Delco Football Friday: Upper Darby looks to rebound against veering Garnet Valley
In addition to Episcopal Academy’s season opener against Wyoming Seminary Friday night, here are five Delco football games to watch this weekend:
Friday
Garnet Valley (1-0) at Upper Darby (0-1), 7
The Jaguars got two touchdowns from senior athlete Jacob Buttermore, including one via interception return, as well as a field goal to boot in a 24-16 decision over Rustin. Garnet Valley debuted its new veer offense in the win, and the results were mixed, as it gained just 148 yards of total yardage. Quarterback Nick Juliano attempted only one pass — a 12-yard strike — and had a rushing score in his first varsity start.
The Royals will look to hit the reset button after losing a heartbreaker to Bonner & Prendergast, 30-23. Sophomore tailback Quaron Davis was impressive in accumulating 131 yards rushing on 23 carries and a touchdown.
Ridley (1-0) at Haverford (0-1), 7
Dave Wood began his tenure at Ridley with a 41-6 drubbing of Harry S. Truman. The new-look Green Raiders, forever known as the Quarterback High of Delaware County, ran the ball 37 times for 296 yards. Senior Malik Young averaged a cool 25 yards on four carries with two touchdowns, while Brock Anderson finished with 95 yards and a score.
The Fords suffered a shocking 24-21 defeat on the road at Chester last week. With sophomore signal caller Jake Ruane, the Fords struggled to find consistency on offense, despite positive showings by running back Kareem Bernard and Mike Romanofsky, each of whom scored a touchdown. Chris Trainor, one of the top returning wide receivers in Delco, had four catches for 65 yards and a score.
Marple Newtown (1-0) at Penncrest (1-0), 7
Aside from the five turnovers, the Tigers passed their season-opening test with aplomb, handing first-year Archbishop Carroll head coach Dan Connor and his Patriots a 42-13 loss. Junior quarterback Anthony Paoletti was impressive, completing 14 of 20 pass attempts for 251 yards, including a 38-yard scoring strike to Cameron Mathes. Meanwhile, Marlon Weathers netted 31 yards out of the backfield with a pair of TDs.
The Lions took care of business at home with a 26-6 rout of Pope John Paul II. Manny Ruffin, who was Penncrest’s quarterback last fall, had five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown at his new position at wide receiver. Ruffin also stood out in the return game as he took an 89-yard kick return to paydirt.
Saturday
Arch. Ryan (1-0) at Bonner & Prendergast (1-0), 1
Alex Coll’s last-minute, 48-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Evan Raiburn propelled the Friars to a thrilling Week 1 win over Upper Darby. Joe Hartley-Vittoria rushed for 91 yards and two scores.
Ryan started its season with a 47-7 shellacking of Quakertown. Jaye McNeil amassed 165 yards and four touchdowns on only 11 carries.
With the new PIAA classification system, Bonner and Ryan are in opposite Catholic League divisions for the first time in several years. The Friars are in the Blue Division with Class 4A, 3A and 2A teams.
Haverford School (0-0) at Del Val Charter (1-0), 6:30
More than two years has elapsed since the Fords suffered their most recent defeat. After falling to West Catholic in Week 1 of 2014, the Fords have reeled off 19 straight wins, culminating with their third straight Inter-Ac League title in 2015. Last fall they were the No. 1 ranked team in Delaware County for all but one week.
Coach Mike Murphy expects continued development from his top two draws on offense, senior quarterback Tommy Toal and senior running back Malik Twyman. Haverford begins its season with three straight road games.
Del Val Charter trounced Neumann-Goretti, 34-6, last week. Highly-touted college prospect Maurice McGray is a force at linebacker.
The game will be held at the Nortwest Philadelphia Supersite.
