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FOOTBALL: Inter-Ac Round-Up, Episcopal Academy & Penn Charter Improve to 2-1 After Defeating Germantown Academy & Springside Chestnut Hill

By John Knebels - Photos by Aaron Mitchell & Alexandra Conroy, 11/01/17, 12:00PM EDT

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   INTER-AC LEAGUE FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

Episcopal Academy was just too strong on both sides of the ball.

Led by a torrid running attack and a stingy defense, the visiting Churchmen defeated Germantown Academy, 18-0, and remained alive for a share of the Inter-Academic League title depending on what undefeated Malvern Prep (3-0) does over the final two weeks.

GA vs. EA Game 44 Photos taken by PSD Jr. Reporter Alexandra Conroy from EA!

   At 2-1 in the league, Episcopal must defeat Penn Charter this coming week and close out with a victory over visiting Haverford School. Malvern’s two opponents, Germantown Academy and Springside Chestnut Hill, have a combined 2-4 league record and will be considered major underdogs.

   But first things first.

   The Churchmen (5-3 overall) grabbed a 12-0 lead in the first quarter on touchdown runs by star junior back DeeWil Barlee (five yards) and sophomore quarterback Marcus McDaniel (60 yards). 

They added a field goal by senior James Silvi of 25 yards right before halftime to move in front, 15-0. A 43-yard boot by Silvi midway through the third quarter finished the scoring.

   “Wins are hard to come by in the league,” said Barlee. “Whenever we can grab one, it’s huge for us as a whole.”

   McDaniel left the game with a reported shoulder injury, but senior quarterback Adam Robinson more than maintained the momentum. He accumulated 118 yards on 17 carries before exiting the game with five minutes remaining in the game and an 18-0 lead to ensure he could start next week in the must win at Penn Charter.

   “I most likely would’ve gone back in (if the game was closer), but we wanted to play it safe,” said Robinson. “I’m perfectly fine.”

   Barlee, who left the game in the second quarter with a non-concussion head injury (he said his unusual two-quarter perch on the sidelines was a “precaution”), gained 107 yards on 14 carries and eclipsed the triple-digit rushing mark for the fourth straight game and sixth in eight games. 


EA senior QB, Adam Robinson maintained the Churchmen's momentum after Marcus McDaniel left the game due to an injury - PSD photo by EA Reporter Alexandra Conroy

As the Episcopal defense was holding the Patriots (4-4 overall, 1-2 league) to 120 yards of offense, sophomore Matt Bush added 80 yards on 15 carries. Bush’s career-best performance provided further affirmation of a dominant offensive line unit comprised of senior left tackle Adam Klein, senior left guard Harry Riley, sophomore center Dom Minicozzi, senior right guard Mike McFillin, and junior right tackle Ryan Rockenbach.

   “Our offensive line is something special,” said Robinson. “We can always rely on them to give us what we need. They were able to keep it strong up front all game.”

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Penn Charter upended Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, 28-7, as junior Eddie Saydee rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Senior quarterback Will Samuel connected with senior John Washington four times for 117 yards and two touchdowns. SCH’s touchdown came via a 73-yard run from sophomore running back Andrew Gwynn.

Gallery Contains 52 Photos taken by PSD photographer Aaron Mitchell:

   “After coming out with a slow start in the first quarter, both touchdowns helped get us playing Penn Charter football again,” said Washington. “The first score I was wide open, and Will Samuel hit me in stride. We've been working on that play in practice and it was great to see it work to perfection in the game. The second score was huge because we started with the ball coming out the half. On this play I ran a quick slant and Will once again hit me in stride. I made one move and it was off to he races for 60 yards.”

Looking ahead, the Quakers (7-1, 2-1) need to defeat Episcopal Academy Saturday and the following week do likewise against Germantown Academy and hope that Malvern Prep loses one of its two final two contests.

 

(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)

 

For story: Malvern Prep vs. Haverford School click here