Explorers can’t keep pace with Imhotep

La Salle trailed by only four points entering fourth quarter

FORT WASHINGTON » For three quarters, new-look La Salle went toe to toe with state power Imhotep Charter.

Still, there’s no substitute for experience and the fourth quarter on Friday proved to be the difference. A big play from the Panthers led to them putting up 20 unanswered points in the frame as this group of Explorers got its first real lesson of the season.

The Panthers finished strong, topping La Salle 34-10 in both teams’ season opener played at Upper Dublin High School. Imhotep Charter 34, La Salle 10 Up next: The Explorers will visit North Penn Friday night.

“We’re a young team, we started great and got the momentum but we were supposed to wear them out and I feel we got worn out,” La Salle senior cocaptain linebacker Brendan Frusco said. “That includes myself, I got worn out and I have to cut that out. I’m a leader on this team and I have to lead these guys, so I can’t be the one who’s worn out.”

Frusco and the rest of the Explorers defense played a solid game and for the most part kept Imhotep’s explosive threats in check. There were still a few big plays however, including one that started Imhotep’s finishing slate.

With just four offensive starters back and three on the defensive side of the ball, La Salle was putting a lot of guys in unfamiliar spots on Friday. Chief among them was quarterback Jack Machita, who made his first start on varsity.

Machita threw for 121 yards and a touchdown but also took a couple of costly sacks against an athletic and aggressive pass rush.

“I thought Jack threw some really great balls but he also threw some that showed he’s a first-year

GENE WALSH — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA La Salle’s Zaire McLaurin tries to gain yardage as Imhotep’s Saint McLeod drives for the tackle Friday night.