Washington works wonders for Phoenixville in win over Martin Luther King

PHOENIXVILLE >> The rainy conditions Friday night played right into Phoenixville’s game plan.

Phoenixville controlled the line of scrimmage and the ball all night, setting up Alex Washington to have a banner night, as the Phantoms defeated Martin Luther King, 22-8, in a non-league game at Washington Field on Operation American Pride Night.

New Phantom head coach Don Grinstead earned his first victory as Phoenixville coach. The game was originally scheduled for Thursday night but was postponed due to the heat that led to early dismissal of Philadelphia schools.

Washington rushed 40 times for 188 yards and scored on touchdown runs of 4 yards to open the scoring and 14 yards to close out the scoring.

Whether it be left, right or up the middle, all the plays clicked for the Phantoms as the blockers created the holes, and Washington did the rest. The Phantoms were able to pick up 17 first downs, kept the first down markers moving and the clock running.

“That is what we want to do,” said Grinstead. “That is the way we want to play. We want to be a ball-control team with three or four yards a carry. Our guys up front did a great job. I am really proud of them.”

Grinstead said the rainy conditions were perfect for Phoenixville, which likes to run the football. The Cougars, on the other hand, want to throw the football and were limited in that regard.

“We saw some things on film that we were able to take advantage of,” said Grinstead. “Our offensive line was the key to that, and Alex was able to keep his feet moving.”

Washington applauded his blockers’ performance.

“It feels really good to get the first win,” said Washington. “The guys up front were giving me five yards a carry. That was all I could ask for.

“Our line worked up. We were in better condition and we kept our composure. Our captains kept things together. We were able to run all day and stopped them from passing.”

The Phantoms hope to build on this victory to generate more success the rest of the season.

Travis Pannella had a 11-yard scoring run for the Phantoms as well as a 2-point conversion after the final TD. Quarterback Connor Patania directed the offense. Sean Clark booted a pair of extra points.

Martin Luther King actually took a brief lead on Amir Manners’ 55-yard kickoff return, and quarterback DaQuan Robinson’s 2-point conversion.

The Phantoms also showed the ability to cover the deep balls thrown by Robinson, despite the heavy rain.