La Salle cruises past depleted Judge
La Salle's 41-14 thumping of a depleted Father Judge squad might have been just what the Explorers needed Friday on senior night at Plymouth Whitemarsh High.
La Salle's 41-14 thumping of a depleted Father Judge squad might have been just what the Explorers needed Friday on senior night at Plymouth Whitemarsh High.
Senior linebacker Kohler Setley, however, kept the victory in perspective.
"It's a great team win," he said. "We've had our ups and downs. We lost to Archbishop Wood on a last-second field goal and lost to St. Joe's Prep. But to come out here, put [Judge] down and stay on them early was good. But in two weeks, this will be a completely different team."
The Crusaders were without several key starters, including quarterback Rob King and running back Yeedee Thaenrat, who are both nursing injuries.
In two weeks, the same teams will meet again in the first round of the Catholic League AAAA playoffs.
Perhaps Judge was inclined to rest its ailing pieces after a physical 35-13 loss to the Prep last week.
La Salle (5-3, 2-1), had no such qualms. The Explorers led by 35-0 at halftime.
Nick Rinella finished with three catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns (all in the first half). He also finished with 81 ground yards and another score.
Chris Ferguson finished 8 for 9 for 174 yards and three scores. Isaiah Jones went 2 for 3 for 31 yards and added an impressive 13-yard touchdown run in which he dove the final 3 yards into the end zone.
Setley dropped the quarterback twice in the first half. The first followed a high snap that sent Judge quarterback Steve Arrington scrambling to recover the loose ball. The second came off a straight blitz and gave Setley his fourth sack of the season.
"Last year I was a role player," he said. "I'd come in for people when they were hurt or for special packages. But this year I've definitely stepped into a bigger role, helping call in the defensive plays."
Judge (5-4, 1-2) was led by Justin Williams, who rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Mark Kellam had an interception for the Crusaders.
Father Judge 0 0 0 14 - 14
La Salle 14 21 6 0 - 41
LS: Troy Holland 19 pass from Chris Ferguson (Matt Savage kick)
LS: Syaire Madden 4 run (Savage kick)
LS: Isaiah Jones 13 run (Savage kick)
LS: Nick Rinella 34 pass from Ferguson (Savage kick)
LS: Rinella 25 pass from Ferguson (Savage kick)
LS: Rinella 32 run (kick failed)
FJ: Tom Penko 40 pass from Sean Cunningham (Joe Gallagher kick)
FJ: Andy Kou 34 run (Gallagher kick)
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