Delco Football Friday: Surging Garnet Valley puts winning streak on line

Here are five Delco football games to watch this weekend.

Friday

Springfield (2-2) at Garnet Valley (3-1), 7 p.m.

The Cougars snapped a two-game skid last week with a 35-0 rout of Strath Haven. Kyle Long led a strong offensive performance with four catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Brandon DiChiacchio was 10-of-17 for 174 yards and three scoring strikes, and the Cougars defense held the visiting Panthers to 95 yards of total offense.

The Jaguars ran their winning streak to three games with a 55-0 shellacking of Lower Merion.  Jake Buttermore was the Jags’ top performer with 86 yards on the ground and 58 yards receiving with three touchdowns. Derrick West eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the third consecutive week.

This is a rematch of last year’s instant classic that saw host Springfield defeat Garnet Valley, 7-0. The win enabled the Cougars to control their destiny en route to the Central League title.

Upper Darby (3-1) at Penncrest (2-2), 7 p.m.

The Royals jumped on the back of the county’s leading rusher, senior Isaiah Bruce, on the way to a 32-29 victory over Ridley. Bruce accounted for 217 yards and a career-high five touchdowns. Senior quarterback Christoff Minott was 9-of-14 for 174 yards as the explosive Royals amassed 480 yards of total offense against the Green Raiders.

The Lions enter play with renewed optimism. After losing their first two decisions, the Lions have won back-to-back games, including a 42-0 decision over Harriton last week. Senior running back Ryan Kinnard showed the way with 140 yards and four TDs as Penncrest racked up 332 yards on the ground against the winless Rams. Defensively the Lions have given up just seven points over the last two weeks.

Radnor (3-1) at Ridley (2-2), 7 p.m.

The Raiders look to rebound following their first defeat of the year, a 20-9 decision at Marple Newtown. While Radnor’s normally potent passing attack was held in check, running back Jack Horvath continued to impress with 148 yards and his team’s only touchdown.

The Green Raiders are on the precipice of their third consecutive loss after such a promising start to the season. Despite a pair of 100-yard rushing performances from Malik Young (148 yards, TD) and quarterback Cade Stratton (100 yards, two TDs), the Raiders didn’t have an answer for Upper Darby’s offense.

Bonner-Prendergast (1-3) at Arch. Carroll (1-3), 7 p.m.

The Friars and Patriots both earned their first wins of 2015 last week. On the day that Pope Francis arrived to Philadelphia, the Friars were busy defeating Chester, 18-14. Shawn Harmon’s scoring scamper gave the Friars the winning edge late in the fourth quarter. Shaun Douglas had an interception in the defensive secondary and also threw a 53-yard touchdown.

Richie Melito and the Patriots ran all over Penn Wood. In a 30-8 win, Meliton led the way with 123 yards while wide receiver John Smiley scored a touchdown via the run and pass. Carroll’s defense held Penn Wood to negative rushing yardage.

Saturday

Haverford School (3-0) at Penn Wood (1-3), 2 p.m.

The Fords return to action off a bye week. In their last performance, a 35-13 success over West Catholic, running back Malik Twyman enjoyed a career day with 136 yards and two TDs. Twyman’s effort temporarily masked the loss of All-Delco quarterback Kevin Carter, who suffered a season-ending injury. In their three games, the Fords are averaging 43.3 points and 428.3 yards of total offense, the best in Delaware County in both categories.

The Patriots are reeling after their third consecutive loss. Quarterback Javon Lindsey-Terrell did everything in his power to keep the Patriots from a lopsided defeat at Archbishop Carroll, completing 14 of 26 pass attempts for 164 yards and a touchdown.