40 Teams in 40 Days – Day 24 – Malvern Prep (Inter-Ac) – Big School Team # 9

Written by: David Mika on Wednesday, August 13th, 2014. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

Offensive Preview:

Malvern Prep has a lot of talent coming back and a new head coach that is going to open up the offense this year. One guy that will benefit is senior quarterback Alex Hornibrook.

“Alex has a strong arm and can make all the throws. Last year he was in a wing-t offense and this year we’re going to showcase him more. We’re going to be more of a spread team this year. He’s an athletic kid and he can run. He’s a very special kid and it will be fun to watch him run our offense this year.”

Alex passed for almost 1,200 yards last year and look for those numbers to go up this fall.

“This year we’re going to run him a little bit more in our offense and do zone read stuff. That gives him the ability to pull it down and run it or try and get him on the edge a little bit more.”

At running back the Friars are going to have to replace Troy Gallen who rushed for over 1,500 yards and was one of the top runners last year in the Inter-Ac league.

“This year it’s going to be more of running back by committee. We do have a few kids we really like.”

Dymond Wright is one guy who got some carries last year.

“He didn’t play a lot last year, but he’s a talented kid and is going to play some tailback this year. He has that speed and shift ability to make a big play for us this year.”

Another guy that will get some reps is Anthony Pacitti.

“He will be one of the main running backs along with Dymond. Anthony is more of a power runner and a great blocker. He’s a guy that will run between the tackles.”

You may see Trevor Morris in the backfield this year.

“Trevor is a combination of power and speed. Trevor is going to do a lot for us this year.”

One of the strengths on the offense this year is their offensive line. Malvern has four linemen returning from last year’s team.

Miami (FL) commit Hayden Mahoney returns at right tackle.

“Hayden has the size and has good leverage and a great work ethic. He’s a great pass blocker and a good run blocker. He’s always working at getting better. He bends very well and has a good idea about the game. He’s very intelligent. He has good technique and great footwork. He’s our leader on the line.”

The left tackle is Nick Zarkoski.

“He’s a 6-foot-6 kid that is looking at a lot of schools. He’s athletic and can move. He has worked real hard in the weight room to get stronger. He will do a great job protecting the quarterback.”

At right guard is Michael McCarthy.

“He’s one of the smartest young men I know. He’s quick and is like a coach on the field for us.”

Returning at left guard is Jacob Rebisz.

“He was all-league both ways last year. He’s a quiet kid and leads by example. He’s an incredible player on both sides of the ball. He’s a physical blocker.”

The one position they have to fill is at center. David Lynch will be the guy at center.

“He’s had a great offseason and we’re excited about him playing center.”

Justin Titchenell and Ethan Bedwell will be backups and may rotate in some games.

One guy coming back at tight end is Ryan O’Neill.

“Ryan runs really well and catches everything thrown at him. He’s a good route runner and good blocker. He didn’t play a lot last year, but he will be a weapon for us this year.”

At wide receiver they have a kid by the name of Chris Brown.

“He has done a great job this offseason catching the ball and working on his route running.”

Another guy is James Keating.

“He has played defense for us and will play receiver this year on offense.”

They have another kid, Rashon Lusane who will be a junior.

Defensive Preview:

Their number one guy on the defensive line is Jacob Rebisz.

“He has nice size and is physical.”

The defensive end is Hayden Mahoney.

“He’s an athletic kid for his size and understands what the offense is doing out there. He’s good at making adjustments and is good at rushing the passer.”

Another kid to watch is John Skorcki.

“He had a great summer and is very athletic.”

Ethan Bedwell will be the nose guard.

“He’s a big body and is a force in there. He’s working hard to get better.”

Nick Zarkoski and Justin Titchenell will play a lot of d-line this year.

Rutgers commit Trevor Morris returns atoutside linebacker. He’s a big physical kid who can move.

“He’s our leader on defense. He’s a great leader on defense and always pumps up the other kids. He can run and is a physical kid.”

He was named 2^nd team All-Inter-Ac at linebacker last year.

“He’s a great tackler and makes plays on defense. He really has a quick step and gets at players very quickly.”

Ryan O’Neill is the middle linebacker.

“He didn’t start every game last year, but played a lot.

There will be an open competition at the other two linebacker spots. Guys like Riley Ammerman, Patrick Finley and Cole Thomas will battle for playing time.

In the secondary James Keating returns at free safety. He had three interceptions last year.

“He made some big plays last year for us. He’s a great tackler and runs the defense back there. He has a nose for the football and made some big interceptions last year.”

At corner, Dymond Wright returns.

“He has worked on his technique and is much improved this year.”

The other corner is going to be Phil DiTrolio along with Rashon Lusane.

Ryan Murray or Ryan Antell will be the other safety.

Brian Boyle may see time at corner.

Special Teams Preview:

The kick returners are going to be Dymond Wright, Trevor Morris and Rashon Lusane.

The punt returners may be Dymond Wright and Ryan Murray.

“We will know more once camp starts.”

Kicker and punter will be an open competition.

The long snapper is David Lynch.

Head Coach: Aaron Brady