Conwell-Egan gets payback against Lansdale Catholic

Quarterback Mike Basilii and Lansdale Catholic rushed for 405 yards while burying Conwell-Egan in a Catholic League Class 2A semifinal last season.

With that embarrassing loss as motivation, senior two-way lineman Keanan Baines and the Eagles gained payback in emphatic fashion against the Crusaders on Saturday night.

C-E sacked Basilii eight times for a total loss of 69 yards, yielded only 99 rushing yards, and posted a 26-0 shutout in a Catholic League Blue Division contest at drizzly Wissahickon.

"[Basilii] made a couple of big plays in that game last year, including a long touchdown run," Baines said. "So we were determined to contain him and their other guys this time."

In addition to the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Baines, the Eagles' solid defensive-line rotation included Quameer Francis, Dwayne Majors, Pat Brennan, Ross Logan, and Gino Turchi.

"We really game-planned for [Basilii] and getting after him," C-E coach Jack Techtmann said. "We wanted to make someone else beat us."

The Eagles improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in league action. They gained major confidence by knocking off perennial power West Catholic, 28-6, in Fairless Hills two weeks ago.

"That showed us what kind of team we can be," Baines said. "We want to continue to ride the momentum we gained from that win."

Sophomore halfback Patrick Garwo's 41-yard burst and senior quarterback Kendall Jones' 7-yard dart around right end put Lansdale Catholic (1-4, 1-2) in a 14-0 hole in the first quarter.

The score stayed the same until the Eagles' nine-play, 63-yard drive in the third quarter that was capped by Garwo's 6-yard touchdown run.

Garwo (11 carries for 91 yards), Jones, and senior handyman Kyree Bronson, who added a 4-yard touchdown run with 7 minutes to play, are the catalysts for an improving offense.

Baines, who also plays right guard, is a four-year starter. He was first-team all-Catholic League on defense last season.

"He's got a quick first step for a big guy. He's a strong competitor, and he sets a good example for his teammates," Techtmann said.

Conwell-Egan 14 0 6 6 - 26

Lansdale Catholic 0 0 0 0 - 0

CE: Patrick Garwo 41 run (Jack Barreras kick)

CE: Kendall Jones 7 run (Barreras kick)

CE: Garwo 6 run (run failed)

CE: Kyree Bronson 4 run (kick failed)