Delco Football: Garnet Valley, Radnor, Ridley in must-win mode as playoffs near
Here are five Delco football games to watch this weekend.
Friday
Marple Newtown (6-1) at Garnet Valley (5-2), 7 p.m.
The Tigers are still in the driver’s seat to secure a high seed in the District One Class AAA playoffs after enduring their first loss of 2015 against Conestoga last week. In a 13-9 setback, All-Delco athlete Abel Hoff accounted for 172 of the team’s 231 yards of total offense. Defensively, the Tigers kept the run-first Pioneers in check, allowing just 152 yards.
The Jaguars are in a spot where another loss could doom their District One Class AAAA playoff chances. Jake Buttermore kicked a field goal, converted all of his extra-point attempts and caught four passes for 49 yards in the Jags’ 58-12 rout of Harriton.
Haverford (6-1) at Radnor (4-3), 7 p.m.
The Fords entered the weekend riding a six-game winning streak. Senior quarterback Jack Donaghy, who threw for a season-high 287 yards with four touchdowns in a 34-13 triumph over Penncrest last week, needs nine yards to break Haverford’s career passing record, which has stood since 1969 (Steve Joachim, 4,083 yards).
After a 33-7 defeat at the hands of Upper Darby last week, Radnor needs to pull off the upset to keep pace in the District One Class AAA playoff race. The Raiders are currently tied with Bishop Shanahan for the final spot.
Ridley (5-2) at Penncrest (2-5), 7 p.m.
The Green Raiders are in the same boat as Garnet Valley as another would cripple their chances at making the district playoffs. Malik Young stole the show in last week’s 40-21 success over Strath Haven, rushing for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Cade Stratton is 31-of-42 with 457 yards and four touchdown passes over his last four games.
The host Lions hope to play the role of spoiler. Zack Kaut has been a strong performer in the return game, while Zane Horne has excelled as a receiver and defensive back.
Saturday
Interboro (6-1) at Chester (2-4), 10:30 a.m.
Chris Hummel rushed for a career-high 169 yards and two touchdowns as the Bucs won their sixth consecutive game with a 42-28 decision over Penn Wood. Chris Thomas added 89 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while quarterback Danny Mea completed all four off his pass attempts.
The Clippers look to make it three in a row following back-to-back wins over Chichester and Glen Mills. In a 25-6 victory over Glen Mills, running back Anthony Sterling racked up 92 yards and a touchdown while the Chester defense limited Battlin’ Bulls to 92 yards of total offense.
Chester shocked Interboro in last year’s regular-season finale, winning in the rain and mud at South Avenue Athletic Complex to put a cap on a winning record against Del Val League foes.
Haverford School (6-0) at Malvern (5-1), 2 p.m.
It’s arguably the game of the week in the area. The Fords and Friars are consdiered the top contenders in a very strong Inter-Ac League.
Haverford earned a thrilling 41-40 victory over Penn Charter in three overtimes to remain undefeated. Quarterback Tommy Toal was 24-of-41 through the air with 264 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for three scores. Micah Sims had 10 catches for 85 yards and an interception return for touchdown.
Malvern claimed a 33-14 win over Episcopal Academy as sophomore tailback O’Shaan Allison rushed for 198 yards and two touchdowns
