QB Danny Solecki leads La Salle past Malvern

When a team's starting quarterback goes down with an injury, the immediate aftermath could be disastrous.

For La Salle High, however, Saturday night was a "have no fear, Danny Solecki is here" type of night.

All the senior quarterback did was lead the Explorers to a 45-21 victory against visiting Malvern Prep at Plymouth-Whitemarsh.

Solecki, a 6-foot, 165-pounder, finished with 327 yards and four touchdown tosses on 24-of-33 passing.

"This feels really good," Solecki said. "We played a good team out there and it was a good statement win for us. We needed it coming off a loss, so this feels good."

In Week 1, senior QB Isaiah Jones went down with a leg injury in the Explorers' 21-9 loss at McDonogh in Maryland. Jones continues to receive treatment for the injury. A timetable for his return is unknown thus far.

In his stead, Solecki tormented the Friars downfield.

Senior Troy Holland finished with seven catches for 126 yards and two scores, while fellow senior Octavious Carter caught three balls for 68 yards. Senior tight end Liam Trainer also added a receiving touchdown.

"Nerves are normal," Solecki said of his first start. "You're going to get them no matter what. My guys were great picking me up all week in practice."

As potent as Solecki and La Salle's offense was, the Explorers defense was nearly as stingy.

Malvern's stud senior running back O'Shaan Allison was held relatively in check, save for a late 57-yard run. The Ohio commit finished with 107 yards on 17 carries.

Garrett Zobel, Ronny Ross, and Chris Maloney were among several defensive standouts for La Salle (2-1). Austin Lemke added an interception. The Explorers also finished with five sacks.

La Salle took a 21-14 edge into halftime and exploded for 21 more points in the third frame.

For the Friars (1-1), Drew Gunther finished 18 of 34 for 254 yards and three scores. Quincy Watson and Keith MaGuire each added receiving touchdowns.

La Salle 7 14 21 3 45
Malvern 7 7 0 7 21

LS: Manny Quiles 1 run. Dan Karrash kick.
MF: Quincy Watson 57 pass from Drew Gunther. Garrett Reilly kick
LS: Troy Holland 16 pass from Danny Solecki. Karrash kick.
MF: Keith MaGuire 13 pass from Gunther. Reilly kick.
LS: Liam Trainer 24 pass from Solecki. Karrash kick

LS: Quiles 1 run. Karrash kick

LS: Holland 4 pass from Solecki. Karrash kick.

LS: Joey Burnham 12 pass from Solecki. Karrash kick.

MF: Tygee Leach 8 pass from Gunther. Garrett Reilly kick.

LS: Karrash 39 field goal.