Prevost delivers Great Valley past Phoenixville

PHOENIXVILLE  >> Great Valley blended its staunch defense with an effective offense to offset an inspired effort by host Phoenixville and put together a 28-15 Patriot victory in the non-league opener for both teams at Washington Field Friday night.

Great Valley quarterback Jake Prevost completed 16 of 19 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns to highlight the Patriots’ passing attack. He was 12-for-14 for 189 yards in the first half, but also threw an interception that Phoenixville linebacker Travis Pannella returned 60 yards to give Phoenixville some much-needed momentum.

Josh Burgess and Amani Christopher both generated big games in offensive yardage as well as defensive efforts for the Patriots.

Burgess caught five passes for 70 yards in the first half, including a 12-yard touchdown reception that gave Great Valley a 14-0 lead at the time.

He finished with six receptions for 73 yards and also had five rushes for 23 yards and was a force on defense for the Patriots. Christopher finished up with 19 carries for 123 yards including a 50-yard touchdown run.

“I am really proud of our kids,” said Great Valley coach Dan Ellis. “Our defense played great and our offense played well. Jake threw a bad interception. That gave evidence that you need a second scrimmage, but I prefer to play games.”

Ellis said the Patriots were also missing some players so they went with limited depth.

Linebacker Graham Muscell and nose guard Andrew Disanto also helped anchor the defense for the Patriots.

Don Grinstead made his debut as the Phantoms’ head coach and said he was proud of the way his team fought until the end of the game, too.

“We made a couple bad mistakes at key times that cost us,” said Grinstead. “And you can’t do that against a good team like Great Valley that is well-coached.”

The Phantoms added a fourth-quarter touchdown on a 1-yard run by Alex Washington and the two-point conversion run by Pannella. Grinstead said he was proud of that late push.

Xander Crawford and Matt Johnson helped lead the pressure up front on defense.

Burgess talked about his performance following the win.

“I do whatever the coach wants me to do,” said Burgess. “If he wants me to run the ball, I do that. If he wants me to catch the ball, I do that.

“On defense, it is all about doing your job. It is all about leaving it on the field and believing in your brother.”