Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Rustin survives scare from Interboro
WESTTOWN » With top-seeded West Chester Rustin and its powerful running attack steamrolling opponents over the past few weeks, probably no one outside of Interboro gave the Bucs much of a chance in the first round of the District 1, Class 5A playoffs Friday night at Rustin.
But midway through the fourth quarter, Interboro was within three points at 20-17.
An ensuing onside kick attempt came up empty, and the Golden Knights (9-1) controlled the rest of the action, winning 34-17. Rustin moves on to play the winner of Saturday’s game between Kennett and Chester, while Interboro (38) will look forward to a Thanksgiving Day rivalry game against Ridley.
“Interboro is a very good, physical and well-coached football team,” said Rustin coach Mike St. Clair. “This was no first round bye — and they are not your typical 16 seed. But we were able to move the ball, overcome some tough situations and turnovers, and finish in the end. So we’re happy about that, and happy to move on.”
One of those turnovers came about as early as it could. The Golden Knights fumbled on the first play from scrimmage, with Interboro taking over inside the 10 yard line. Though the Rustin defense kept the Bucs out of the end zone, Jake Finley connected on a 27-yard field goal for a 3-0 Bucs lead.
Rustin answered right back, reeling off a six-play, 58-yard drive, capped by a 16-yard jaunt from Dayshawn Jacobs.
The elusive Jacobs, as has been the case all year, led all rushers in the game, piling up 137 yards on just 14 carries, to go with three touchdowns. Jacobs added another TD on defense, icing the game with a 62-yard interception return.
“He just loves playing” said St. Clair of Jacobs. “Offense, defense, it doesn’t matter, he’s going full speed. He’s got a good line in front of him, and he always makes sure they know that.”
The ball was probably still in the air when Jacobs knew he was going to finish the play in the end zone with a pick six.
“It was out in the open field,”