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EXETER TWP. — Marple Newtown is looking like an unstoppable force in the PIAA Class 2A tournament.
For the second straight game, the Tigers put a licking on their states opponent, steamrolling Allentown Central Catholic, 15-3, in the quarterfinal round Saturday afternoon at Exeter High School.
The outcome was well in hand by the midway point of the first quarter, and the Tigers (20-3) triggered the running clock when they built a 12-goal lead late in the third.
In two state playoff contests, the District 1 champion has outscored opposition, 31-6. With the win, the Tigers are two victories away from securing their second straight PIAA title.
Next, Marple Newtown will face West Chester Rustin in the semifinal round Tuesday evening at a neutral site. The Tigers defeated Rustin for the district championship 10 days ago, 14-5.
The Tigers have made the district and state tourneys look like a cakewalk.
“Our guys are prepared for this time of year. It’s a senior-laden team, and they know how to handle the mental aspect of it,” Marple coach Kevin Merchant said. “Most of these guys have been in the playoffs the last couple of years and I think these guys understand what it takes. We have great leadership, a great group of kids, and they understand that if you take a day off, you don’t earn the right to play on Monday (in the semifinals).
“They’re just a bunch of boys from the neighborhood who grew up together and they want to maximize every opportunity. It’s also good that you have a faceoff guy like (senior) Alex Chambers, who really gets us going. … We’ve never had a class of 16 seniors. We’ve had eight and six, but when you have 16 of these guys – experienced guys – I think they help keep everyone else locked in on the goal at hand.”
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Marple Newtown defenseman Jake McGowan, left, and goalie Marco D’Alicandro celebrate a goal during the District 1 Class 2A final last month. (PETE BANNAN-MEDIANEWS GROUP)
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