Judging from the start of Friday’s game pitting two District 12 PCL juggernauts, LaSalle and West Catholic, the game had the makings of being an offensive shootout. On the very first play from scrimmage, LaSalle’s Jamal Abdur-Rahman showed no signs of his off season knee surgery when he ran off tackle for a 65 yard touchdown. The game then became a defensive struggle as the Explorers defeated West Catholic, 14-7 at Widener University.
Both teams are ranked at the top of the state heap in their class (LaSalle AAAA, West AA). Rahman, a Villanova recruit carried for a game high 229 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 carries. His second touchdown from 13 yards out with over 8 minutes left sealed the game for the visiting Explorers after losing a nail biter to New Jersey power Bergan Catholic, 22-21 the week before.
The Burrs, behind North Catholic QB transfer Anthony Reid, missed a couple of golden opportunities when he overthrew open receivers for potential long touchdowns in the first half. The Explorers settled down and held West’s RB tandem of Brandon Holloman and Joshua Mathis to 120 rushing yards. Reid was 11 for 25 passing (88 yards).
West tied the game at seven early in the 4th Quarter with a 14 play drive capped by Reid’s 11 yard touchdown pass to Quran Kent. LaSalle’s starting QB Matt Garrity (groin pull) was replaced in the second half by sophomore Chris Kane, who led the Explorers on their winning touchdown. LaSalle’s super soph Sean Coleman (WR/S) had a stellar game with a couple of big receptions and a huge interception stalling a Burr drive in the 4th Quarter.
Next up for LaSalle (2-1) is Monsignor Bonner. The Burrs (1-2) will take on the Inter-ac conference Haverford School Fords. West defeated Bonner 27-6 last week. Both games are non conference.
