Lower Merion Shuts Out Pottstown and Shuts down Critics

Tagged under: District 1, Gameday Hub, News

J. Mason | August 27, 2022

The Lower  Merion Football team made the long drive up to Pottstown on Friday night, this is the second meeting for these two teams in last two years.  Lower Merion came out strong on their first possession and didn’t let up. Lower Merion’s 35-0 win over Pottstown marks their first shutout in at least five years.  Tonight Lower Merion played a fast pace game offensively which allowed Junior Quarterback Mekhia Smith to settle in early this allowed him to just play from a reaction mode and not be nervous about his first Varsity start of the season. Early on Mekhia was able to connect with senior Charlie Coyle in the flat for 15 yards on the opening play. Two plays later, Lower Merion from Pottstown 40 yard line,  Mekhia was able to connect with Senior Sam Zheng on a bubble route which resulted in a touchdown. As strong as Lower Merion’s passing game tonight was the player that really shined was Junior Ben Booker who ran all over Pottstown defense, scoring three touchdowns. Ben was able to have such a strong running game thanks to Lower Merion’s strong offensive line, who was able to repeatedly open holes for Ben.

Early in the third quarter Lower Merion had running clock on Pottstown, thanks to their unstoppable defense, and its star player Junior Andrew Cook.  Tonight was Andrew’s night, having been injured for most of last season, Cook was excited to take the field feeling strong and healthy.  Cook made over 10 tackles and was consistently applying pressure on Pottstown Senior Quarterback Rasheen Bostic.  As we all know there is no I in team and a defensive shut out did not come from Cook alone, the Lower Merion defensive line and their linebackers made it impossible for Pottstown to run the ball or have any time to locate receivers.  The master mind behind Lower Merion’s defense is Coach Kahili Smith, who in his third year as defensive coordinator has made Lower Merion’s defense a force to be reckoned with.

Lower Merion’s head coach Joe Augustine said with tonights win he hopes this has answered a lot of questions people have about the growth his team.  People were very skeptical of Lower Merion wondering if they would be able to run the ball without running back Jay Zheng who graduated last year.  How were the first time starters on his offense going to be able to gel and play as one unit? He feels like the outcome of the game proves that his team is still growing and moving forward in the right direction.  He also feels this won’t be the only time this season that his team performs so well.  Augustine thinks the growth Lower Merion has had over the last few years is going to come together and provide them with a successful season.

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