All-Delco Football: Defense – Porte, Farrell corral second consecutive nods
In addition to Daily Times Player of the Year Teddy Wright of Academy Park, the rest of the 2016 All-Delco defense includes:
Rob Monachello, Garnet Valley: It could be argued there was no better player during the Jaguars’ remarkable run to the District 1 Class 6A final. The senior lineman was a terror against the likes of Central Bucks South, Neshaminy and Perkiomen Valley in the District 1 Class 6A tourney. All three teams felt the wrath of Monachello, who led the Jags in tackles with 78 while registering 11 sacks, eight quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. Garnet Valley coach Mike Ricci said of Monachello: “He was virtually unblockable and was an absolute beast throughout the playoffs.”
Togba Porte, Academy Park: Any doubt of the senior lineman repeating as All-Delco were put to rest in the District 1 Class 5A semifinal round. Facing All-Delco quarterback Anthony Paoletti of Marple Newtown, Porte rushed the backfield early and often, recording four sacks. He was the engine that drove AP’s defense down the stretch en route to the district title. Porte, who is garnering plenty of interest on the recruiting trail, paced the Knights in sacks with 11 and ranked third on the team with 92 tackles. He also was selected All-Del Val League.
Justin Shields, Springfield: A stellar player on both sides of the line, the junior was dominant for the Cougars in 2016. Shields brought a nastiness to a Springfield defense that was extremely stingy against the run. With Shields causing havoc, the Cougars allowed more than 18 points in a game only twice and forced 30 turnovers. His play enabled the Cougars to win a share of the Central League title and advance to the District 1 Class 5A final. The All-Central League honoree, as an offensive and defensive lineman, finished with 124 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
READ: The full list of All-Delco honorees
Kenny Ngaima, Penn Wood: The senior defensive end was a playmaker for the Patriots, who enjoyed their best season since their Del Val League championship campaign in 2010 and advanced to the District 1 Class 6A playoffs. The All-Del Val League selection registered 98 tackles and 10 sacks. He earned a Martin Kennedy Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award from the Chester Chapter of PIAA Football Officials. Ngaima is fielding offers from Maine and Morgan State.
Jack Farrell, Haverford: The anchor on a Haverford defense that improved as the season progressed, Farrell makes the All-Delco team for a second year. The senior linebacker had a huge influence on the Fords, who enjoyed a 7-4 season and qualified for the District 1 Class 6A playoffs. While Farrell lacked the interceptions (he was among the best in Delco last season in that category), he remained extremely effective. Farrell registered close to 100 tackles with five forced fumbles and an INT. Coach Joe Gallagher has routinely called Farrell one of the best defensive players he has ever coached.
Ryan Gricco, Ridley: The best linebacker in the Central League — and perhaps in Delaware County — was the top performer on a Green Raiders defense that ranked among the best units in the county. Gricco’s play helped Ridley post an 11-2 record and earn a piece of the Central League title. Gricco, an All-Central League defender who is garnering interest from several college programs, was an intimidating force. A linebacker who can rush the quarterback, stuff the run and excel in pass coverage, Gricco put up amazing numbers, including 115 tackles (18 for loss), 11 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Brian Snow, Episcopal Academy: After being limited due to injuries as a sophomore and junior, the senior linebacker emerged as one of the best defensive players the county. He recorded 115 tackles (11.5 for a loss), four sacks, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Snow’s performance helped the Churchmen to a 7-3 record. Snow is the great-nephew of Penn State great and West Catholic Hall of Famer, Jack Sherry. Episcopal coach Todd Fairlie said of Snow: “Brian is the most dominant linebacker I have seen in my time coaching high school football.”
Connor Adams, Interboro: The senior defensive back was quietly one of top players in Delco. An all-purpose threat, Adams was rarely targeted by opposing quarterbacks, who chose not to throw his way roughly 80 percent of the time. He played shutdown defense against the opposing team’s top wide receiver. The All-Del Val League selection finished with 37 tackles and three interceptions. As a wide receiver, Adams made 13 catches for 213 yards and three touchdowns. He ran the ball for 302 yards and two scores. He also had a kick return for a touchdown. Adams was named a winner of the Martin Kennedy Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award by the Chester Chapter of PIAA Football Officials.
Joe Kennedy, Springfield: A candidate for Player of the Year, the senior all-purpose standout was the MVP of the Cougars. Kennedy was a blanket in the secondary with four interceptions and several pass breakups. He made a larger impact on offense and special teams — he was one of the top return men in the county and one of the best punters. In guiding the Cougars to a share of the Central League title, Kennedy finished among the county leaders in receiving with 55 catches for 809 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had the interception that sealed Springfield’s overtime victory over Ridley, the first win for the Cougars over the Green Raiders in 22 years.
Jermal Martin, Academy Park: The junior defensive back and return specialist was a big playmaker for the Knights. Martin’s selection continues Academy Park’s recent trend of developing top-flight defensive backs. Martin was third in the county with five interceptions. He had 56 tackles, seven pass defenses and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Martin flourished on special teams with a pair of kick returns for touchdowns, including one that helped the Knights to their District 1 Class 5A semifinal victory over Marple Newtown.
Justin Santilla, Cardinal O’Hara: Santilla’s emergence as a multi-dimensional player was a big reason why the Lions were the best comeback story in Delco this season. Santilla became an All-Catholic League wide receiver and a dangerous player in the defensive secondary, where he recorded two interception returns for touchdowns. But Santilla is an All-Delco mainly because of his exploits as a two-way player. Santilla, who is the brother of Cardinal O’Hara All-Delco and Carolina Panthers wide receiver Corey Brown, made 34 catches for 531 yards and 10 touchdowns to help the Lions win a Catholic League divisional championship.
