Season Outlook: Academy Park is primed for a Del Val League repeat
By Matt Smith
Daily Times Football Writer
Coach: Jason Vosheski
2014 Record: 8-3 (4-0 Del Val League)
2014 In Two Sentences: Academy Park clinched its second Del Val League title in three years on the final weekend of the regular season, edging Glen Mills in a two-overtime thriller, 20-19. The Knights went to the District One Class AAA playoffs again and recorded their fifth straight winning season under Vosheski, not bad for a team that was supposed to be rebuilding on the heels of winning its first District One championship.
Key Departures: Allon Ruffin (QB), Dante Ghee (DE), Josh Ingram (WR).
Looking Ahead: The Knights are built to win again, as even with the loss of their starting quarterback (Ruffin) and All-Delco defensive end (Ghee), they have 12 players that performed either starting or ancillary roles on varsity last fall.
During their run of playoff appearances the Knights have been praised for their athleticism. And those “athlete-types” usually turn into pretty good football players under Vosheski’s watch. Expect the same kind of script this year, but with better discipline (penalties hurt) and execution. The ceiling is high…
Players to Watch: Jeremy Dembry (Sr. ATH), Jermaine Wesley (Sr. RB), Jawan Collins (WR) accounted for the majority of the Knights’ offensive production last year. Nykeal Jalloh, Marion Holmes, Chris Thomas and Dan Kemp return on the line.
Clarence Buchanan (DB) was an All-Delco defensive back in 2014, tying for the county lead in interceptions with six. Teddy Wright (FS) and Anthony Balogh (LB) have a knack for big plays on defense.
Top linebackers Terrel Lee and third-year starter Anthony Balogh also are back in the fold.
Coach’s Corner: “We return a lot of starters from last year’s team, which is always a good thing. We also have a lot of talent in the junior and sophomore classes, so some of those players will also play a vital role during the season,” Vosheski said. “We have pretty good team speed as well. With all of the players that we have returning, we lack experience at a few key positions. We’re also looking for some hidden leaders that can guide the team to it’s overall goal.”
Season Opener: Away vs. West Chester East, Friday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m.
