out of EA’s reach.
Inter-Ac League action continues this weekend. Malvern Prep hosts The Haverford School Friday, October 27, at 7:00 PM.
“I feel good,” said Allison. “If we prepare ourselves, we’ll be in good shape.”
In more league play, Episcopal Academy travels to take on Germantown Academy on Saturday at 1:30 PM.
“It’s important that we prepare,” said Fairlie. “It’s a big game. It will be a battle.”