Rustin football squad returns veteran defense from last year’s memorable squad

Westtown >> West Chester Rustin enjoyed a memorable football season last fall, finishing runner-up in the Ches-Mont American Division and advancing to the District 1 championship final, where they lost to Strath Haven in double overtime by a single point.
The Golden Knights were led by 2021 Daily Local News Player of the Year Dayshawn Jacobs, who set Ches-Mont single-season records in rushing yards (2,744) and rushing touchdowns (42).
Jacobs is now playing football for West Chester University, as he graduated from Rustin last spring. In fact, most of the Golden Knights’ offensive line that sprung him for all that yardage also graduated last spring.

Rustin does return most of its defense, a stellar unit that allowed only 11.9 points per game last year prior to the district championship final.
“Our defense is probably our biggest strength this year,” said St. Clair. “They’re fast, experienced and have played in a lot of big games.”
Leading the defense this fall is senior free safety Daimon Jacobs, whose brother is Dayshawn Jacobs. Last fall, Daimon grabbed six interceptions and was considered the anchor of Rustin’s defense.
“Daimon is one of the best defensive players in the state, and a D1 recruit,” said Rustin football head coach Mike St. Clair.
Asked how he saw his role with the Rustin defense this year, Jacobs replied,

“I’m looking to take a big role in the defense this year, and I appreciate it – not only calling the plays but calling out the formations and coverages, and tackling and making sure we stay strong in the center.”
St. Clair added, “We also plan to use Daimon as a weapon in our offensive backfield.”
“I’m excited to show what I can do with my feet [on offense],” said a smiling Jacobs. “That it’s not just my brother [who can run for yardage], but that I’ve got it too.”
The Golden Knights will have a veteran defensive line, featuring senior defensive tackle Jaysin Huynh (6-2, 260), a third-year starter; junior defensive tackle Collin Riley; and senior defensive end Jeremy Lynn (6-4, 235). The other defensive end spot will be a battle between sophomore Luke Spitzer and junior Steve Bernard.
“I think this year, our defense will be faster, we’ve been working on our speed and getting to the ball faster,” said Huynh.

The linebacking corps features three returning senior starters – Connor Corrigan, Jake Law and Antonio Santangelo.
In the defensive backfield, Rustin will have Jacobs at free safety, sophomore cornerback Chase Hatton (he started as a freshman) and strong safety Merek Seaman.
“The other cornerback spot is up for grabs,” said St. Clair. “We’ll have a lot of competition at that spot.”
Rustin also returns a fine kicker in senior Griffin Strunk.
The Golden Knights’ biggest question mark heading into the 2022 season is its relatively inexperienced offensive line. At guard will be two seniors who started at linebacker last year, Law and Corrigan. At tackles will be junior Brock Cummings (6-5, 270) and Huynh, and the center will be Riley.
“I’m excited to play the offensive line this year, which I haven’t done since my freshman year,” said Huynh with a smile. “I loved it then, playing offensive line is fun and now I know [playing] both sides of the line.
“Our team is young, but we have great young players ready to step up. It’s our job as seniors to guide these young players.”
The Golden Knights plan to go with sophomore Dave McClain at quarterback.
“Dave has a very good arm, and good running ability,” said St. Clair. “He fits very well into our system.”
The running attack will be led by Hatton, who started as a freshman last year.
“Chase is big, strong, fast and smart,” said St. Clair.
At receiver, the leading candidates are seniors Nelson Murray (injured last year), Jake Crispino and Jake Loveland.
The Golden Knights veterans head into this fall campaign hoping that the lessons they learned last year will carry into the 2022 season.
Jacobs said, “I think we learned last year that hard work and determination pays off, because no one thought we were going to make it as far [in the postseason] as we did.”

West Chester Rustin Schedule
Fri., Sept. 2 — vs. West Chester Henderson, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 9 — vs. West Chester East, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 16 — at Kennett, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 23 — at Chichester, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 30 — vs. Coatesville, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 7 — vs. Oxford, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 14 — at Sun Valley, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 21 — at Great Valley, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 28 — vs. Unionville, 7 p.m.