Prep Football Bounces Back in Character Win Over Malvern Prep

UNIVERSITY CITY — “Adversity strikes, you get punched in the mouth, and how do we respond?”

A week ago, adversity struck for Prep Football.

On Saturday, Hawks Head Coach Tim Roken’s team answered the question he asked after last week’s game.

In a 33-3 loss to Bergen Catholic (N.J.) on September 12, the Prep lost quarterback Max Rogers ‘28, wide receiver Alston Frisbey ‘27, and linebacker Chase Winterborne ‘28 due to injury. The result was the largest loss under Roken and was a gut punch to a Prep team that entered the game filled with confidence.

Against Malvern on Saturday, the Prep’s response to adversity didn’t come via a “pretty” 48 minutes, but instead by way of a gritty 12-7 win that embodied the program’s mentality. 

“I'm excited to have the victory tonight,” Roken said. “Hats off to Malvern and Coach Dave Gueriera. He does an unbelievable job there. We’re never looking for easy in these non-league competitions. We want to test ourselves and figure out who we are and how we can move forward into a tough Catholic league schedule. Hats off to the guys. I thought we really rallied off coming off of last week.”

Without Rogers, Frisbey, Winterborne, and Syracuse commit Masiia Acrey ‘27, inexperienced players had to step up — they answered the call.

“We had guys down,” Roken said. “It’s always got to be a next man up mentality. Our coaches do a great job of always developing the next guy to make sure that they're ready. Guys stepped up tonight in key situations. We have to win all three phases. Special teams was a huge part tonight too; it was a huge help to our victory tonight.”

One shining star was senior Dariel Jaquez ‘27, who had two interceptions and five tackles.

“[Jaquez is] such a talented player,” Roken said. “[He’s a] two-year starter. He’s a phenomenal tackler. The last two weeks, he's been in the top two guys on our team in tackles per game. He had opportunities to make plays on the football tonight in key situations. And he did that. [I’m] really excited for him.”

At quarterback, Nickee Holden ‘28 got his first career start after replacing Rogers against Bergen. He was far from perfect, but showed promise at points throughout the game.

“[Holden] had a good week of practice,” Roken said. “He was engaged watching film, asking questions, trying to build the offense around him to make sure that he's comfortable with what he's seeing. With him being new to this whole thing, it's good that he's got some experience from last week. He came out here tonight in his first start and walked out of here with a victory. He understands things still need to be better, but he had some quality throws here tonight. He's got a live arm. The game will continue to slow down for him as he continues to build his confidence.”

On the other side of the ball, the Prep’s front seven made it impossible for the Friars’ run game to be effective.

“Our guys did a great job tonight up front, particularly in that front seven,” Roken said. “We know that we've got to win the line of scrimmage. Defensively, we did that tonight. Our linebackers and our safeties played downhill. Everybody was communicating. Everybody was locked in. They've had a great week of practice, so I'm not surprised by how they played tonight.”

Saturday was the Prep’s home first game of the season, and its first of two games at Franklin Field this fall.

“We get great crowds [at Franklin Field],” Roken said. “Malvern and St. Joe's Prep go, history-wise, back a long time, both as schools and as football programs. It was great to have it here tonight at Franklin Field with so much history. [I’m] grateful to walk out here with a victory tonight.”

Next up, the Prep will travel to Cardinal O’Hara on October 2 at 7 p.m. following a much-needed bye week.

“[The bye] comes at a good time,” Roken said. “We’re banged up a little bit right now. We have to reset. We have to refresh and get ready to attack a tough Catholic League schedule.”