Football Friday Five to Watch: Episcopal’s clean record at risk against Malvern
Here are five Delco football games to watch this weekend:
Friday
Malvern (4-1) at Episcopal Academy (5-0), 7 p.m.
The Churchmen open Inter-Ac League competition having won five in a row, their best start to a season since 2012, when they went undefeated en route to capturing the league title.
In a 42-14 pasting of Conwell-Egan last weekend, All-Delco running back Dee Barlee rushed for 152 yards and five touchdowns, while quarterback CJ McAnally was 8-of-9 with 140 yards and a scoring strike to Christian Feliziani.
The Friars’ big win this year came two weekends ago when they stunned two-time defending PIAA Class AAA champion St. Joseph’s Prep, 33-21. Sophomore running back O’Shaan Allison amassed 149 yards and three touchdowns. Last week the Friars pummelled Roman Catholic, 28-7.
Radnor (4-2) at Upper Darby (5-1), 7 p.m.
The Raiders claimed victory last week in thrilling fashion, nipping Penncrest in overtime, 34-31. After allowing a field goal in the extra session, senior Jack Wilson walked Radnor off when he scampered in from 10 yards out. Wilson accounted for 142 yards of offense, while running back Jack Horvath totaled 159 yards and two touchdowns.
The Royals survived a furious second-half comeback to beat Conestoga, 25-22. Leading 20-0 at halftime, the Royals gave up three consecutive touchdowns in the third quarter. Isaiah Bruce responded with a 67-yard scoring run in the waning minutes of the third period, and then UD’s defense held on. Bruce, who finished with 219 yards rushing, became the first Delaware County running back this season to eclipse the 1,000-yard plateau.
Conestoga (3-3) at Marple Newtown (6-0), 7 p.m.
Marple Newtown begins a crucial two-week stretch against Class AAAA teams Conestoga and Garnet Valley. They bested Springfield, 9-3, Friday as senior Abel Hoff scored the game’s lone touchdown in the fourth quarter. Defensively, the Tigers continue to impress, with Noah Turner, Luke Lozowicki, Matt McKee and Gino DiCamillo leading the way.
The Pioneers rode a tremendous rushing performance by Eli Manning (209 yards, two TDs) to nearly complete a remarkable comeback against Upper Darby. Pete Jean has been a force at linebacker for them.
Penncrest (2-4) at Haverford (5-1), 7 p.m.
The Lions’ Zack Kaut became the first player in the county to score on two kick returns this season in a 34-31 overtime loss to Radnor. Kaut also caught an 84-yard pass from quarterback Manny Ruffin. Penncrest has dropped two straight decisions after winning two in a row.
Touchdown catches by Matt Corbett and Chris Trainor from quarterback Jack Donaghy (17-of-28, 254 yards, four TDs) in the second half propelled the Fords to a 29-21 triumph over favorite Garnet Valley last Saturday in a game that will always be remembered at Haverford as the sinkhole game. Mike Romanofsky totaled 95 yards receiving and Bob McClure chipped in with six catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. Haverford, Marple Newtown and Upper Darby are in a three-way tie for first place in the Central League
Saturday
Academy Park (6-0) at Chichester (3-2), 1:30 p.m.
The Knights had six takeaways, including two interceptions from All-Delco cornerback Clarence Buchanan, in Saturday’s 49-7 trouncing of Penn Wood. Jermaine Wesley rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns. The Knights have outscored the opposition, 232-33. The Eagles celebrate homecoming looking to rebound from a 20-0 loss to Chester. While running back Kevin Miller gained 70 yards rushing, Chi’s offense mustered just 72 total yards against the Clippers, who notched their first victory of 2015.
