An eventful bye week; Chris Smith shining in limited role
October 9th, 2022
WILMINGTON, DE -- Malvern wrapped up non-conference play Friday night against the Delaware Military Academy, as the Friars routed the Seahawks, 31-0. The week prior and the days leading up to it were very eventful too, despite it being a bye week.
Last Friday, Penn State head coach James Franklin flew his helicopter right onto the JV baseball field on campus and met briefly with several players and staff.
It was an exciting day on campus at Malvern, as it was right in the middle of the school day -- so word quickly spread about Franklin's arrival, and many got to witness his arrival and takeoff.
"It was cool how he came in with his helicopter and stuff," head coach Dave Gueriera said after their win Friday. "It was very cool. I think it was very cool for the school and for the kids and for some guys to meet him."
Brickle receives three offers
Freshman defensive lineman Cameron Brickle has only played five varsity games with Malvern, yet he already has more offers than the majority of the team.
The 6-foot-2, 265-pounder's first offer came from Boston College last Monday afternoon, before racking up two more offers from Pittsburgh and Maryland this week.
"Cam had a good week," said Gueriera, "and he's been doing a great job. He's been learning really well and playing really well as well -- and deservedly he's getting a lot of attention."
Brickle has tallied 20 tackles (10 solo) and three sacks so far this year through just five games.
"He's special," senior running back Yaahdir Nash said after the Friars' win Friday. "It's not often that you see a freshman come up and dominate how he's been dominating. He's definitely a special kid. Seeing him develop over the next couple of years is going to be real interesting."
The Friars are excited to have him for three more seasons.
"He's a hard-working kid and he's a sponge -- he learns quickly, and he's developed tremendously. We're excited that we have him for a number of years to come," Gueriera said.
Smith has 'shown his ability' despite limited reps
Sophomore halfback Chris Smith has developed rather quickly this season. With Achillies Tucker-Turner unavailable Friday, Smith was slotted as the RB2 -- behind Nash, who had 18 carries for 155 yards and a pair of scores.
Smith took advantage of the boosted role, having 12 carries for 55 yards and his first career varsity touchdown Friday. While he did take a kick return back 65 yards to start out the ballgame two weeks ago vs. Roman Catholic, he had little action elsewhere.
It was his first real varsity opportunity this season, and he took full advantage of it.
"It all starts in practice," Gueriera said. "He's really been practicing well the last couple of weeks and he has definitely shown his ability -- and he's ready to go at this stage."
Quinn Riley '25
