All-Delco Football: Upper Darby’s Bruce was Royal pain for defenders
In addition to Daily Times Player of the Year Jack Donaghy of Haverford High, the rest of the All-Delco offensive football team includes:
Isaiah Bruce, Upper Darby: The senior enjoyed the greatest season for a running back in Delco history, breaking several school and county records. In leading the Royals to a 10-3 record, Bruce set the county mark for most yards (2,450) and touchdowns (37) in a season. He ran for seven touchdowns and 337 yards in Upper Darby’s 59-34 victory over Council Rock North in the first round of the District One Class AAAA playoffs. It was the first district playoff win in program history. Bruce produced 203 yards and two touchdowns in his final game, the epic Thanksgiving showdown with Haverford, in which the Royals fell, 49-42. Bruce is the only running back in county history to notch a pair of 300-yard games in the same year. His outstanding season earned him runner up honors for Daily Times Player of the Year.
Jermaine Wesley, Academy Park: The senior was the Knights’ workhouse out of the backfield. As the Knights posted their most wins in program history and captured their second District One Class AAA title in three years, Wesley rushed for 1,629 yards and 19 touchdowns, ranking second in the county behind Bruce. He accounted for both TDs in the Knights’ loss to Imhotep Charter in the PIAA Class AAA quarterfinals. In his two years as AP’s featured running back, Wesley amassed 2,538 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Derrick West, Garnet Valley: A downhill running back with power, the senior was a catalyst in a Jaguars offense that ranked among the highest scoring in the county. West improved upon a junior season in which he rushed for 1,325 yards and 18 touchdowns. Despite missing one game this year, West averaged more than 100 yards over 10 games, finishing with 1,083 yards and 19 touchdowns. His best effort was a 245-yard, three-touchdown output in a loss to Upper Darby in Week 9.
Abel Hoff, Marple Newtown: A two-time All-Delco, Hoff broke his county record for most receptions in a season, which he originally set last year, and led the Tigers to their first District One Class AAA victory in program history. One year after registering 70 catches, Hoff finished a stellar senior campaign with 72 catches and 1,119 yards with 10 touchdowns. He was the only receiver in Delco in 2015 to post a 1,000-yard season. Hoff is only the fifth county receiver all-time to post more than 2,000 yards for a career and ranks second with 150 career receptions.
Dox Aitken, Haverford School: A two-time All-Delco, Aitken was named Inter-Ac League Player of the Year for the second straight season. Considered one of the top lacrosse players in the country, Aitken was incredible in his secondary sport. A multi-purpose threat as a receiver, defensive back and punter for the Fords, the University of Virginia lacrosse commit was MVP for a team that enjoyed a 10-0 season and won its third consecutive Inter-Ac championship. Aitken finished with 856 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. As a safety, Aitken averaged seven tackles per game and notched five interceptions. He averaged better than 40 yards a punt, including a long of 69 yards.
Nykeal Jalloh, Academy Park: The senior tackle was a huge reason why the Knights were one of the highest-scoring teams in Delco. Jalloh created plenty of running space for the dynamic duo of running back Jermaine Wesley and athlete Jawan Collins during the Knights’ journey to their third Del Val League title in four years and a second District One Class AAA crown in three seasons. With Jalloh anchoring the offensive line, the Knights averaged 305 yards and 27.6 points per contest. The 6-foot-4, 350-pounder was a two-year starter and All-Del Val League selection for the Knights after transferring from Downingtown East prior to his sophomore year.
Brian Denoncour, Haverford School: A two-time All-Delco honoree, the senior was once again the Fords’ top offensive lineman in 2015. En route to a 10-0 season and third consecutive Inter-Ac League title, the Fords leaned on their most reliable lineman, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound tackle. Denoncour was named an All-Inter-Ac League performer in three consecutive seasons. Said Haverford School coach Mike Murphy: “In my opinion, he’s one of the best offensive linemen in Southeastern Pennsylvania.” As a defensive tackle, Denoncour was often double-teamed, but still recorded two sacks this season.
Shawn Page, Upper Darby: The senior two-way lineman was a major force on both sides of the ball. An All-Central League selection for his offense and defense, Page was widely considered one of the best players at his position in Delco. His dominant, hard-nosed play helped the Royals win 10 games and advance to the second round of the District One Class AAAA playoffs. Page played virtually every snap for the Royals this year, posting 60 tackles and 5½ sacks. As an offensive lineman, he paved the way for Isaiah Bruce, who rushed for a county-record 2,450 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Lou Lombardo, Bonner-Prendergast: The senior guard with remarkable athleticism for a 6-foot-2, 290-pounder was the captain in the trenches for the Friars, who won four games and advanced to the semifinals of the Catholic League playoffs. Lombardo was named All-Catholic League AAA for a third consecutive season and earned All-Delco honors for a second year in a row. While the Friars struggled at times to score, Lombardo was excellent as a pulling guard and anchor of the offensive line. A two-way lineman, Lombardo is a third-generation All-Delco selection, joining both his father and grandfather.
Justin George, Garnet Valley: The senior was a monster at center for the Jaguars. George’s work in the trenches keyed the Jags’ 8-4 season and helped the team qualify for the District One Class AAAA playoffs for the fifth straight year. George, a 6-foot-1, 240-pounder with flawless technique, played a big part in helping All-Delco running back Derrick West to a 1,000-yard season. Said coach Mike Ricci: “Justin was the captain of our offensive line. He never missed an assignment, great on both double teams and getting to the next-level defenders. We considered him one of our most valuable offensive players. He also set pass protection to perfection.”
Jawan Collins, Academy Park: Prior to the season, Knights coach Jason Vosheski vowed to do a better job of getting Collins the ball more often in 2015. The senior athlete was simply incredible for the Knights. For the first 11 games, Collins was used as a speciality weapon, a player that could return kicks, line up out wide and take the occasional handoff. That all changed in the District One Class AAA semifinals when Collins was inserted at quarterback for the first time. Collins threw for 142 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 137 yards and two scores in leading the Knights to victory over Great Valley. In the district final, Collins was the star, accounting for 204 yards of total offense and three TDs. As a receiver, Collins finished with 22 receptions for 451 yards and seven touchdowns.
George Lambritsios, Marple Newtown: The clear choice for All-Delco kicker, Lambritsios was on-point all season for the Tigers, who reached the semifinal round of the District One Class AAA playoffs and posted a 9-3 record. A standout soccer player, Lambritsios flashed a powerful leg on kickoffs. He converted 11 of 15 field goal attempts, including a long of 45 yards. The All-Central League selection made 84.6 percent of his extra-point kicks and recorded 21 touchbacks on kickoffs.
