Malvern – Malvern Prep, which compiled an 8-2 record last fall (3-2 in Inter-Ac play), is looking to recapture the Inter-Ac title the Friars won two years ago.
One of the Friars’ key strengths is a talented, veteran, senior-laden offensive line that should allow Malvern to pound out some long, clock-consuming drives.
“We’re returning four seniors on the offensive line, which we’re excited about,” said Malvern Prep head coach Dave Gueriera.
The Friars’ offensive line is led by senior tackle Peter Jones (6-foot-5, 290 pounds), who was a first team All-Inter-Ac selection last fall.
“Peter’s got a lunch-pail attitude – he’s always the last guy in the gym, in the weight room,” said Gueriera. “Peter is a complete offensive lineman, he does a really good job both run-blocking and pass-blocking. He’s super strong, and pretty athletic for someone his size.”
Senior tackle Liam Horan (6-3, 255) and senior center Dylan Kraiza (6-1, 270) received second team All-Inter-Ac honors last fall. At the guard spots for Malvern will be senior Logan Demcyk (6-3, 295) and junior Orazio Nastase (6-1, 225).
The Friars lost 1,000-yard rusher Yaahdir Nash to graduation last spring, but have a couple of promising young running backs in junior Chris Smith (5-9, 185) and sophomore Zeke Bates (5-11, 190).
“We think we have two running backs who can play at a high level,” said Gueriera. “They’re both really good players and I’m excited to watch them work.”
Seeing time at the fullback position will be senior Alex Gueriera (5-8, 190) and junior Jake Bauer (6-1, 220).
The Friars’ offense will be guided by junior quarterback Skyler Smith (6-1, 180), who as a sophomore signal-caller got Malvern off to a 6-0 start before tearing his ACL against Penn Charter. It was an injury that ended his season.
“Skyler has done a great job getting himself ready to play, he’s worked super hard to get ready for this season,” said Gueriera. “He’s 100 percent ready to go.”
The Friars have a number of candidates at receiver, including junior PJ Holmes (6-2, 180), junior Luke Hardy (6-0, 170), freshman Cade Cooper (6-3, 190), junior Ian Files (6-0, 180) and senior Luke Pajan (5-9, 160). Versatile senior Ennis Udo (6-1, 205) was a productive tight end for the Friars last fall as well as a strong defensive end.
“Ennis is super-versatile – he’s athletic, smart, has great hands and can play at a high level at two different spots,” said Gueriera.
On the defensive side of the ball, the D-line is led by senior defensive tackle Phil Tabasso (6-2, 280), who was a first team All-Inter-Ac selection last fall.
“Phil is a force, a tough guy to block,” said Gueriera.
The other defensive tackle will be junior Anthony Borzillo (6-2, 205). Udo is the Friars’ top defensive end, and others who will be seeing time at that spot are juniors Bernard Blakey (6-5, 200) and Carter Ceppetelli (6-2, 200).
The linebacking corps will be led by senior Chris Lake (6-4, 200), Bauer (who was one of the Friars’ leading tacklers last fall), junior Ben Kumpon (6-1, 220) and junior Owen Mears (6-2, 175).
Heading up the defensive backfield is junior free safety Andrew Pellicciotta (5-10, 175), who made more than 40 tackles at free safety last fall and received second team All-Inter-Ac honors. He is also a threat to score, as he was the Friars’ leading punt returner last fall, and played well in limited action at both running back and wide receiver.
“Andrew is a game-changer – he’s super-athletic and dangerous with the ball in his hands,” said Gueriera. “He plays a great free safety for us as well.”
The cornerback spots will be held down by a couple of returning starters, senior Peri DiBartolomeo (5-10, 175) and junior Zade Johnson (5-10, 180).
The Friars will open the season with a game against LaSalle Sept. 1, at Ocean City (N.J.) High School, to be followed by four more non-league contests. Malvern will finish its season with five consecutive Inter-Ac contests.
“Our goal is to win the Inter-Ac. It was a bitter taste for us (not winning it) last year,” said Gueriera. “I think our players have worked really hard in the offseason in the weight room and the practice field. I think they’ve got a good mindset and they’re ready to go. If we play Malvern football, which is fundamental, physical football, we’ll feel good about this team. I think the season can’t get here fast enough.”
Udo said, “Having veteran guys on the team – we all played together last year – we have a chip on our shoulder from last year and we know we have to come back this year and get back to where we were (in 2021). Everyone on the (front) line has that same goal in mind, so they’re pushing all the young guys to keep up, and we’re pushing the bar.”
Malvern Prep
Fri., Sept 1 – vs. La Salle at Ocean City NJ, 6 p.m.
Sat., Sept 9 – vs. Delbarton, 1 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 15 – at Imhotep Charter at Germantown Super Site, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 22 – vs. Rock Creek Christian Academy, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 29 – vs. Hun School, 7 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 14 – vs. Episcopal Academy, 1 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 21 – at The Haverford School, 1 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 28 – at Penn Charter, 2 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 4 – vs. Germantown Academy, 6 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 11 – at Springside Chestnut Hill, 1 p.m.
Coach: Dave Gueriera
2022 record, 8-2 overall, 3-2 Inter-Ac
