Much at stake for Rustin-Great Valley

In a game with Ches-Mont League American Conference title implications, defending champion West Chester Rustin will visit undefeated Great Valley at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Golden Knights, with a wing-T attack, are powered by halfback Terry Loper. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound senior has carried the ball 108 times for 725 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Guided by new coach Dan Ellis, Great Valley is averaging 47.5 points in a hurry-up, spread offense.

Loper, who rushed for 1,734 yards and 22 scores last season, has scholarship offers from Bryant, Buffalo, Duquesne, Monmouth, and Rhode Island. He also has drawn interest from Connecticut and Temple.

"He's explosive, runs tremendously hard," said Ellis, who came over from West Chester East. "If we can limit his big gains, we'll be in the game."

Great Valley's explosive offense is ignited by quarterback Zach Ludwig, fleet handyman Nasir Adderley, and running backs River Johnson and Jake Hubley.

"They have a lot of athletic kids," Rustin coach Mike St. Clair said. "We're going to have to defend the whole field."

It will be the Ches-Mont American opener for the 3-1 Golden Knights. The 4-0 Patriots started conference play last week with a 33-7 win at Octorara.

Here is a closer look at Saturday's clash.

Rankings. Rustin, looking to rebound from last week's 28-12 loss to Downingtown East, is ranked No. 11 in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer. Great Valley is No. 22.

In the mix. Loper is supported on offense by QB Evan Wlock, fullback Steve Franks, and wingback Mike McKnight.

Efficient. Ludwig has completed 39 of 55 passes for 571 yards and five TDs. His No. 1 target is Adderley (14 catches for 251 yards, three TDs).

Up front. The Golden Knights offensive line is anchored by tackle Ray Bordley (6-6, 320), guard Phil Vecchiolli (5-11, 250), and tight end Matt Hosking (6-2, 260).

Standout. For the Patriots, Ryan Buchholz is a force as a two-way end. The 6-5, 235-pounder is bound for Penn State.

Battle to watch. When Rustin has the ball, Bordley often will be pitted against Buchholz. Bordley is drawing interest from Penn State and Rutgers.

Slowing Loper. Great Valley's defense is anchored by Buchholz, end Connor Middleton, linebacker Kasey Carroll, and safeties Adderley and Doug Strang.

Headliners. End Hosking, tackle Bob Dougherty, linebacker Greg Krikorian, and free safety McKnight lead the Golden Knights defense.

Pick. Loper and company survive a road scare. Rustin, 34-28.