Saville’s hat trick powers Pennridge past West Chester Rustin in District 1-4A 2nd round

EAST ROCKHILL >> In an atmosphere spiked by the promise of the postseason, Pennridge took to the field with purpose on Thursday night.

“Right when we step on the field in districts, we remember our last time,” senior midfielder Jake Saville said, remembering the Rams’ loss to Neshaminy in the district final a season ago. “So we’re playing with all that built-up energy. And we take it to a team, and get a good result.”

In districts for the fourth straight season, Pennridge jumped out to a lead early and never lost control, as Saville’s hat trick powered the eighth-seeded Rams to a 3-0 victory over No. 9 West Chester Rustin.

“If you get a fast start and momentum goes your way, everything starts to click between your team,” said Saville, who struck twice in the first half.

The win advances Pennridge to the District 1-4A Quarterfinals on Saturday at top-seeded Conestoga. Rustin, which defeated Owen J. Roberts in the first round, saw a fine season come to a close.

“We had an opportunity at the end of the first half to make it 2-1, but hats off to their keeper (C.J. Dimmick) for making a great save,” Rustin coach Ryan Castle said. “Credit to Pennridge. They’re a good team.”

After their first-round bye, the Rams – and their fans – were ready for some soccer.

“It’s wonderful at night – all the fans, our student section. It’s great to have their support after you score,” said Saville.

And the senior did a lot of that.

Saville’s third goal – coming early in the second half – was a long, arcing shot that avoided the reach of keeper Gavin Barker.

“We’ve kind of been through it all with the playoffs,” Rams coach Pete Valimont said. “So now it’s just a matter of taking care of business, making sure we don’t make silly mistakes, control what we can control and just give 100 percent effort. And tonight was a fantastic job. The guys listened and followed the game plan. I’m very proud of them.”

The winner of Saturday’s contest clinches a spot in states. The other still has a shot in district playbacks.

“We’ll be prepared for them. We respect them. I know their coaching staff. My guys will be ready,” Valimont said of Stoga. “We’ll have a game plan. We’ll do everything we possibly can. We only have to play them once.”

Said Saville: “We’re not done yet Saturday, we’re gonna bring even more energy.”

The Knights kept battling right to the end, led by three seniors, Mohamed Hendawy, Ryan Seelaus and Dimitri Makris.

“I’m so incredibly proud of this group,” Castle said. “They were led by three fantastic seniors, three guys who have been varsity all four years. They are the only three guys out of 25 who have district experience from 2019. So we have a huge group of youngsters. And this was their first taste of districts. We got to host a first-round game and win and so I couldn’t be more proud of this group.

“We have a nice core group of guys that are coming back. So we’re gonna use this as motivation to go even further next year.”