Malvern Friars 41 Haverford School 0 October 14, 2006
At Haverford School
By Gerry McKee, Lisa Hoban, Rob Rafferty and John Ostick, Parents Booster Club
The Malvern Friars put their 2006 football team out on the road again on Friday afternoon to take on the Haverford School in the first of five Inter–Ac League contests scheduled for the current season. Playing conditions were ideal, with the crisp, cool, fall air and the fairly new artificial playing surface, the day had the makings of a high scoring football game. The Friars would not disappoint us.
The game started out rather auspiciously for the Friars when Joe Buckley’s kickoff was fielded at the five yard line, then returned all the way to midfield before Joe, himself, had to push the Haverford return man out of bounds, saving a touchdown. Haverford then followed up the kick return with a 27 yard pass completion where Joe Hoban had to make an open field tackle to prevent the receiver from going all the way to the end zone. With barely a minute played in the game, Haverford threatened with a first and ten at the Malvern 25 yard line.
To this point, things were not going according to the Malvern game plan. But Haverford began to realize they were in for a tough football game when after several unsuccessful attempts to run the ball at the middle of the Friar defense, they found themselves with 3rd and ten, still at the Malvern 25. Tim Bemer and Paul Ostick delivered that message, sacking the Haverford quarterback as he looked vainly toward the end zone for an open receiver. After a penalty and an incomplete pass, Malvern took possession at their own 40 yard line.
After a couple of running plays that only got us back to where we started the drive, Ryan Nassib dropped back to pass on third and ten. He fired a strike to Joe Hoban who had worked himself open in the middle of the field for a 20 yard gain. Alex Forte then made several bruising runs behind the left side of the Malvern offensive line, Kevin Umile, Ben Bryer, and Rob Bates, to set up a big play going the other way. On second and two, at the 25 yard line, Chris Lane took a toss around the right side all the way to the end zone to open the scoring for the day. Paul Ostick, Mike Lynch, Ben Bryer and others executed near perfect blocks to spring Chris loose for this TD. As usual, Joe Buckley followed up with the PAT, giving Malvern a 7 to 0 lead midway through the first quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, Joe Buckley handed Malvern the field position advantage by kicking the ball all the way to the end zone, forcing a first and ten for Haverford at their own 20 yard line. Haverford managed to move the ball out to the 32 yard line with several running attempts in spite of a couple of jarring tackles by Alex Forte and Joe Coffey. Matt Bernier then followed suit tackling a Haverford receiver after a nine yard reception. Chris Moore stepped up next, thwarting a Haverford pass attempt. He broke hard on the ball and knocked it away from the out-stretched hands of a Haverford wide receiver. Kevin Sullivan then put an end to the Haverford drive with a big hit on the Haverford running back as he attempted to turn the corner on a sweep.
1st Quarter Score: Malvern 7 Haverford School 0
The 2nd quarter starts with Malvern clinging to a 7- 0 lead and facing a 4th and from the 29 yard line. Haverford’s defense has kept the Friars offense in check so far. Our defense holds the Fords to consecutive 3 and out series led by stellar plays Alex Forte, Mike Lynch and Rob Bates.
On the next series the offense unleashes it's fire power a belly dive by Alex Forte picks up 8 yards behind good blocking from Rob Bates, Mike Lynch, and Jimmy Downey. After two consecutive first downs and a 2nd and 8 from the 23 yd line Ryan Nassib rolls right and finds Chris Layne in the back corner of the end zone.
With 5:57 to go Malvern leads 14 -0. The Friar defense continues to stimy the Fords again forcing them to 3 and out led by the Jim Downey near interception of a screen pass. Good pressure from Rob Bates and big plays from St. Dot’s alumni Matt Bernier and Joe Coffey.
On the next possession with 4:22 to go in the half Chris Layne takes a hand off around right end and goes down the sideline to the 8 yard line. The Friars great blocking a the point of attack and good blocks down field by Joe Hoban and Ben Bryer.on 2nd and goal. Ryan Nabbib rolls out right and scampers into the end zone. Joe Buckley’s kick is good and Malvern gains a21-0 advantage.
The defensive unit again holds the Fords to 3 and out behind big plays from Downey, Lynch, and Ostick and a big blitz from junior Chris Crowding, Malvern goes on the attack with 1:56 to go in the half yet stalls with a fake field goal and was stuffed to end the 1st half.
1st Half Score: Malvern 21 Haverford School 0
Malvern made football look easy as the charged back on the field for the second half with the score at 21-0. After a 30 yard kickoff Matt Dolente ran the ball to the Malvern’s 30 yard line. A second down carry by Chris Layne advanced Malvern to their opponents’ 45 yard line. After a no gain second down, Chris Layne once again left Haverford in his dust as he ran the ball for a seamless touchdown. Joe Buckely kicked yet another perfect extra point, bringing the Malvern lead to 28.
Joe Buckley kicked off to the Fords leaving them with a 75 yard offensive push to get on the scoreboard. After a beautiful tackle by Tim Bemer, the Fords were pushed back yet again with an off sides penalty costing them 5 yards more. With a 1st and 15 Haverford Fords fought to no avail to break the slump. A third down pass attempt was thwarted by Paul Ostick as he slammed the Fords once again. After a pass that brought Haverford 1 ½ yards shy of their first down, Malvern’s defensive line allowed no further gain, and their offense resumed control of the ball.
Malvern took possession of the ball at their own 45 yard line. After a small gain with the 1st down, Chris Layne used the 2nd down to move the ball to Haverford’s 35 yard line. With 6:43 on the clock, quarterback Ryan Nassib threw a picture-perfect pass to Joe Hoban who crossed the Haverford goal line once again. Joe Buckley showing his stuff with a beautiful kick brought Malvern’s lead to 34.
After a forty yard kick by Joe Buckley, the Fords look like they were back in the game until they lost the ball momentarily on their own 40 yard line. However, the ball was recovered by the Fords #25 Terrance Fitzsimmons. But their series was brought to an abrupt stop when a 3rd and 1 saw yet another fumble, this time recovered by Malvern’s own Paul Ostick. With only 4 minutes remaining in the quarter, Malvern took control of the ball on Haverford’s 35 yard line.
John Rawlings resumed the offensive momentum with a ten yard run and another 1st down. Jordan Ferguson helped the advance with yet another 1st down. Malvern was stopped when a short pass to Sullivan brought the entire Haverford defense down upon him. Malvern recovered however,with a run by Rob McCabe that brought Malvern within 8 yards of another touchdown. Despite a 10 yard penalty for illegal blocking, Malvern was able to score once again when Joe Coffey crossed the end zone again. After a failed extra point attempt, the last 1:12 minutes passed quickly as the quarter ended with a Malvern lead of 41-0.
3rd Quarter Score: Malvern 41 Haverford School 0
The 4th quarter produced no scoring but the future of Malvern football got a chance to shine. On a Malvern kickoff, Nick Dolente #24 had an awesome tackle on the Fords returner. Nick had another great hit in the next series as did Chris Mooney #42.
The Malvern offense got contributions on the line from Jeff Pierre, sophomore Joe Hoban, Paul Ryan, Nick Busillo from the center position, Havard McCurdy, Mike McCorkle and in the offensive backfield Billy Conners looks well-polished at quarterback, Rob McCabe is strong, Tian Xing had a nice gainer, and Julian Shortt (who did score a tough touchdown in Monday’s JV game vs. the Fords.
On defense the football future looks bright; John Rawlings had a strong showing, Kevin Titus hung tough, Brad Boyle, Dave Umile, and Joe price lined up in the front. The linebacking and secondary crew consisted of John Scargill (a OL Fatima product), Mike Mayock (dad and grandpop Haverford School legends), Steve Ford, Tian Xing, Matt Ryan, and Christian Sutton helped hold the Fords scoreless for the day.
As the game ended, the Friars dominance continued as we reached midseason:
Malvern Prep Friars 166 Opponents 35
Final Score: Malvern 41 Haverford School 0
Next up: at Malvern’s Quigley Field HOMECOMING vs. GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
GA FOOTBALL WEBPAGE:
Saturday, October 21, 2006 2:00 PM
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Malvern Prep |
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Box Score for Malvern
Prep vs. Haverford
School |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Final |
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7 |
14 |
20 |
0 |
41 |
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0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
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MP: |
Layne 21 run (Buckley kick) |
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MP: |
Layne 23 pass from Nassib (Buckley kick) |
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MP: |
Nassib 10 run (Buckley kick) |
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MP: |
Layne 45 run (Buckley kick) |
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Hoban 33 pass from Nassib (Buckley kick) |
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Coffey 7 run (kick failed) |
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HUCK’S GEMS
Penn Charter (4-2) at Episcopal (4-2)
(Fri.
3:15)
PC, 21-7.
SJ Prep (5-2) at La Salle (7-0) (Sat. 1, at
Wissahickon)
SJP, 27-10.
North Catholic (4-3) at Ryan (Sat. 7, at
NE) NC,
13-7.
West Catholic (3-4) at Neumann-Goretti (4-3) (Sat.
1)
N-G, 26-22.
Wood (6-1) at Conwell-Egan (3-4) (Sat.
7)
AW, 24-14.
Germ. Academy (5-1) at Malvern (4-1) (Sat.
12)
MP, 26-13.
Philadelphia Daily News (PA)
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October
18, 2006 Ostick's economics
teacher a father figure PAUL OSTICK has this wonderful teacher for AP economics at Malvern Prep. The guy is tall with a commanding presence, and constantly mixes in humor while displaying non-stop energy on his travels around the classroom. |
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Often, Ostick finds himself looking at the guy and saying under his breath, "I see myself in him.'' Not surprising. The guy is John Ostick, Paul's father. "I requested to be in his class,'' said the personable Paul. "He's out of control. A lot of fun. Four of my best friends are in there with me and we're all having a great time. "My brother, Brian [class of 1999], also had my dad and did very well in that class. On days when we're scheduled for quizzes or tests, I try to get the answers out of my dad ahead of time. So far, it's not happening.'' Paul Ostick, a 6-3, 275-pound senior, is a 3-year starter on both lines (tackle, defensive end) for a Friar football squad that again, despite heavy losses to graduation, especially among skill players, is among the area's best. But his father grew up as a basketball player, and later was the varsity coach at St. Joseph's Prep, and try as he might, he can't convince his middle son that some football knowledge is indeed bouncing around inside that head. "It's so funny when my dad talks football,'' Paul said, laughing. "He pretends he knows, but has no idea. He'll try to analyze our games and I'll say, 'Dad, what happened was the exact opposite.' "He used to tape my grade-school games and you could always hear his comments. Wasn't hard. 'Cause he was yelling. The ref would throw a flag and my dad would get all happy. But on the tape, you could tell right off that the penalty was against our team.'' So, how did Paul become, in one way, the anti-John? Brian and third son Denis (spelled with one "n'' in honor of their home parish, St. Denis of Havertown), a sixth-grader, were/are tall yet gangly. "I was more the chubby kid,'' Paul said, "and . . . what's the word I'm lookig for . . . not graceful. I took a natural liking to football.'' It liked him back. Ostick last year earned first- team Daily News All-City honors on the defensive line for his work for the 10-1 Friars. He's now a tri-captain for a 4-1 squad with high hopes for another Inter-Ac League title. Gaspare "Gamp'' Pellegrini, in his 29th season as Malvern's coach (and 40th total), feels Ostick could play Division I-AA football, at a minimum, and said Paul "went toe to toe'' against Penn State-bound Andrew Szczerba in a overtime loss to Salesianum (Del.). Pellegrini loves that Ostick, who's thinking hard about Princeton, Georgetown and Villanova (where his mom, Mary Agnes, is a nurse practitioner), practices as hard as he plays. "When your best player, who's already well-established, hustles more than anybody else, that's when you know you've got quite a kid,'' he added. It's obvious that Ostick admired his coach long before he became his player. "I love the opportunity to play for coach Gamp,'' he said. "Look at all he's done for so many years. Plus, he makes it enjoyable. He comes out with some funny comments. "When he showed so much confidence in me, making me a two-way starter as a soph, how could I not respond? He gives me responsibility and I have to come through for him.'' Malvern's returning offensive starters aside from Ostick are guards Rob Bates and Jim Downey. The line newcomers are center Mike Lynch and tackle Kevin Umile. Quarterback Ryan Nassib, tailback Chris Layne, fullback Alex Forte, tight end Ben Bryer, wingback James Connelly and wideout Joe Hoban complete the group, which is scoring 33.2 points a game. "I was friends with a lot of last year's seniors,'' Ostick said. "And we had a lot of fun. But this year is probably better only because I'm playing with more of my classmates. It's like it's our team. In our last-hurrah year. "I'm glad that Chestnut Hill Academy came into the Inter-Ac and I'm excited about what each week is going to bring. The league is much more competitive this year.'' Meanwhile, Ostick prefers defense ever so slightly. "I have more of a defensive attitude,'' he said. "I like gettin' after it.'' Brian Ostick attended Notre Dame while Jackie, the lone sister, is majoring in theater at DeSales University. While Paul (oh, he also does play hoops, and last year was a frontcourt sub) loved a recent visit to Princeton, he is keeping an open mind. As for career plans . . . "You know what? We've never talked about this, but I think my dad and I are very much alike,'' Paul Ostick said. "I could picture being a teacher. I'm a people person, too. I think I'd be a good fit.'' * |
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H. RUMPH JR./For the Daily News Malvern lineman Paul Ostick at yesterday's indoor practice. |
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Philadelphia Inquirer October 20, 2006
GA's Holcombe carries the load
Rest
breaks simply aren't in his game plan.
Inquirer Suburban Staff
After carrying the football 39 times in last week's 38-7 win at Episcopal Academy, Germantown Academy's Alex Holcombe should have been ready for an extended dip in the whirlpool.
"Actually, I wasn't that tired or banged up," Holcombe said. "I guess my body is getting used to it."
Holcombe is a big-time workhouse for the Patriots. In addition to playing tailback and averaging 30.2 carries per game, the 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior plays inside linebacker, punts, returns kicks, and is on the special-teams unit for kickoffs and extra points.
Breathers and extended breaks are things Holcombe knows little about.
"I know I'm going to be on the field pretty much the entire game," he said. "It's tiring, but it's also fun to play a lot of positions."
In gaining 200 yards against Episcopal, Holcombe eclipsed the 3,000-yard career rushing mark. With 3,035 yards, he is just 72 yards shy of becoming the school's all-time leading rusher. Matt Blewitt, a 1998 graduate, gained 3,106 yards.
"It was in the back in my mind at the beginning of the season," Holcombe said. "Obviously, though, team goals come first."
Heading into tomorrow afternoon's Inter-Academic League meeting with Malvern Prep, Germantown Academy is 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the league. That is a drastic difference over last season, when the Patriots went 0-7 and 0-4.
"It was horrible last year," Holcombe said. "We hated to see the seniors go out like that, and this year's seniors were determined not to finish our careers in that way."
As for Holcombe, he's going out in a busy rush. Through six games, Holcombe has carried 181 times for 985 yards and 14 touchdowns.
"He's a guy that gets stronger as the game goes on," first-year coach Luke Harris said. "The more carries he gets, the better he is."
Harris, a 1992 graduate of Germantown Academy, played center and defensive lineman for the Patriots. He blocked for talented running backs Michael "Pup" Turner, his coaching predecessor, and quick-footed Larry Leith.
"I would prefer to have a more balanced offense," Harris said. "But if the running game is working, there is no need to go away from it."
Holcombe praised an offensive line that is made up of center Anthony Belford, guards Kevin Blalock and Joe Razzano, tackles Joe Conaway and Ed Logan, and tight end Addison West. Kevin Doty, a 6-3, 220-pound fullback, has also helped ignite the running game.
They all are going to have be on top of their games tomorrow against Malvern (4-1), which is No. 9 in The Inquirer's Top 10 rankings for Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Friars defeated Germantown Academy, 42-0, last year.
"In the Inter-Ac League, every league game is like a championship game," Holcombe said. "Malvern Prep is a great team. We're going to have to be ready for a war."
Holcombe, a Souderton resident, also excels in track and field. His specialty is the decathlon. Last summer, competing for the Ambler Olympic Club, he placed third in the country in the 17- and 18-year-old division.
"I think it helps me a lot with football," Holcombe said. "It makes me stronger and