Jacobs, Rustin survive a tough challenge from Bucs

WESTTOWN » With top-seeded Rustin and its powerful running attack steamrolling opponents over the past few weeks, not many people likely would have given Interboro much of a chance in the first round of the District 1 Class 5A playoffs Friday night.

Those thoughts were dispelled, as midway through the fourth quarter of the game, the visiting Bucs were only down by three points.

But an onside kick attempt came up empty, and the Golden Knights (9-1) controlled the rest of the action, scoring twice more to win 34-17.

“We were one on-side kick away from having the ball at the 50, and only down three,” Interboro coach Dennis Lux said.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way my guys played tonight. That is a very good team over there, and these kids gave them all they can handle.”

Rustin moves on to play the winner of Saturday’s game between Kennett and Chester.

“Interboro is a very good, physical and well-coached football team,” Rustin coach Mike St. Clair said. “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.”

The Golden Knights fumbled on the first play from scrimmage, with Interboro taking over inside the 10.

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 16yard 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 along with three touchdowns. He added another TD on defense, icing the game with a 62-yard interception return.

“He just loves playing,” St. Clair said 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.

Trailing 20-10 after Rustin added scores on runs of 49 and 33 from Jacobs, Interboro put together a drive of its own, capped by a seven-yard pass from Julian Bulovas to Zakee Brooks, to cut the lead to 20-17, with 6:47 to play. The Bucs tried the onside, and had a shot, but the ball squirted away, and was recovered by Rustin.

The Knights responded with a clock-eating drive, capped by a one-yard plunge from quarterback Kolbe Freney that mostly put the game out of reach.

Leading the way for the Bucs offensively was Abu Kamara, who rushed for 72 yards on 20 carries. Bulovas had some success through the air, connecting with Brooks for 145 yards and a touchdown.