Imani Christian Academy Handily Defeats West Catholic 45-6

Tagged under: District 12, District 7, Gameday Hub, News, pfn

Phil Myers | August 24, 2024

In the first game of four on Saturday’s York Rose Bowl Kickoff Classic, the Saints of Imani Christian proved they are worthy of their state ranking in AAA as they easily downed the West Catholic Burrs out of Philadelphia 45-6.  In a game slowed by penalties, cramps and injuries, Imani showed their determination and big play capabilities.

The Saints were led by David Davis’s three touchdowns (see feature photo) including an incredible 98-yard punt return.  “I say it all the time and you can quote me on this, he’ll be the best player in ’25 and the best player in ’26.  He is absolutely amazing and the fact that people are not talking about him is beyond my belief,’ stated head coach Laroi Johnson of Imani.

Dashaun Burnett #3 in white.

Imani led 30-0 in the second quarter before the Burrs scored on a Kal’El Durham 78-yard run that when he got into the open, there was no catching him.  That put the score at 30-6, but the Imani Saints bounced back and scored on the last play of the half.

QB Stephen Vandiver, Jr. launched a bomb that Dayshaun Burnett out leaped a defender and came down with the ball on an amazing catch.  He retained his balance and made the last couple of yards for the score.  Coach Johnson said this about Burnett, “he’s an outstanding athlete at any position he wants to play.”

The only touchdown in the second half was in the 4^th quarter when Davis scored to start the mercy rule running clock.  Imani unofficially outgained West Catholic in yardage 267 to 214.  The Burrs’ Durham ran for 117 of those yards.  “We knew about #2 (Durham).  He’s a heck of an athlete, but for the most part we maintained our gaps, played in our lanes,” stated Coach Johnson.

For Imani, Vandiver threw two TDs of over 50 yards, the one to Burnett and the other was a 57-yard strike to Marcus Williams.  Vandiver also ran for a score as he accounted for three touchdowns himself.

Marcus Williams making his TD catch.

Imani will host Beaver Falls next week, while West Catholic will be at Northeast.

Score by Quarters:

Imani Christian – 15 23 0 7 – 45

West Catholic – 0 6 0 0 – 6

Scoring Summary:

First Quarter:

ICA – David Davis 98-yard punt return, (Darious Clark PAT), 7:01

ICA – Davis 1-yard run, (Gabe Jenkins run 2-pt conversion), 1:56

Second Quarter:

ICA – Marcus Williams 57-yard pass from Stephen Vandiver, Jr, (Clark PAT), 10:47

ICA – Vandiver, Jr. 5-yard run, (2-pt conversion good), 9:29

WC – Kal’El Durham 78-yard run, (2-pt conversion no good, 7:34

ICA – Dayshaun Burnett 56-yard pass from , (2-pt conversion good), 0:00

Third Quarter:

No Scoring

Fourth Quarter:

ICA – Davis 14-yard run, (Clark PAT), 7:07

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews