FORT WASHTINGTON, PA- It was not over until it was over when the Germantown Academy Patriots hosted the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Blue Devils in Inter Ac League football action Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Germantown trailed, 14-10, in the last minute of action but junior receiver Tayshaun Mack went in 15 yards for a touchdown with 36.8 remaining. Although SCHA went deep in to GA territory looking to kick the game-tying field goal with only four seconds left, sophomore Jerry Griffen-Batchler recovered the ball and ran it in to the end zone for a touchdown and a 23-14 GA victory.
GA's Tayshaun Mack scored a TD with 36 seconds remaining in the game (video- Dan McCarty for PSD).
GA's Jerry Griffen-Batchler talks about the game winning TD (video-Dan McCarty for PSD).
“It was just an electrifying moment,” said Griffen-Batchler. “We played great. The momentum changed. It just feels really good.”
Germantown Academy improved to 6-1 overall and 1-1 in the Inter Ac League.
“We got a good turn around,” said head coach Matt Dence. “We made mistakes. I’m so proud of the effort.”
The Blue Devils (5-3, 0-2) had been moving the ball well in the first half and secured a 7-0 halftime advantage but the second half proved to be a whole different story as GA fought its way back in to the game.
“We moved the ball in the first half,” said head coach Rick Knox. “They then adjusted and ran the ball more. We fumbled deep in their territory.”
It was not an easy start for GA. Although it began its first drive at its own 40-yard line when SCHA quarterback Aaron Angelos was sacked, it only made it to the 47-yard line before Connall Sweeney had to punt it away. SCHA junior running back Aaron Rascoe picked up a first down at the 36-yard line and another at the GA 35. Junior receiver Ke’Shawn Williams went down to the one before Angelos was in for a touchdown. Luke Greenberg kicked the extra point with 11 seconds to play in the first quarter.
The second quarter came and went but GA came back from halftime ready for a brand new game. Receiver Timmy Ruth, and running backs Trae Vance and Lacey Snowden all moved the ball and a 15-yard penalty against the Blue Devils gave the Patriots a first down at the 12-yard line. Snowden went ten more yards before Vance was in for the touchdown.
GA had great field advantage on its next drive at the SCHA 44. Vance picked up a first down at the 31-yard line and another at the 20 while going for it on fourth down. Snowden gained six more yards and Vance made it to the 10 for yet another first down. After a loss of five yards, GA had to settle for a field goal but Nick Niemynski’s kick was good and the Patriots led, 10-7.
There was still another quarter left to play. Special teams came in handy as Jack Gentile scored a touchdown on a blocked punt return and Greenberg’s kick gave the Blue Devils a 14-10 surplus with 7:22 in regulation. When SCHA’s Pat Elliott was forced to punt, GA began at its own 44. Vance rushed 11 yards and quarterback Matt Brittingham went 14 down to the 19-yard line. Vance picked up an additional four yards before Brittingham completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Mack.
Highlight of blocked kick return (video-courtesy of GA athletics)
GA vs. SCHA photos courtesy of Amy O'Neill
GA vs. SCHA Photos by Amy O'Neill
“We talk to each other,” said Mack. “Coaches talk to us. We knew we were going to get it done.”
Then came Griffen-Batchler’s shining moment. The Blue Devils were about to kick the field goal that would tie the game in these last final seconds but Griffen-Batchler returned the blocked field goal and carried the ball 79 yards for a touchdown just as the clock expired.
Vance completed a total of 107 yards on 26 carries.
Germantown Academy hits the road taking on Episcopal Academy (EA) Friday, October 26, at 7:00.
“We just have to keep fighting,” said Mack.
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy hosts Penn Charter Friday at 3:00 PM.
“If we can play well, we can win,” said Knox. “Inter Ac games are tough. We have good players on both sides of the ball.”
AROUND THE LEAGUE (By John Knebels):
Penn Charter defeated Haverford School, 41 to 14. Kyle Jones rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. The junior quarterback also completed eight of 12 passes for 140 yards and three touchdowns. Two of those scores were hauled in by sophomore Aaron Maione (4 catches for 100 yards). Maione and sophomore Matthew Marshall intercepted passes for the Quakers (5-2 overall, 1-1 Inter-Academic League). Haverford fell to 3-3, 1-1.
“I think we really played good and came back strong after a tough loss against Malvern,” said senior two-way end Ryan Maloney. “We are looking to continue winning.”
Malvern Prep upended Episcopal Academy, 24-7. Clemson University-bound senior star Keith Maguire was a force all over the field. On defense, Maguire seized one of two Malvern interceptions and helped create three fumbles. Junior James Hayes grabbed the other pick and returned it for a touchdown. On offense, Maguire caught a 62-yard pass from junior quarterback Drew Gunther, who also connected with senior Mike Hussey on a 41-yard score. Senior Quincy Watson gained 134 yards on 22 carries for the undefeated Friars (8-0, 2-0). Junior Marcus McDaniel provided the lone score for the Churchmen (5-2, 1-1).
Haverford School vs. Penn Charter - Photos by Mike Nance
PC vs. HS - Photos by Mike Nance
Malvern Prep vs. Episcopal Academy - Photo by EA Jr. Photographer Alexandra Conroy
“It was a good win,” said Maguire. “Happy to keep the momentum going. But it’s time to focus on Haverford and keep going for the Inter-Ac championship.”