Rustin, Rain Ruin Great Valley’s Homecoming 14-7
Written by: Paul Dale Plattenburg on Saturday, October 25th, 2008. Follow Paul Dale Plattenburg on Twitter.
Power Football.
Both teams are the feelgood stories of 2008, but something had to give on a rain-swept Saturday afternoon at Morris DeFrank Field on the campus of Great Valley High School in Malvern. Especially with the Ches-Mont American Division title on the line.
Bayard Rustin, in only its third year of existence entering the game at 8-1, 4-0 in the division, while Great Valley, also at 8-1, 4-0 in the division.
Rustin used 2 short touchdown runs by Junior Rondell White and a stingy defense to upend the Patriots 14-7 on Homecoming Day.
“This is a BIG win for us,” said Golden Knight Head Coach Mike St.Clair. “Gary (Phillips) does a nice job over here. The school and the parents are very lucky to have him.”
White scored on runs of 6 and 1 yards, but may also have had the most important play of the day, a crucial 48 yard punt that pinned GV back when Rustin needed to most.
“It got a good bounce on the turf,” said White (24 carries 115 yards). “We needed it at that time,” he added.
GV tied the game at 7 with 1:47 left before halftime as Brian Pommerer (67 yards rushing, 21 yards recieving) scored on a 6 yard run and added the extra point.
But just when it seemed the Patriots seemed to get some momentem, Rustin’s defense stood up and made a play when they needed to.
“It’s a credit to these kids how hard they have worked,” said St. Clair. “It all started in January and had not let up.”
Not to be outdone by White, Sophomore Frankie O’Donnell ran for 100 yards on 13 carries as Rustin piled up 264 yards rushing.
“I’ve never had a game like this, it’s unbelievable,” said O’Donnell “The holes the line were giving me were incredible.”
Rustin can claim the title outright next week as they travel to winless Oxford on Friday, while Great Valley must regroup and face a suddenly improving Kennett Saturday afternoon down in Kennett Square.
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October 30th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Good coaching, discipline and tough kids makes for a good program and good teams. Three years out the Golden knights are a force to be reckoned with. Stick together, Stay Humble and Hungry and dreams can come true!
Go knights!
October 30th, 2008 at 9:39 am
The discipline, toughness and the chemistry of this Rustin team is fantastic. They have had their backs to wall in several crucial fourth down situations this year…in ever case the underdog was the meaner dog!
October 29th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
It would’ve been interesting to see how the game had played out in nicer weather. I think GV was hurt more by the wind and rain.
But I agree…Rustin has a great defense. I’ve seen them shut down 2 very good offenses in Unionville and Great Valley.
October 27th, 2008 at 11:00 am
This Rustin team are fighters. Over here at Henderson, i try to make my kids into TRUE Warriors and Mike St. Clair does that over at Rustin. Even though this team is great this year, next season will be the breakout year for Rustin. Behind starters RB White, QB Carlin and others.
October 26th, 2008 at 7:11 am
I second Austin M but it seems that Rustin thrives on lack of respect. The Rustin defense is allowing only 6 ppg which is one of the best in all of Pa regardless of classification. Shubert is on of the smartest and hardest hitting dbacks in eastern Pa. Made a game stopping pic in the 2 biggest games of the season..Henderson and Great Valley. Outstanding coaches are teaching the game well.
October 26th, 2008 at 1:37 am
I think Rahmier White is one of the Best Safeties I have seen in a long time.
October 25th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Rustin is the most underrated team in district 1 maybe even all of eastern Pa