Talent in the trenches will be the story of 2017 in Inter-Ac League
NATE HECKENBERGER — Malvern’s offensive line looks to make it happen in 2017.
A year ago, the Inter-Ac’s preseason buzz was all about quarterbacks. With four QBs across six teams with bona fide Division I potential, the signal-callers found the spotlight and delivered a back-and-forth league season that could only be settled via a split title.
This season, the focus shifts to the lines, where near a dozen bigs in the Inter-Ac trenches could end up playing at the Division I level. That swing of the pendulum puts a premium on the conference’s skill players. While it may produce a tighter-to-the-vest style of play across the league than last year’s run-and-gun, it would be hard-pressed to top the competition last fall’s schedule offered.
Reigning co-champs Malvern Prep may be the most settled at the quarterback position, though maybe not in the way they assumed last year. Gone is coach Aaron Brady, who abruptly resigned before the season finale, despite leading them to an 8-3 mark and a first league title since 2013. After three years at Malvern, he’s back in Washington D.C. with St. Mary’s Ryken. Also in the nation’s capital is highly touted quarterback Kevin Doyle, who took his Division I offers and high-major hype to St. John’s College High School.
Nevertheless, in Drew Gunther the Friars have a QB with more experience than most. The junior supplanted Doyle last year and could find himself in Division I crosshairs sooner rather than later. Add in Ohio University recruit O’Shaan Allison and talented junior back Quincy Watson, and new coach Dave Gueriera has some weapons at his disposal.
How those come together owes largely to the line assembled. Gunther’s blind side will be watched by Jake Hornibrook (6-4, 270 and the brother of Wisconsin QB/Malvern grad Alex Hornibrook) at tackle and Joe Basiura (6-3, 295) at guard, two players with Division I upside.
Germantown Academy coach Matt Dence benefits from seven returning All-Inter-Ac honorees. But missing among them is the largest, literally and figuratively: Quarterback Kyle McCloskey, now at Villanova, who helped the Patriots to an 8-2 record and a share of their first league title in 12 years.
Colton Niedzielski will step in under center, surrounded by a veteran line, with the defensive side augmented by the Division I playmaking of Elijah Wroten. Add in Mike Reilly’s ballhawking ability in the secondary and danger with the ball, and the Patriots could contend once again.
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Haverford School is undergoing a similar change under center after its run of three straight league titles was snapped last year in a 7-3 campaign. Ben Gerber takes the reins for a young crew of skill position players, one that coach Mike Murphy admits to lacking the explosiveness of previous corps, at least out of the gates. That ability might come along later, led by halfback Ed King, tailback Jordan Berry and hulking tight end Asim Richards.
But the Fords’ strength resides in the trenches. Six seniors return with experience on the line; simple math on the offensive and defensive sides illustrates the surfeit of resources the Fords enjoy. If that unit, led by Colin Hurlbrink, can be augmented by defensive secondary standouts King and Bob Gibson at linebacker and junior back Nate Whittaker, the Fords could be daunting to break down.
Episcopal Academy’s strength is also found on the line, in the 6-5, 260-pound form of Adam Klein, a temple commit. He’s among a trio of three-year starters, joining Harry Reilly and Mike McFillin, with junior Ryan Rockenbach also cutting a large figure. Those bigs will pave the way for junior running back DeeWil Barlee, who featured significantly last year.
The experience up front is a boon given the unsettled quarterback situation. Adam Robinson played as a wide receiver/defensive back last year, but he’ll compete with sophomore Marcus McDaniel. EA coach Todd Fairlie has shown no problem sharing snaps with his signal-callers.
On the defensive side, look for junior Milton Mamula, a 6-3, 220-pound and son of former Eagle Mike Mamula, to be a prime disruptor.
For their struggles in the basement last year, Springside Chestnut Hill is building with bulk this year, too. When you can deploy bookend tackles like Anthony Marrone (6-4, 315) and Jimmy Burke (6-0, 295) around a 6-1, 275-pound center in Sean McCann, the Blue Devils’ mode of attack is pretty clear.
The helps coach Rick Knox wait on skill-position battles to settle. Senior Jack Elliott saw significant time under center last year, with his top target being his younger brother, Pat. But a promising junior in Aaron Angelos transferred in from California, giving Knox another option.
Penn Charter bucks the trend somewhat. They have to replace a multi-year starter in Mike Hnatkowsky at quarterback, but running back Edward Saydee returns to anchor the offense, still just a junior. The Quakers figure to keep the ball on the ground a fair amount, with Saydee splitting carries with Jalon Jones and touted lacrosse recruit Gavin Tygh which coach Tommy Coyle chooses between three quarterback candidates.
By Matthew De George; mdegeorge@21st-centurymedia.com
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