Gallagher steals spotlight in Reynolds’ return for Garnet Valley

CONCORD TWP. – Simply being on the field usually is enough motivation for Garnet Valley on most Friday nights, but the Jaguars were a little extra amped up against Haverford High.

Inspired by the return of running back Shane Reynolds, Garnet Valley was electric and completely unstoppable in a 55-14 victory over the Fords. .

For his part, Reynolds racked up 139 yards on 11 carries and scored two touchdowns. On his first touch, he raced 82 yards for a touchdown. .

“I was talking to my line the whole week and they’re the guys who make me look good,” said Reynolds. “I saw the hole and just thought to myself, ‘How am I going to thank my -o-line when I get to the end zone?’”

Somehow, though, Sean Gallagher had an even crazier first half, as he hauled in four passes for 190 yards and scored four touchdowns.

“We knew they were a good team and had good corners,” Gallagher said. “After practice, me and Max (Busenkell) stayed, grabbed Bryson Hall, and worked on our routes and it really paid off. I’m really thankful that Bryson was able to do that and, really, for all of our scout team. Friday nights seem so much easier because of them.”

Gallagher was also quick to credit his offensive line for their effort.

“Our protection was really good all night,” Gallagher said. “They’ve really been working and just get better and better every week. They’re really good and that makes it easier for Max (Busenkell). Max always just throws a good pass and that makes it easier for me.”.

Lost in the fireworks display being put on by Reynolds and Gallagher, was a near-perfect showing from Busenkell (6-7-0, 269 yards), who has been phenomenal this season, Will Wrzesniewski, who hauled in a 60-yard pass, and the entire Jaguars offensive line.

“For the last several years, the games between Haverford and Garnet Valley have been huge and very physical,” Jaguars coach Mike Ricci said. “We knew we had to be ready to play and having Shane back in the lineup gave us a boost. For him to go 80-yards or whatever on his first play was the best case scenario for our guys. Sean is a great athlete. They came out and played man-to-man to try and get extra guys in on the run game, which I understand. Sean is really good and Max really throws the ball well.”

As for the Fords, Haverford gutted it out, but was just overmatched on the night. Quarterback Tommy Wright was under constant pressure, but when he had time he was able to connect with wide receiver Ethan Mahan (six catches, 83 yards). Mahan scored both Haverford touchdowns.

“Last week, I thought we put it together against Springfield,” Haverford coach Luke Dougehrty said. “This week I saw the same level of physicality, which I’m proud of. (Garnet Valley) is a great football team and that’s why they’ll be playing deep into November. They make you pay for mistakes. I said to our guys that there was no way – on the field – that was a 55-14 game, but they make it happen because they’re so physically dominant. We couldn’t afford to make the kinds of mistakes that we did. The physicality has been good the last two weeks, but we need to have a good week mentally and be prepared for Radnor.”