Gunther leads Malvern Prep in rout of GA

Drew Gunther said the decision to follow in the footsteps of his two football-playing brothers, Chase and Blake, and attend Malvern Prep was a "no-brainer."

"They loved it here and had only good things to say about the school," the sophomore quarterback said. "I couldn't see myself going anywhere else."

For the second week in a row, this time in a homecoming matchup against Inter-Ac League rival Germantown Academy, Gunther impressed with his arm, leadership, poise, and natural instincts.

The 15-year-old completed 13 of 15 passes for 194 yards and four first-half touchdowns while leading the host Friars to a surprising 45-15 pounding of the first-place Patriots at Quigley Field.

With Malvern ahead by 42-3 at the intermission, Gunther gave way to Kevin Doyle and Quinn McCahon in a second half that had a running clock because of the 35-point mercy rule.

Gunther, who played youth football for the Marsh Creek Eagles, immediately praised his teammates when it came to talking about a stellar performance that included a 1-yard touchdown sneak.

"This is a brotherhood," the Chester Springs resident said. "My teammates have my back and vice-versa. I play for my guys."

Gunther first showed glimpses of his abilities in the second half of a 37-34 loss to Episcopal Academy two weeks ago. The 6-foot, 170-pounder hit on 16 of 24 passes for 228 yards and a score after taking over for Doyle.

"Nothing fazes him," Friars defensive tackle Ryan Betz said. "He doesn't get rattled after a bad play. He goes right back to work."

In snapping GA's six-game winning streak, Malvern improved to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in Inter-Ac play. GA, which was held to 97 yards rushing and 18 passing through three quarters, slipped to 6-2 and 2-1.

Chase, 25, and Blake Gunther, 22, played quarterback and defensive back, respectively, for the Friars.

Tension could have resulted when Drew Gunther replaced Kevin Doyle, a 6-4, 200-pound junior who has scholarship offers from the likes of Pittsburgh and West Virginia, as the starter. Gunther says that has not been the case.

"Kevin's been real cool about everything, including helping me out in the film room," Gunther said.

Gunther connected with handyman Zac Fernandez for scores of 8 and 24 yards. He hooked up with wideout Matt Daller for second-quarter tallies of 35 and 50 yards.

Of Fernandez, who added a 14-yard scoring run, Gunther said, "He's an explosive player, can take it to the house from anywhere on the field."

Malvern intercepted two passes and recovered a pair of muffed punts. Its defense was spearheaded by Betz, end Seth Janney, and linebackers Cole McCabe, Dan Ford, and Mike Hussey.

Germantown Academy 3 0 6 6 - 15

Malvern Prep 14 28 0 3 - 45

GA: FG Vince Capone 20 MP: Drew Gunther 1 run (Brandon Chiazza kick)

MP: Zac Fernandez 8 pass from Gunther (Chiazza kick)

MP: Fernandez 24 pass from Gunther (Chiazza kick)

MP: Fernandez 14 run (Chiazza kick)

MP: Matt Daller 35 pass from Gunther (Chiazza kick)

MP: Daller 50 pass from Gunther (Chiazza kick)

GA: Tanner Long 64 interception return (pass failed)

MP: FG Chiazza 35 GA: Mike Reilly 45 pass from Kyle McCloskey (run failed)