All-Delco Football: Heller set records for Ridley’s resurgent offense
In addition to Daily Times Player of the Year Tahir Mills of Ridley, the All-Delco offense includes:
John Heller, Ridley: The senior had the best season by a Green Raiders quarterback in more than a decade. Heller’s 2,197 yards are fifth most in Ridley history. He completed 65.5 percent of his attempts and threw for 26 touchdowns to help the Green Raiders advance to the District 1 Class 6A semifinal round. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Heller threw for a school record 415 yards against Lower Merion, surpassing the 402 thrown by Colin Wright against Spring-Ford in 2012. Heller’s output is the third-highest tally in Delaware County history, trailing only the 430 by Joe Emmi at Ridley Township High in 1965 and Greg Jefferson’s 433 yards in 1968 for Darby Township. Heller ranks in the top 20 for most passing yards in a season by a Delco QB.
Mason Peterson, Bonner-Prendergast: The senior running back was named MVP of the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division after leading the Friars to a 9-3 record and the District 12 Class 4A title. Peterson set the program’s single-season rushing records with 1,805 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was first in the league in rushing, all-purpose yardage (2,218), total touchdowns (24), yards per game (151), carries (284) and points (148). Peterson’s total carries and points were also school records. He is garnering interest from several colleges including Temple, Syracuse, Connecticut, Old Dominion, East Stroudsburg, Shippensburg, St. Francis, Sacred Heart and Kutztown. He will play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl game on Jan. 4 in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium.
Shane Reynolds, Garnet Valley: The senior running back was one of the most explosive players in Delco. Despite missing six games due to injury, the Navy commit amassed 1,292 yards (10 yards per carry) and 21 touchdowns for a Garnet Valley team that captured the District 1 Class 6A championship and won its fourth consecutive Central League title. Reynolds averaged 161 yards rushing per game for an offense that produced the highest total yards of offense (6,128) in school history. Reynolds was a catalyst during the Jaguars’ unprecedented 20-game winning streak that began at the start of the 2020 season and ended in the PIAA Class 6A semifinal round.
Sean Gallagher, Garnet Valley: The senior wide receiver made history for the Jaguars in 2021, setting records for most yards receiving (842) and touchdown catches (11) in a season at a program not known for airing it out. In addition, Gallagher broke the single-game school record for touchdown catches with four. He also ran for 328 yards on 32 carries. Gallagher and quarterback Max Busenkell established a rapport from the start this year, leading to the best offensive passing season in Garnet Valley history. Only a season-ending injury during the Jags’ postseason run could slow Gallagher, who will play lacrosse at Navy.
Robby Longo, Springfield: The senior wide receiver was as productive as any player in the county. He put his name in the Springfield history books by setting single-season records for catches (68) and receiving yards (958). His total receptions are fourth most in Delco history and he is the 16th player to accrue 950-plus receiving yards in a season. Longo was the leading receiver in the county this fall. He had five games with at least 100 yards and hauled in 14 catches in the Cougars’ loss to Unionville in the first round of the District 1 Class 5A playoffs. Longo was recently named a Mini Maxwell Award winner based on excellence in football performance, academics, and community service.
Nick Bozzetto, Bonner-Prendergast: The senior lineman was a starter on varsity from the beginning of his sophomore year through his senior campaign. Bozzetto was selected to the All-Catholic League three straight years. As the Friars’ center he was instrumental in helping the Friars qualify for the PIAA Class 4A playoffs in back to back years, and he could play anywhere along the line. His stellar play was key to Peterson’s success in 2021. Bozzetto was recently named a Mini Maxwell Award winner based on excellence in football performance, academics, and community service.
Sam DiTrolio, Garnet Valley: The senior lineman played a major role in helping the Jaguars claim a district championship for the first time since 2007. The center opened lanes for a cavalcade of productive running backs that averaged 7.5 yards per carry, and provided plenty of protection for Busenkell, who broke the school record for passing yards in a season. Garnet Valley coach Mike Ricci said of DiTrolio: “Our best, most consistent lineman all year. Fantastic technique, extremely quick off the ball; great job getting to the next level.”
Isaiah Boyd, Haverford School: The senior lineman dominated on both sides of the ball for the Fords. The 6-3, 265-pound tackle and defensive end made a verbal commitment to Tulane. His excellence on offense and defense helped the Fords to a 5-4 record and a second-place finish in the Inter-Ac League. In seven games, Boyd racked up 71 tackles and one interception.
Hayden Brown, Ridley: The junior lineman was a two-way standout for the Green Raiders, who advanced to the District 1 Class 6A semifinals and posted a 12-2 record. Brown’s excellent pass- and run-blocking abilities were instrumental to the success of Tahir Mills, who shattered the county record for rushing yards in a season, and John Heller, who threw for more than 2,000 yards. Ridley coach Dave Wood said Brown was “our best offensive lineman and defensive lineman.” On defense Brown was a stabilizing force finishing with 52 tackles (seven for loss), four sacks, six quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.
Ethan Barrar, Strath Haven: The senior lineman embodied the Panthers’ “Cowboy Up” team motto. Barrar, a 5-11, 200-pound guard, was consistently a top performer on an offensive line unit that led the county in total rushing with nearly 5,000 yards on the season. Barrar’s work in the trenches executing Haven’s Wing-T ground attack contributed to the success of fellow All-Delcos Chase Barlow and Matt Shuler, both of whom rushed for more than 1,000 yards. The Panthers were the only team in the county to have two players reach the 1,000-yard plateau.
Charlie Box, Marple Newtown: The senior running back was a multi-purpose threat and one of the best, and toughest, all-around athletes to play the sport at Marple Newtown. Box amassed 2,247 all-purpose yards en route to leading the Tigers to the second round of the District 1 Class 5A tournament. He piled up 1,733 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns. Box was also an outstanding defensive back and kick/punt returner and one of the county’s top football players since his sophomore year. He will play lacrosse at Cornell.
Nick Volpone, Ridley: The senior kicker was as good as they come in Delco. He was 74 of 75 on extra-point attempts and drilled four field goals. Volpone’s biggest kick was the extra point he made in overtime in the District 1 Class 6A quarterfinals to give Ridley a walk-off win over North Penn. In Ridley’s season-ending win over Interboro on Thanksgiving, he scored his 100th career varsity point. Volpone was one of 110 kickers in the nation invited to the 2021 Kicking World National Showcase Dec. 5 in Austin, Texas.
