NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA -Inter-Academic League football opened up the season with a slobber knocker between Episcopal Academy and Springside Chestnut Hill. 

“When we came in we knew it was going to be a battle,” said Episcopal head coach Todd Fairlie and a battle it was.

Springside Chestnut Hill started off the game strong. Their first possession ended with a touchdown pass to Rob Gentile to take the early lead. 

Two possessions later they added to their lead with a touchdown from running back Aaron Roscoe. The extra point kick was blocked, giving SCH a 13-0 lead. 

The only offense Episcopal Academy mustered in the first half was a 90-yard touchdown reception by Matt Bush, out running a SCH player to get to the house. 

The second half was an entirely different story. Episcopal scored three touchdowns on their first three possessions of the third quarter. DeeWill Barlee found the endzone twice and Sophomore Joe Graham reeled in his first touchdown of the season.

After 28 unanswered points, SCH got right back in the game. Episcopal fumbled the ball deep in their territory and SCH took advantage. Quarterback Aaron Angelos found Ke’shawn Williams for the touchdown, pushing the score to 28-20.

SCH continued their attempted comeback after forcing a three and out. Jack Gentile bobbled a pass from Angelos that he was able gain control and run in for the touchdown. They attempted the two point conversion but could not get it to go. 

A recovered fumble by SCH quickly gave them a second opportunity to take the lead, but Episcopal’s defense stood tall. 

Episcopal started a long touchdown drive that ate up much of the remaining clock. Malcolm Folk reeled in the TD to put Episcopal up 35-26 where the score would stay.

“We made a lot of good plays, but the mistakes we made were magnified,” said coach Knox.

“It feels good to start with a win, that’s a big win against a really good football team,” said coach Fairlie.