Ford Tough: Haverford Stays Hot, Wins 10th in Row, Advances to District Semis @FordsFootball @treyblair5
Tagged under: District 1, Gameday Hub, News
Willie McGonigle | November 11, 2019
DOWNINGTOWN: After dropping their first two games of season to Archbishop Carroll and Garnet Valley by a total of 14 points the Haverford High Fords could had folded but they didn’t instead they took the motivation and turned into winning nine straight entering Saturday District 1 6A Quarterfinal against the Downingtown East Cougars. Thanks to a convincing 35-12 victory on the road at Kottmeyer Stadium the streak now stands at even 10 and the Fords earn return trip to Kottmeyer to play Downingtown West.
It was the Trey Blair show, but back up QB Andrew McGinnis came in and threw a td pass too
“We had two tough losses touchdown each to good teams all credit goes to the kids for not being disappointed and folding at that point.” Fords coach Joe Gallagher said, adding “We made the decision we were going to get better and we have gotten better each week this season.” Gallagher who is in his 27th season also added “This is one mentally and physically toughest teams I’ve ever coached.”
Two of the main reasons for the Fords turn around has been the play of the defense and the play of Buffalo commit Trey Blair. During the win streak the Fords Defense under the direction of coordinator Dan Milewski gave up an average 6.4 points per game, while has shown what an explosive playmaker he could be.
It was more of the same for the Fords defense has the held the potent Cougars rushing attack to 190 yards on 40 attempts and 120 of those yards on the two touchdowns runs by Stanley Bryant which covered 64 and 56 yards respectfully. One of the anchors for the Fords defensive unit on Saturday was Jr LB Will Higson who in addition to being in the middle of just about every play of defense had an interception. “Besides those two big plays (Bryant’s touchdowns) our defense locked it the entire time.” Higson said adding “that just the kind of play we’ve been playing all year we have tough guys playing defense and everybody’s been doing their job.” In total the Fords forced a total of five turnovers with Blair and Harry Carpenter intercepting Cougars QB Drew Person.
Blair wasted little time to add to his highlight reel on the games opening series he took a draw and galloped his way 54 yards untouched for the games first score. Bryant would counter that three plays later with his 64-yard touchdown run. Blair would block the extra point attempt.
On the ensuing kickoff the Cougars made the mistake of kicking the ball to Blair and he made them pay racing 92 yards for the touchdown and stopping any momentum the Cougars had. “We needed big plays like plays like that, we did a really good job blocking up front, I saw a hole and hit has hard has I could.” Blair said.
The Fords would extend their lead to 21-6 when Blair connected with Sean Reynolds for 26-yard strike that followed Blairs interception. A one-yard sneak by Blair extended the Fords lead 28-6.”
The Fords lead would once again get extended with under a minute left in the first half following a 24-yard gain by Blair who got injured on the play set the Fords up with a 1st&G from the Cougars 3, back up QB Andrew McGinnis connected with Justin Burgess for the 3-yard touchdown.
back up QB Andrew Maginnis connects with Justin Burgess for a 3 yd TD
Bryant would offer the Cougars a glimmer of hope when the took the third play of the second half 56-yards to the endzone.
Blair would play the first series of second which resulted in his lone mistake an interception by Bryant before turning the reigns over to McGinnis. Blair would finish the game with 81 yards on 6 of 10 passing to go along with 13 carries for 110 yards.
If the Fords need a bus driver for Friday’s night return trip to Kottmeyer Blair would be willing to do so. “I would do anything for this team to win, I love this team.” Blair said with a laugh
The Trey Blair Show:
6 for 8- 81 yards, TD; 112 yards on 11 carries,2 TDs; 95 yard kick return TD
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