Being undefeated is something every team strives to achieve, no matter the sport. However, it’s a rare feat to accomplish, even for the best of teams. But right now, the Devils are just that – undefeated – and having one of their best seasons in recent memory through two major Inter-Ac wins against Penn Charter and rival Germantown Academy. But how did we get here?
Things kicked off with a seaside game in Ocean City, NJ where SCH matched up against Lansdale Catholic in their season opener. With a team of young talent and new faces, SCH leaned heavily on their senior class, namely senior RB Jayden Sumpter. Sumpter carried the ball 26 times, picking up 208 yards and 3 touchdowns for an impressive average of 8 yards per carry. Sophomore WR/S Aaron Clark was also heavily involved, tallying 4 catches for 105 yards, paled only by his freakishly good one-handed interception on the sideline to ice the game. The win was capped by a powerhouse defense that held Lansdale to just 7 points and included stellar play by starting DB sophomore Charlie McFadden, who made his first varsity start count with 4 tackles and a batted ball, and newcomer DT Sadiek Willis, who recorded 4 tackles, a TFL, and helped keep the run game contained. Final score: SCH – 28, Lansdale – 7.
SCH opened up at home against Blair Academy, where the Devils showed their offensive firepower off some more, This time, senior WR Tyler Roberts hauled in 3 catches and 72 yards, notching 2 TDs. Sumpter had another good game, taking 12 carries for 150 yards and 4 TDs, and senior QB Tommy Markey threw for 101 yards on a 67% completion percentage. Blair couldn’t move the ball against a Devils defense that saw Clark continue his interception streak with another pick while the Devils barely allowed Blair to get a first down. Ultimately, the weather got the best of both teams, and the game ended early due to lighting late in the 3rd quarter. Final score: SCH 40 – Blair Academy – 0
Next up was the team’s biggest test on the season against Lincoln High School, who, though entering the game 0-2, had lost to the historically competitive Downingtown West and Roman Catholic in close competitions. Despite stiff competition, the Devils had their most balanced offensive effort, getting the run and pass game involved. Sumpter continued to have a good showing, recording a whopping 29 carries for 157 yards and 1 TD. Markey powered his way into the endzone on a QB sneak to give the Devils 2 rushing touchdowns in the game and extending their streak of multiple rushing touchdowns in a game. The difference maker was the was defense, with new sophomore LB Jonny Nosal having his best game with 7 tackles – two of them for a loss. Star Lincoln WR Ziyyon Brendell was held to just 3 catches for 11 yards on the day by the DB duo of Charlie McFadden and junior Finn Whittle. Clark extended his interception streak with a pick that was followed by a game-ending tackle by junior LB Sean Brett on a 4th down scramble, stopping Lincoln QB Gabe Smalley 2 yards short of a first down. Final score: SCH 21, Lincoln – 14.
Game 4 against the Hill School served as the Devil’s best offensive showing on the season, putting up a season-high 57 points. The offense again revolved around Sumpter, who had an eye-popping 282 yards on just 22 carries for almost 13 yards per carry and 5 touchdowns. Roberts also got in the endzone, this time on the ground off a jet sweep play, bringing the Devil’s total to 6 rushing TDs. The squad also got it done in the air, with Clark notching a pair of TDs and – yes, you guessed it, another momentum-building interception. Defensively, the Devils were sound aside from giving up a 75-yard TD pass late in the game. Still, the Devils recovered and cruised to victory. Final score: SCH – 57, Hill – 21.
The Devils looked to close out the non-conference play against Lawrenceville, another team with a lot of talent. The game resembled an old-school defensive battle, with play being contained inside the trenches, and momentum being owned by whichever side dominated the line of scrimmage. The Devils stifling Lawrenceville’s offense, making crucial stops in the redzone, the most significant coming as they held Lawrenceville to just a field goal after a special teams mishap let them recover the ball deep in SCH territory. Team Captain LB/DE Danny Reagan was a heavy presence during the game, wrecking havoc in the backfield and getting 6 tackles and ½ sack. Offensively, the Devils didn’t run the ball as efficiently as past games. Sumpter had 24 carries for 126 yards but 0 TDs, his only game without a rushing TD and his lowest yards per carry at 5.25. Instead of a ground offensive, the action came from the sky with a pair of TDs from WRs Elio Colavita and Tyler Roberts. Roberts scored first, followed by Colavita’s reception off a 52-yard hitch and go to put the Devils up 14-3. Despite winning the game, the Devils faced serious physical issues, including a late 4th quarter play where Sumpter sustained an injury to his ankle that took him out for the game. Final score: SCH – 14, Lawrenceville – 3.
Heading into the bye week, the Devils found themselves banged up and having 10 players unable to participate in practices at one point. Sumpter’s injury required SCH to alter the game plan pivoting to junior RB/DB Finn Whittle to run the ball and start at cornerback. The Devils came off the break ready to kick off Inter-Ac play against Penn Charter and avenge their prior season, where they went 0-5 in conference games. And from the first kickoff, it was clear things would indeed be quite different.
The PC game saw the offensive line net their best performance of the season, with outstanding play all around. Whittle rushed for 218 yards on 26 attempts, finding the end zone 4 times, while Roberts saw 10 tackles and a sack, while providing great blocking and 2 catches for 59 yards on the offensive side. Clark reigned in a contested, one-handed tip drill catch along with yet another interception, giving him 6 picks through as many games. Reagan had another impressive performance, now with 7 tackles and 2 sacks, and sophomore Amari Fallen had 5 tackles and a sack. Sadly, Clark also sustained a concussion that ruled him out in accordance with protocol. Still, a stellar rushing game combined with a solid defensive effort led SCH to their first Inter-Ac win in a year. Final score: SCH – 34, PC – 15.
In a rematch of last year’s homecoming game, SCH welcomed rival Germantown Academy to campus. Eager to erase last year’s tough loss, SCH faced GA in a game taking place before the Fall Ball, and the Devils definitely wanted to have the last dance. Whittle, despite managing many injuries, had a dominating performance with 35 carries for 239 yards and 2 TDs. Roberts was no slouch on the day, taking 10 carries for 71 yards and a TD. But the key to the game was the defensive play of McFadden with 3 key pass breakups, and LBs Nosal and Kull, who combined for 12 tackles, 2 TFLs and 2 pass breakups. SCH’s defensive player of the game was sophomore S Joe Flach, who in his first varsity start, stole 2 interceptions – one of which stopped a crucial GA drive close to the goal-line to leave them scoreless. Final score: SCH – 28, GA – 0.
With their next game against Haverford on the horizon, the Devils look to extend their win count to 8-0. The team anticipates the crucial return of Sumpter and Clark, who will be back to enjoy SCH’s only home game under the lights for the season.
Harnessing the momentum at their backs and their seat atop the Inter-Ac, SCH has a chance for greatness well within its grasp.
Come out and cheer on your Blue Devils this Saturday at 6pm at Landreth Stadium under the lights!!!
