Gridiron greats: Presenting 2018 All-Main Line football teams
The Main Line high school football scene was highlighted by Malvern Prep, which posted an 11-0 record – a mark so rare that only two Inter-Ac football teams have ever posted this record – the other was the 1903 Germantown Academy squad.
Another strong Inter-Ac squad this fall was Episcopal Academy (7-3), featuring Villanova-bound running back DeeWil Barlee.
In the Central League, Radnor (9-3) earned its first district playoff win and advanced to the PIAA District 1 5A quarterfinals. Haverford High likewise posted a 9-3 record this fall.
The All-Main Line high school football teams are selected by the coaches. Because Main Line Media News covers 19 high schools, the Main Line Media News sports staff limits the number of spots available to first team, second team and honorable mention — but follows the priority of coaches’ selections.
What follows are the 2018 All-Main Line high school football teams:
FIRST TEAM
Koran Butler, Archbishop Carroll – Senior 6-foot-1, 180-pound wide receiver, a first team All-Catholic League selection, was a dangerous long-ball threat, catching 10 touchdown passes and averaging 22.3 yards per reception (both marks were tops in the Catholic League). Was Patriots’ leading scorer with 66 points.
Richie Kimmel, Archbishop Carroll – Junior 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker and captain, a first team All-Catholic League and All-Delco selection, was a defensive force and a strong leader for the Patriots’ solid squad, making 166 tackles (18 for losses) in 11 games.
DeeWil Barlee, Episcopal Academy – Senior running back set the EA all-time record for career rushing yards (2,963). Gained 1,074 yards on 171 carries this fall, and caught 21 passes for 243 yards, scoring 13 touchdowns. Was first team All-Inter-Ac at both running back and defensive back. Will play football for Villanova University next fall.
Jack Purcell, Episcopal Academy – Senior was a first team All-Inter-Ac selection on both the offensive and defensive lines. A 6-foot-5, 250-pounder. The University of Pennsylvania commit made 40 tackles, including 11 behind the line of scrimmage, and 3 1/2 sacks.
Ryan Rockenbach, Episcopal Academy – Senior offensive lineman was first team All-InterAc selection and second team All-Delco pick. Noted for his physicality, toughness and versatility.
Harry Thomas, Harriton – Senior linebacker was first team All-Central League selection for the second year in a row, and was the Rams’ defensive MVP for the third consecutive year. Had 113 total tackles, 55 solo tackles and five sacks, and was noted for his uncanny ability to find the ball and his fine instincts on defense.
Jake Ruane, Haverford High – Senior quarterback and captain threw for 2,010 yards and 17 touchdowns, and ran for 820 yards and 17 TDs. Was a first team All-Central League and second team All-Delco selection.
Trey Blair, Haverford High – Junior was a first team All-Central League selection at both wide receiver and defensive back, catching 27 passes for 526 and six TDs, and rushing for 600 yards. Intercepted six passes, and was a first team All-Delco defensive back.
Paul Denman, Haverford High – Senior two-way lineman and captain was a first team All-Central League defensive lineman, making 55 tackles (4 1/2 for loss) and 3.5 sacks. Was considered the leader of the offensive line at center, receiving second team All-Central honors.
Asim Richards, Haverford School – Senior 6-foot-5, 295-pound lineman was a standout on both sides of the ball, receiving first team All-Inter-Ac selection on both offense and defense. Ford head coach Mike Murphy said, “He’s probably the best offensive lineman I’ve coached in 15 years.” The University of North Carolina recruit was a first team All-Delco offensive lineman.
Jalen Goodman, Lower Merion – A Villanova football commit, the versatile senior was a first team All-Central League defensive back. Also played linebacker and made 61 tackles (10 for losses). Was the Aces’ top running back, caught 44 passes and received second team All-Central League recognition at tight end.
Keith Maguire, Malvern Prep – Senior linebacker/wide receiver/running back was Inter-Ac co-MVP after receiving the MVP award as a junior. Clemson University-bound senior was first team All-Inter-Ac at both linebacker and wide receiver. Led team in scoring with 86 points and intercepted four passes. “The best two-way player in the state,” said Malvern Prep head coach Dave Gueriera.
Nick Gueriera, Malvern Prep – Senior was a first team All-Inter-Ac linebacker. At running back, gained 377 yards on 59 carries, more than six yards per carry. “He’s relentless, and has a motor that never stops,” said Gueriera.
Drew Gunther, Malvern Prep –The Virginia Tech-bound senior quarterback completed 128 of 227 passes this fall for 2,136 yards and 24 touchdowns. He threw for a school-record 386 yards in a 42-32 win against Berks Catholic, a mark that is the seventh-best all-time in the Inter-Ac for passing yards in a game.
Tygee Leach, Malvern Prep – Senior safety was a first team All-Inter-Ac defensive back, and made three interceptions. Lehigh commit was also a dangerous wide receiver, grabbing 17 passes for 412 yards (more than 24 yards per catch) and four touchdowns. “He’s a very smart and physical player,” said Malvern head coach Dave Gueriera.
Jake Hornibrook, Malvern Prep – Senior offensive lineman was a first team All-Inter-Ac selection. “He’s an athletic tackle who punishes defenders,” said Malvern head coach Dave Gueriera.
Sean Mullarkey, Radnor – Senior quarterback threw for more than 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns, and rushed for more than 500 yards. Dickinson College commit was an accurate QB who posted an excellent completion percentage.
Anthony Laudicina, Radnor – Senior 6-foot-6, 280-pound offensive tackle, a first team All-Central League and All-Delco selection, was a key force behind the Raiders’ potent running attack, which gained more than 2,500 yards this fall. University of Buffalo commit fielded 15 college offers.
Matt Cohen, Radnor – Senior was a first team All-Central League running back, rushing for 1,262 yards and 12 touchdowns in 232 carries, gaining an average of 5.4 yards per carry. His consistent running helped the Raiders control the clock. Received second team All-Delco honors at running back.
SECOND TEAM
Archbishop Carroll – Zach Butler, senior defensive back; Russell Minor-Shaw, junior quarterback.
Conestoga – P.J. Hewitt, senior linebacker; Ryan Duffy, senior fullback/linebacker.
Episcopal Academy – Malcolm Folk, sophomore defensive back; Jack Bush, senior defensive back/all-purpose; Marcus McDaniel, junior quarterback.
Haverford High – Eric McCallion, senior linebacker; Shane Mosley, junior defensive back/wide receiver; C.J. Weh, senior defensive lineman.
Haverford School – Daiyaan Hawkins, junior defensive back; Sean Clark, senior linebacker; Mike Barr, junior offensive guard.
Lower Merion – Matt O’Connor, senior quarterback; Jaden Helton, senior side receiver.
Malvern Prep – Quincy Watson, senior running back; Caimin Hayes, junior defensive back; Will Redden, junior offensive lineman.
Radnor – Henry Collins, senior center; Dylan VanDusen, senior kicker/punter; Jahmair Rider, senior side receiver.
HONORABLE MENTION
Archbishop Carroll – Pat Griswold, senior offensive lineman; Shawn Johnson, senior linebacker; Juliano Mastrocola, junior kicker/punter.
Conestoga – Blair Horning, senior offensive guard; Scott Smith, junior defensive end; Liam Kirk, junior running back.
Episcopal Academy – Matt Bush, junior linebacker; Jake Phelan, junior defensive lineman; Carter Strid, senior offensive lineman.
Haverford High – Sean Reynolds, junior linebacker; Justin Burgess, junior defensive back; Steve Peta, senior offensive lineman.
Lower Merion – Ian Goodman, senior wide receiver/defensive back; Marcus Green, senior wide receiver; John Trainor, senioir linebacker.
Malvern Prep – John Turley, senior defensive lineman; Harry Stinger, senior defensive lineman.
Radnor – Taylor Margolis, junior linebacker; Kieran Sheridan, senior linebacker; Teddy Girton, senior free safety.
