George Washington was far from impressive in its two preseason scrimmages, leading many to believe the Eagles could be facing a long and frustrating season.
But Hakeem Sillman said it would be a big mistake to write off the perennial Public League power so fast. And he could be right.
With Sillman rushing for 124 yards on 15 carries and notching a pair of second-quarter scores, host Washington ripped Chestnut Hill Academy, 26-7, in a nonleague opener Saturday at Northeast.
"People shouldn't doubt us like that," said Sillman, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound senior tailback and cornerback. "We're going to be good. We've been working hard since Day 1."
Sillman, a workhorse with tree-trunk legs, scored on runs of 5 and 7 yards to give the Eagles a 26-0 advantage at intermission.
"I take a lot of pride in not going down easily," the 17-year-old said. "It's going to take a few guys to tackle me most times. It's all about heart."
Last season, Sillman gained 900 yards and scored seven touchdowns, including a kickoff return, as Washington went 8-3 and advanced to the Public League final before bowing to Northeast, 13-6. The Vikings secured their first crown since 1983.
"That's our goal right there, to bring the trophy back home," he said. "We're coming to get that. If we play as a team, I don't think we can be stopped."
Sillman, who lives near Second Street and Godfrey Avenue in Olney, grew up playing for the Frankford Chargers. His teammates included a pair of current Frankford High players: two-way back Kelly Johnson and offensive lineman-linebacker Geoffrey Phillippe.
With his all-out, rugged rushing style, Sillman, wearing No. 2 this year, said he has been compared to the NFL's Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"That's a great compliment," he said. "I try to do what he does, which is run hard and go right at defenders. He doesn't back down from anyone. I love that."
Against CHA, Washington totaled 229 yards on the ground. Early in the first quarter, junior Donald Smith (79 yards on eight attempts) capped an eight-play, 72-yard drive with a 2-yard TD run.
The Eagles' Justin Moody, a rising two-way junior end, was slowed by lower-back issues. The 6-3, 225-pounder has scholarship offers from Rutgers and Temple.
Milestone. Kevin Clancy, Strath Haven's coach for 21 seasons, earned his 200th win at the school with Friday's 42-6, nonleague romp over visiting Upper Moreland.
