Delco Football Friday: Del Val kicks off with two intriguing games
Glen Mills’ banishment from the Del Val League last spring put the remaining five member schools in a scheduling bind.
Rather than continuous league play until the end of the regular season, every week one Del Val League team will play a Ches-Mont opponent. The Del Val and Ches-Mont leagues agreed to a scheduling partnership to help balance the inequality issues hindering both conferences.
Friday marks the beginning of the Del Val season for four teams. Interboro will open league play next week.
The league favorite is a toss-up. An argument can be made on behalf of Academy Park, Chester and Penn Wood, who have combined for an 11-4 record. Chichester is enjoying a two-game winning streak following three straight losses to start the season. Interboro remains in search of its first win.
Both Del Val contests are among the games to watch this week.
Academy Park at Penn Wood, 7
The Knights (4-1) were no match last Friday against West Virginia juggernaut Martinsburg. AP gave the ball away five times en route to a 45-8 loss, their first of 2019. The good news? The Knights will not face a team as potent as Martinsburg until the PIAA playoffs. That is, if they’re fortunate enough to make it that far.
The Patriots (3-2) have handled the Knights back-to-back years. The reigning Del Val champs look to turn the page following a 26-23 defeat at home to Massaponax (Va.).
The quarterbacks in this one should provide plenty of highlights. Penn Wood’s Desman Johnson (152.32) and AP’s Barry Brown (147.15) rank fourth and fifth, respectively, among Delco quarterbacks in efficiency rating. Johnson leads all QBs with 942 yards passing, while Brown stands among the leaders in rushing with 435 yards and four TDs.
Chester at Chichester, 7
The Clippers (4-1) have been among the best defensive teams in Delco this season, but the offense has its warts, as evidenced by a lackluster 14-6 setback to Roman Catholic a week ago. Chester’s offense was held to minus-15 yards of rushing and two first downs. Senior athlete Malachi Langley scored on a 97-yard pass for the Clippers’ only points.
The Eagles (2-3) took advantage of an injury-plagued Bishop Shanahan and cruised to a 31-14 win. Breyen Hamm ran for two touchdowns and Chi’s defense forced three turnovers, including Saeed Bradley’s 39-yard interception return for touchdown.
Marple Newtown at Strath Haven, 7
The Tigers (5-0) are the last remaining undefeated team in the Central League. Joey Paoletti threw for 181 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score in the Tigers’ 17-12 win at Upper Darby last week.
The Panthers (4-1) look to rebound from their first loss, a 24-0 setback at Haverford. Haven’s defense allowed 300-plus yards for the first time this year. Senior John Prochniak is the leading rusher in the county with 625 yards and nine TDs.
Ridley at Upper Darby, 7
Following a lopsided loss at Strath Haven in Week 3, the Green Raiders accumulated 89 points in back-to-back blowouts of Conestoga and Penncrest. Dylan Staley, Malachi Williams and Sonny Elhamamy each ran for two scores in a 52-13 rout of Penncrest last Friday.
The Royals (2-3) lost quarterback Kevin Kerwood to a significant knee injury and then the game to Marple Newtown. The Royals will lean more on James Tuayemie, who has two rushing TDs and two receiving scores, and running back Darryl Farmer in the coming weeks.
Lansdale Catholic at Bonner & Prendie, 7
LC (3-2) suffered a 27-21 setback to West Catholic last week. Danny Dutkiewiecz is the top rusher in the Catholic League with 573 yards, according to statistics compiled by Ed “Huck” Palmer for Easternpafootball.com. Quarterback Jeron Phillips has thrown for 672 yards and five TDs.
The Friars (3-1) got back on the winning track last Saturday with a 22-13 decision at McDevitt. Bonner’s defense forced four turnovers and three players scored one rushing touchdown. The Friars are seeking their fourth win, their most in a season since 2015.
