Punt is a key play as Malvern Prep downs Haverford School
Zac Fernandez ran for more than a hundred yards and added 50 more as a receiver during Malvern Prep's 24-21 win against host Haverford School on Saturday afternoon.
Zac Fernandez ran for more than a hundred yards and added 50 more as a receiver during Malvern Prep's 24-21 win against host Haverford School on Saturday afternoon.
Perhaps the senior's most impressive play, however, came as the punter.
His 55-yard boot late in the fourth quarter pinned the Fords at their own 1-yard line and helped end their 13-game unbeaten streak in Inter-Ac play, which spanned almost three full seasons.
The Friars hadn't beaten the Fords since 2011. The Fords - the three-time defending league champions - last lost in league play in 2013 against Springside Chestnut Hill.
"This was huge for us," Fernandez said. Later, he added: "It's awesome for the team, the alums, just everyone in our community."
With less than four minutes remaining and the Friars ahead by a touchdown, Fernandez uncorked a rugby-style punt that glanced off the inside of his foot and lacked vigor as it tumbled downfield.
"I saw it roll down around the 25 and I thought it was going out [of bounds] so I turned away [in frustration]," Fernandez said. "Then I heard everyone going, 'Oh!' and I turned around and looked, and it was still rolling down. It was awesome."
Blustery conditions on the Main Line didn't hurt as the ball settled at the 1-yard line.
"I'll take it, you know?" Fernandez said, smiling. "Whatever works."
The Friars defense then did their part to flip the field, forcing a three-and-out, which resulted in a punt into the wind from the Fords' 1-yard line.
The Friars took over at the Haverford School 30 and parlayed that field position into a 27-yard Brandon Chiazza field goal with 1 minute, 28 seconds remaining, which provided an important 10-point edge.
Malvern (4-3, 1-1) had lost late the previous week on a last-second field goal to Episcopal Academy.
"It was a tough game last week against EA," Fernandez said. "We really bounced back well. We came in ready to go. That was our thing. If we played more physically, we'd win this game. And I definitely think we played more physically."
Fernandez finished with 104 yards on 19 carries and added 51 more on six catches. Drew Gunther finished with 158 yards on 14-of-26 passing.
For the Fords (5-2, 1-1), Malik Twyman finished with 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Quarterback Tommy Toal added 111 passing yards and a late touchdown pass to Ismail Morrison with 14.1 seconds left.
Malvern's Matt Daller recovered the ensuing onside kick, which sealed the victory.
Germantown Academy, which knocked off Episcopal Academy Friday night, is now the only undefeated team in league play. The Friars will host the Patriots next week. The Fords will host Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
"It's been a while since we've beaten Haverford," said Friars coach Aaron Brady. Later, he added: "I think the Inter-Ac this year is really competitive, and it's really great to see for the league to have that much competition."
Malvern Prep 14 0 0 10 - 24
Haverford School 7 0 7 7 - 21
MP: Keith Maguire 17 pass from Quinn McCahon (Ryan Dillon kick)
HS: Malik Twyman 1 run (Chase McCollum kick)
MP: Quincy Watson 26 run (Dillon kick)
HS: Twyman 11 run (McCollum kick)
MP: Keith Maguire 4 run (Brandon Chiazza kick)
MP: Chiazza 27 kick
HS: Ismail Morrison 4 pass from Tommy Toal (McCollum kick)
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