By Bob Evans
Sports Editor
August 30, 2010
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| Malvern quarterback Shawn Ball (7) scores his first of three TDs against visiting United Local. |
The Malvern defense just couldn’t find a way to stop United Local senior quarterback Josh McLaughlin as the Eagles downed the Hornets 40-26 in the season opener for both teams last Friday night at Malvern.
McLaughlin rushed 14 times for 189 yards and three touchdowns and connected on 11-of-18 passes for 217 yards.
It was an uphill battle all night long for the Hornets. Down two touchdowns early in the first quarter, the Hornets battled their way back to trail by two points at halftime, 21-19.
But, United scored on its first two positions of the third quarter to take control of the game.
“I was happy how we battled back from a 14-0 deficit to be down only by two at half 21-19, but the error plagued 3rd quarter did us in,” said Malvern head coach Dave Tucci.
“Make no mistake about it though, United has a very nice team and will win a lot of games. They have a senior (13) oriented team and are well-coached.”
“Our coaching staff did see some positives to build on both sides of the ball.”
Hornet junior quarterback Shawn Ball led the Hornets on the ground with 111 yards on 25 attempts and three touchdowns and hit 9-of-16 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Ball scored on runs of 4, 8 and 3 yards and hit junior wide receiver Travis Tucci with a 6-yard touchdown pass. Tucci finished with three catches for 69 yards.
Offensively, Malvern finished with 174 yards on the ground, while United racked up 250 yards.
Defensively, the Hornets recorded five quarterback sacks, two each by senior Eric Myers and junior Logan Sellers, while Eric Hain recorded one sack. Myers also had four tackles for losses. Sophomore linebacker Brady Weber led the Hornet defense with 12 tackles. Each team had one turnover.
The Eagles held a 467-273 edge in total offense.
“We have some work to do on the defensive side of the ball,” Tucci said. “Anytime you give up 467 total yards, you don’t give yourselves much chance to win. It seemed like we played fairly well on first and second down, but the big plays United got on third and fourth downs was frustrating to say the least.”
The Hornets will travel to Waterloo, a Division IV school, Friday night.
“They (Waterloo) struggled last season and finished at 1-9,” Tucci said. “But, they are a much better team this season. We will need to play a mistake free game and limit the big plays.” |
