Bishop McDevitt to battle Cardinal O’Hara in Catholic League Blue opener
Bishop McDevitt has an up-and-coming sophomore halfback in sophomore Jon-Luke Peaker; Cardinal O'Hara likewise has a dangerous ballcarrier in junior Keed Kpoto.
Bishop McDevitt played the first home football game in program history last Saturday, beating Chester by a 28-6 decision on the grass field behind the Wyncote school.
Cardinal O'Hara opened the season with nonleague wins over North Jersey's Hudson Catholic (14-6 score) and Sun Valley (21-7).
McDevitt and O'Hara now turn to Catholic League Blue Division play, with the Lancers visiting the Lions at 7 p.m. Friday in Springfield, Delaware County.
McDevitt has a potent one-two offensive punch in quarterback Lonnie Rice and halfback Jon-Luke Peaker. Another player to watch is fullback and tight end Lawrence Richardson.
"We're happy with the way we've been moving the ball," Lancers coach Mike Watkins said. "We're doing what we do best, which is run the ball."
Rice has rushed 59 times for 287 yards and six touchdowns. He has completed 20 of 32 passes for 272 yards and three scores.
Peaker has carried 66 times for 486 yards and three TDs. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound sophomore has totaled 100-plus rushing yards in each of the team's three games.
"Stopping those two players is key for us, and we need to get a few turnovers in key situations," O'Hara coach B.J. Hogan said.
The Lions are spurred by QB Luke Sprague and a trio of running backs: Keed Kpoto, Quasir Cottman, and Hunter Whitlock. Kpoto netted 207 yards and two scores on 21 attempts vs. Sun Valley.
Of Kpoto, a 5-11, 190-pound junior, Hogan said, "He's kind of come out of nowhere. When he runs hard and angry, he's hard to take down."
Game at a glance
Bishop McDevitt (2-1) at Cardinal O'Hara (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m.
Last season. The difference in the Lancers' 10-7 victory at Cheltenham was a third-quarter field goal. The Lions were hurt by five turnovers.
Up front. O'Hara's offensive line is anchored by center Ryan Culp (5-10, 180), left tackle Joe Kelly (6-3, 230), and left guard Louis Perri (6-3, 290).
Leading the way. McDevitt's surge up front is headed by center Andrew Metro (5-9, 240), left tackle Tyrone Fowler (5-3, 220), and right guard Morgan Reser (5-10, 190).
Back line. The Lions' defensive secondary has solid playmakers in strong safety Chris Kirby and free safety Max Much.
Pick: O'Hara, 14-12.