All-Delco Football: Offense – Penn Wood’s Johnson on pace to smash more marks next year, too

In addition to Penn Wood’s Kennedy Poles, the Daily Times Player of the Year, the rest of the All-Delco offense includes:

Desman Johnson, Penn Wood: A junior, Johnson had an historic season. The 6-2, 240-pounder was a finalist for Player of the Year honors following a record-breaking season. He threw for 2,896 yards to become the single-season passing champion in the county, a record previously set by Marple Newtown All-Delco Anthony Paoletti in 2016. With good health Johnson should break Paoletti’s career record next season. The two-time All-Del Val League honoree threw for a county-leading 33 touchdowns. On three occasions he passed for more than 300 yards, including a 363-yard, five-touchdown performance in the Patriots’ District 1 Class 5A quarterfinal playoff victory over Interboro.

DeeWil Barlee, Episcopal Academy: The senior and two-time All-Delco overcame an injury early in the season to become the Churchmen’s all-time leading rusher. He ran for 2,963 yards as a three-year starter, surpassing his brother Dee’s career total of 2,907 yards. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau in his final high school game when he rushed 29 times for 143 yards and two scores in Episcopal’s 28-14 win over Haverford School. Barlee was a two-way star at running back and defensive back for EA. He will continue his career at Villanova. Barlee was also considered for Player of the Year honors.

Zack Hussein, Strath Haven: Hussein was one of the most productive running backs in Delco for two straight seasons. The senior was the leading rusher in the county this fall with 1,429 yards and 21 touchdowns. Hussein’s play helped the Panthers qualify for the District 1 Class 5A playoffs where they nearly upset third-seeded Academy Park in the opening round. In that game he ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Hussein’s best effort of the year came when he went off for 248 yards and two scores in a loss to Upper Darby. He ranks third in program history with 2,596 rushing yards.

Kareem McAdams, Upper Darby: A junior, McAdams exploded in his first season as the No. 1 running back for the Royals. In helping Upper Darby to a 7-5 record, McAdams received 251 carries and accrued 1,377 yards with 16 touchdowns. He flourished in the Royals’ District 1 Class 6A first-round playoff loss to Downingtown West when he ran for 190 yards and three scores. His best effort came in a 41-28 win against Strath Haven when he totaled 206 yards and four touchdowns. At 5-10, 210 pounds McAdams is a no-nonsense runner who has a knack for barreling over defenders.

Colin Ferry, Marple Newtown: He continued the tradition of excellent wide receivers at Marple Newtown. While the Tigers endured an up-and-down season, Ferry was a consistent performer all year. The senior had 49 catches for 979 yards and 10 touchdowns. Of course, Ferry will always be remembered for breaking the county’s single-game receiving record when he caught 15 passes for 318 yards and four TDs in a win over Penncrest.

Louie Perri, Cardinal O’Hara: A senior, Perri was a two-way standout for the Lions. His consistent play as an offensive and defensive tackle was vital in the Lions’ run to a Catholic League Class 4A title. With Perri leading the way, the Lions averaged close to 200 yards on the ground and on defense held opposing rushers to less than 100 yards on six occasions. Perri was named All-Catholic as a two-way lineman.

Kyle McCullough, Garnet Valley: A senior, the 5-10, 245-pound McCullough was the best of the bunch on an excellent offensive line unit. The Jaguars featured the most potent rushing attack in Delco and McCullough, who played tackle and guard, was the anchor. With McCullough in the trenches the Jags averaged 380 rushing yards per game, captured their first Central League title since 2013 and advanced to the District 1 Class 6A semifinal round for a third consecutive season.

Asim Richards, Haverford School: A senior, Richards is pound-for-pound one of the biggest (6-5, 295) and highly touted offensive linemen in the area. The North Carolina recruit was a bright spot on the Fords, who finished 3-6 overall. In a rebuilding time for the program, Richards maintained a high quality of performance every week. He earned All-Inter-Ac League honors. Said coach Mike Murphy: “He’s probably the best offensive lineman I’ve coached in 15 years.”

Anthony Laudicina, Radnor: A senior, Laudinica was the catalyst on a veteran offensive line that excelled in 2018. The 6-6, 280-pounder committed to University of Buffalo and fielded 15 offers. At tackle Laudicina paved the way for running back Matt Cohen, an All-Delco second-team selection who ran for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns. Laudicina’s play was critical in helping the Raiders win their first District 1 playoff game and finish with a 9-3 record.

Tom Bramwell, Ridley: A senior, Bramwell was at the forefront of the Green Raiders’ incredible turnaround in 2018. After starting the year 0-4, Ridley won seven of its final eight contests and Bramwell, a tackle, was a huge reason for the team’s success. In its final eight games Ridley’s rushing offense averaged 318 yards per game. The 6-5, 290-pound Bramwell “really played well and was our best offensive lineman,” said coach Dave Wood. “He was a big part of (Elijah) Yakpasuo rushing for over 1,000 yards and (quarterback) Jack Bakey rushing for close to 1,000 yards.”

Julz Kelly, Sun Valley: Despite the Vanguards’ struggles in 2018, Kelly was again one of the most exciting talents in Delco. The all-purpose standout amassed more touchdowns than anyone in Delco and ran for 1,354 yards. He had touchdowns as a receiver, kick returner and punt returner. A two-time All-Delco, Kelly had the ninth-greatest single-game rushing performance in county history when he totaled 325 yards and five touchdowns in a 50-49 defeat to Oxford in September.

Dylan Van Dusen, Radnor: A senior, he was the best kicker/punter in the county. Van Dusen drilled three field goals including a long of 35 yards. He went 9-for-9 on PATs in Radnor’s 63-21 victory over Ridley. Van Dusen will continue his football career at Lehigh.