LaSalle Shuts Down West Catholic

Written by: Armand Vanore on Saturday, September 17th, 2011. Follow Armand Vanore on Twitter.

Wyndmoor, Pa., The LaSalle Explorers (D12, AAA, PCL) used a suffocating run defense and Senior quarterback Matt Magarity’s two touchdown passes to wear down last year’s AA state champion West Catholic to the tune of a 24-0 whitewash at Springfield Montco. The Explorers rebounded after losing last week to New Jersey power Bergan Catholic 41-17.

Both teams struggled early as there were a combined 11 penalties for 115 yards in the first 14 minutes of play. LaSalle then began to bear down in the second quarter going on an extended 11 play, 93 yard drive (66 of the yards from Magarity’s arm) ending with his 5 yard pass on a fade pattern to Colin Buckley and a 6-0 Explorer lead. Just before the half the Explorers struck again on a 24 yard pass from Magarity to Sean Coleman and a 14-0 halftime lead.

The LaSalle defensive front line put so much pressure on West’s skill players that it enabled the linebackers to play more downhill and make plays that the Burrs ran right at them The Explorers keyed on Burrs sensational junior running back David Williams forcing them to rely more on quarterback Jaleel Reed’s ability to run. Williams ran for over 200 yards last week against Archbishop Wood but Explorer defensive coordinator John Steinmetz’s plan worked to perfection as they kept Williams in tow by limiting him to 37 yards on 13 carries and no run greater than 10 yards from scrimmage.

The Explorers used the running attack in the second half to wear West down as running back Tim Wade led them on a 13 play drive toting the rock seven times in the series for 33 yards and scoring on a 13 yard bolt down the right side and 21-0 lead. Ryan Winslow’s field goal early in the fourth quarter ended the scoring. Wade had 25 carries for 131 yards and one touchdown. Magarity was unofficially 11 for 20 for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

The Burrs finished up a murderous start of season schedule going 0-3 having played two very good District 12 AAAA teams and maybe the best AAA team (Archbishop Wood) in the state. You have to give this small school credit for stepping up and taking these games. It will certainly prepare them to defend their state AA title and a little easier schedule down the road. LaSalle (2-1) also finished up a tough three game stretch and will travel to Monsignor Bonner next week.

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