McAnally, Freeman show Episcopal Academy best of both worlds
NEWTOWN SQUARE >> The prettiest play in Episcopal Academy’s 40-0, opening night rout of Wyoming Seminary didn’t end in points.
It came early in the third quarter when the Churchmen, who led by four scores at halftime, were driving to put the game to bed for good. Quarterback CJ McAnally dropped back, inviting the Blue Knights defenders into the pocket, only to shovel a pass through traffic to running back Jon’avin Freeman. Freeman burst up the middle for 15 yards, setting up EA first-and-goal from the 8.
The execution was beautiful, but so too was the symbolism. Freeman and McAnally split time under center in 2015 and entered the 2016 preseason in a two-man battle for the starting position. Monday, McAnally got the nod for good, but that didn’t mean Freeman wouldn’t be contributing.
“We’ve said it all along,” said Churchmen coach Todd Fairlie, “They’re two of our best football players. We don’t lose anything if one starts over the other.”
Each thrived Friday night despite some unfamiliarity with their positions. Freeman had never played running back before, yet he scored twice, once in the first quarter and a second time to punctuate the shovel-pass drive.
On the defensive side, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound linebacker wreaked havoc in the Wyoming Seminary backfield. He finished with a sack and a tackle-for-loss as Episcopal held the visitors to six first downs and 72 yards of total offense.
“Last year, splitting reps, it kind of got me out of rhythm,” said Freeman. “Now, since I’m playing defense full time, I have more energy and I’m more focused.”
As for McAnally, he showed that Fairlie had made the right call … though, the opening snap hinted otherwise. McAnally botched a handoff to Dee Wil Barlee and was fortunate to see the sophomore hop on the fumble. It was EA’s, and McAnally’s, only miscue of the evening.
A Maryland lacrosse recruit, McAnally displayed his athleticism with 95 yards rushing on 11 carries. He wasn’t half-bad through the air either, where finished 10-16 for 152 yards. Twice he connected with tight end Kyle Virbitsky for scores, both coming in a 21-point second quarter. Whether it was in or outside the pocket, McAnally looked every bit the part of a starting quarterback.
“Everyone around me helped me so much,” said McAnally, who added a 40-yard, pick-6 to his offensive output.
He praised his offensive line, which returns five starters, and litany of receiving options. He made sure to leave a word for Freeman as well.
“Jon’s a great team player,” said McAnally. “Honestly, I feel like whoever had the job, we knew the other guy was going to play great.”
That’s a common feeling around a suddenly mature group of Churchmen. A season ago, Episcopal graduated just four seniors. This year, there are 16.
“The attitude is a lot different,” said Freeman. “There’s a lot more leadership. We have a really good chance if we go all in.”
Sure it was an inferior opponent, but that shouldn’t take away from a confident debut for the Churchmen (1-0). They earned a shutout and scored a defensive touchdown. McAnally starred behind center. And Barlee, with a slaloming 80-yard punt return, put the special teams on the board as well.
“I’m so excited,” said McAnally. “We’re just scratching the surface.”
