No. 2 Imhotep visits No. 4 Malvern Prep in battle of powerhouses
Imhotep Charter, the defending PIAA Class 3A state champion, has won its first four games by a combined score of 212-6.
Imhotep Charter, the defending PIAA Class 3A state champion, has won its first four games by a combined score of 212-6.
Malvern Prep rebounded from an opening loss to St. Augustine Prep, the No. 1 team in the Inquirer's preseason Top 25 for South Jersey, with victories against three highly respected opponents.
That makes Friday's nonleague matchup between the No. 2-ranked Panthers and No. 4 Friars, set for 7 p.m. at Pellegrini Athletic Complex, a highly intriguing one.
Since Imhotep's first four foes were anything but juggernauts, Panthers first-year boss Mark Schmidt is anxious to see how his squad fares against a formidable opponent.
"We really don't know where we're at yet," he said. "We're trying to figure things out. So playing a team like Malvern is a good thing for us."
Aaron Brady, Malvern's third-year coach, has seen marked improvement in the Friars, especially on defense, since their 47-30 loss to St. Augustine on Sept. 2.
"We moved a couple of guys around, made some personnel changes," he said. "I think it's benefited us."
In what's been the norm since it became a powerhouse in 2012, Imhotep (4-0) is loaded with speed and athleticism on both sides of the ball. "We're going to have our hands full," Brady said.
The Panthers' quick-strike offense features quarterback Nasir Boykin, halfbacks Amir Lewis, Chris Wells and Kristian Marche, and wideouts Aamir Brown and Jay Harris.
Boykin, a southpaw, has connected on 24 of 33 passes for 411 yards and nine touchdowns. "He's among the best at scrambling around and making something out of nothing," Brady said.
Brown, who recently picked up a scholarship offer from BYU, and Harris have combined for 281 yards and six TDs on 13 receptions.
The Friars (3-1) have a pair of major offensive weapons in quarterback Kevin Doyle and shifty halfback O'Shaan Allison, both juniors and Division I-A prospects.
Of the 6-foot-4, 200-pound Doyle, Schmidt said, "He's very dangerous. He's sneaky-fast as a runner, and he can really sling the ball downfield."
After sitting out two games with a shoulder injury, Allison carried 21 times for 103 yards in last Friday's 21-0 blanking of Gilman (Md).
Imhotep's imposing offensive line is headed by left tackle Justin Johnson (6-7, 335), center Brashon McCrae (6-1, 275) and right tackle Zahir Schenk (6-3, 260).
Malvern must get a solid effort from a defensive line that features tackles Justin Titchenell (6-0, 250) and Ryan Betz (6-2, 200) and ends Seth Janney (6-3, 230) and Jerry Curran (5-10, 230).
The Game at a Glance
No. 2 Imhotep Charter at No. 4 Malvern Prep, Friday, 7 p.m.
History: This is the first meeting between the teams.
Stout bunch: Imhotep's defense is keyed by nose guard Jalen Denby, end Omar Speights, linebacker Amin Black, cornerback Mike Crawford, and safety Isheem Young.
In the mix: Malvern halfback O'Shaan Allison is supported by slotback Zach Fernandez (16 catches for 133 yards, three TDs) and wideouts Mike Fay and Quincy Watson.
In demand: Imhotep offensive tackle Justin Johnson, a 6-foot-7, 335 pound junior, has scholarship offers from Brigham Young, Maryland, Missouri, and Pittsburgh, among others.
Sidelined: Malvern's TyGee Leach, a sophomore outside linebacker and safety, is out for the season with an elbow injury.
Pick: Malvern, 28-27.
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