Blair waits a little longer as rain suspends Garnet Valley-Haverford
HAVERFORD >> The highly anticipated Central League game between two of the top teams in the Daily Times Super 7 was suspended with 3:36 left in the first quarter. No. 1 Garnet Valley (2-0) and No. 3 Haverford High (2-0) will resume play 6 p.m. Saturday at A.G. Cornog Field.
Haverford and Garnet Valley exchanged three-and-outs on their opening drives. The Fords showed life when they started their second possession at their 25-yard line. Junior athlete Trey Blair, seeing his first significant action of the season after recovering from concussion-like symptoms, snagged a 15-yard pass from quarterback Jake Ruane, then picked up 34 yards on a pair of jet sweeps to give the Fords a first-and-goal. Back-to-back penalties and Evan Hrivnak’s sack of Ruane spoiled a prime opportunity for Haverford to crack the scoreboard. The Fords turned the ball over on downs.
“We’re always going to be ready” Blair said. “We’ve been thinking about this game since Sept. 28 of last year. It’s been on our mind ever since. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, because we’re going to come to play.”
While Haverford squandered a chance to score, Blair believes the offense showed what they’re capable of against a tough Garnet Valley defense.
“We’re going to use that to our advantage and just keep it going,” Blair said. “I don’t think their defense can match up with our offense. We showed a little of that in the first quarter.”
Blair has two carries for 34 yards plus the one reception. Ruane is 2-for-6 passing for 17 yards and has scrambled for 46 yards on two attempts.
Garnet Valley will have the ball at its 41-yard line with 3:36 left in the first quarter when action resumes. Running back Dom LaBricciosa has 18 yards on one carry and Colin Robinson has 14 yards on three totes.
For Blair, he’s just excited to be back on the field. One of most dynamic talents in Delco sustained a crushing hit on a kick return early in the Week 1 victory over Chester.
“I caught a punt and it was my fault because I should’ve called a fair catch,” he said. “As soon as I caught it, he was right in my face and we sort of collided head-to-head. I felt good the next day, but the doctor said I wasn’t ready and that I should miss another game, which was a good decision.”
He has been itching to return ever since.
“It was frustrating, but I used it to my advantage,” he said. “Two weeks worth of standing on the sideline and watching football, which is hard, but it’s two weeks worth of built-up energy and excitement to get back on the field. I just want to use that to my advantage, go out there and hit someone, have some fun and help my team.”
