All-Del Val League

Here are the 2015 All-Del Val League teams. As always, the Daily Times has no input in the selection process of all-league teams.

FIRST TEAM
Offense

QB – Javon Lindsey-Terrell, Penn Wood
RB – Kevin Miller, Chichester
RB – Tayvon Ruley, Penn Wood
FB – Quadir Gibson, Glen Mills
WR – Jawan Collins, Academy Park
WR – Raheim Bowens, Penn Wood
WR – Jaquan Flood, Chester
WR – Martin Frempong, Chichester
TE – Chase Pattinson, Interboro
OL – D’Andre Dill, Chester
OL – Quentin Frangelli, Interboro
OL – Brandyne Tynes, Interboro
OL – Nykeal Jalloh, Academy Park
OL – Damian Graham, Glen Mills
AP – Jeremy Dembry, Academy Park
AP – Chris Hummel, Interboro

SECOND TEAM
Offense

QB – Danny Mea, Interboro
RB – Chris Thomas, Interboro
RB – Jermaine Wesley, Academy Park
FB – Lamar Shaw, Interboro
WR – DeAndray Covert, Academy Park
WR – Roland Morris, Glen Mills
WR – Matt DiSands, Interboro
TE – Tacor Penn, Glen Mills
OL – Jordan Johnson, Penn Wood
OL – Andrew Wilson, Chichester
OL – Dan Kemp, Academy Park
OL – Chris Thomas, Academy Park
OL – Desmond Hardy, Chester
AP – Ed Nelson Jr., Chester

FIRST TEAM
Defense

DL – Togba Porter Porte, Academy Park
DL – Jeremy Dembry, Academy Park
DL – Semaj Robinson, Glen Mills
DL – D’Andre Dill, Chester
DL – Chase Pattinson, Interboro
LB – Terrel Lee, Academy Park
LB – Will McQueen, Academy Park
LB – Arlo Lee Jr., Chester
LB – Danny Mea, Interboro
DB – Clarence Buchanan, Academy Park
DB – Teddy Wright, Academy Park
DB – Greg Allman, Chichester
DB – Chris Hummel, Interboro
K – Austin Wilson, Chichester
P – Mate Murtha, Interboro

SECOND TEAM
Defense

DL – Davante Harris, Academy Park
DL – Steve Royer, Interboro
DL – Jordan Johnson, Penn Wood
DL – Naim Little, Chester
LB – Joshua Bryant, Glen Mills
LB – Orphius Blackshear, Glen Mills
LB – Kaylie Kuyateh, Glen Mills
LB – Chris Thomas, Interboro
DB – Rashee Alexander, Chester
DB – Ed Nelson Jr., Chester
DB – Javon Lindsey-Terrell, Penn Wood
DB – Keo Rantin, Glen Mills
K – None
P – Cody Profitt, Chichester

Super 7: Week 12

 

1. Haverford School (10-0)

2. Academy Park (11-0)

3. Upper Darby (10-1)

4. Haverford (9-2)

5. Garnet Valley (7-4)

6. Marple Newtown (9-2)

7. Interboro (9-2)

Under Consideration: Episcopal Academy (6-4), Radnor (7-4)

I said I wasn’t going to do another one of these until AFTER the season when All-Delco is announced, but there was demand for one, so here goes…

Haverford School completed a perfect season by thoroughly dominating Episcopal last Saturday, 21-0. The Fords won their third consecutive Inter-Ac League championship and haven’t lost a game since Aug. 30, 2014. (That’s 19 straight wins if you’re scoring at home.) The Fords are the class of Delaware County football.

Academy Park once again struggled to beat a good opponent. First Interboro and last week it was Springfield. In the end, though, the Knights’ top-ranked defense stepped up to push them through to the semifinal round. I think sub-par performance on offense can carry them to a district title, because that defense is so damn good, but they’re flirting with fire…

Upper Darby and Haverford switch spots for obvious reasons. The Royals got 337 yards and seven TDs from Isaiah Bruce to beat Council Rock North in the first round of the District One Class AAAA playoffs. Meanwhile, despite 378 yards passing and four TDs from Jack Donaghy, the Fords dropped a 35-28 decision to Perkiomen Valley. So, Haverford has two weeks to prepare for the epic Thanksgiving Day showdown with Upper Darby.

Garnet Valley stays at No. 5. The Jags’ season is over after getting blown out by Upper Dublin, 35-3, in the District One Class AAAA first round.

At No. 6 is Marple Newtown. Go ahead, say it. You know you want to…

“It’s about time.”

Interboro drops to No. 7 after losing to Great Valley in the District One Class AAA quarters. The Bucs played fairly well but couldn’t close the deal. They’ll get ready for Ridley (which has lost three in a row) on Thanksgiving.

Super 7: Week 11

1. Haverford School (9-0)

2. Academy Park (10-0)

3. Haverford (9-1)

4. Upper Darby (9-1)

5. Garnet Valley (7-3)

6. Interboro (8-2)

7. Episcopal Academy (6-3)

Under Consideration: Marple Newtown (8-2), Radnor (6-4), Springfield (6-4).

And still nothing has changed…

Haverford School destroyed Germantown Academy (7-2) to stay unbeaten going into Episcopal Academy Day Saturday afternoon.

AP rallied to beat Interboro, 7-6. The Knights are the No. 1 seed in the District One AAA tournament and will host Springfield in the opening round. (Full preview of district playoffs in Friday’s Daily Times.)

Haverford rolled Lower Merion. Upper Darby stormed back from a two-touchdown deficit at halftime to beat Garnet Valley in a thriller. CAN WE PLEASE JUST PLAY THE THANKSGIVING GAME NOW???

(But seriously, Haverford and UD have home District One AAAA playoff games this Friday night. Garnet Valley is on the road against Upper Dublin.)

The teams that lost didn’t move a Super 7 square inch this week. Those were quality defeats … if there is such a thing.

Episcopal Academy squeaked by Springside Chestnut Hill, 17-12. I considered putting Springfield in the No. 7 spot this week, but the Cougars lost to Marple Newtown and Radnor this season, so on second thought, that would have made no sense. .

This is the final Super 7 until early December when All-Delco is published.

I’ll post District One tourney match ups and stat leaders later this week. Standings have been updated, too.

Remember to read us at PaPrepLive.com for full coverage and follow us on Twitter for updates on game nights. @DTMattSmith and @DelcoSports.

Super 7: Week 10

1. Haverford School (8-0)

2. Academy Park (9-0)

3. Haverford (8-1)

4. Upper Darby (8-1)

5. Garnet Valley (7-2)

6. Interboro (8-1)

7. Episcopal Academy (5-3)

Under Consideration: Marple Newtown (7-2), Ridley (6-3).

For the first time this year, there are no changes to the Super 7.

Haverford School and Academy Park both continue to dominate. The Fords have won 17 in a row going back to last year.

Haverford and Upper Darby keep the Central League championship narrative in play for Thanksgiving morning, but the Royals have to get past Garnet Valley this Friday night. It’s a fun time to be a Delco football fan with both GV-UD and Interboro-Academy Park on the slate for Week 10. If you can get out to one of those games, you should.

Interboro, which won its eighth in a row, can capture the Del Val League title with a win over the Knights. Easier said than done, as Academy Park has allowed 41 points all year — or one less point than No. 7 Episcopal Academy gave up Saturday afternoon in its loss to Penn Charter.

Should EA remain in the Super 7 after three consecutive losses? It’s a fair question. But I think it’s unfair to judge EA against the other “bubble teams” in the county, which have played an easier league schedule. No offense to Marple Newtown, which got back in the win column following back-to-back losses, or Ridley, which saw its postseason hopes dissipate with a loss at home to Haverford, but there’s no comparison: the Inter-Ac League is one of the best leagues in Southeastern Pa.

If you put EA in the Central League (a crazy hypothetical, I know), they would be no worse than 7-1 or 8-1.

So, here’s to one final great weekend of football before the postseason starts. Enjoy.

Super 7: Week 9

1. Haverford School (7-0)

2. Academy Park (8-0)

3. Haverford (7-1)

4. Upper Darby (7-1)

5. Garnet Valley (5-2)

6. Interboro (7-1)

7. Episcopal Academy (5-2)

Under Consideration: Marple Newtown (6-2), Ridley (6-2).

Whoops.

That’s all I should have to say for last week’s Super 7 mishap. It appears that I had underestimated Haverford School just a bit by removing it from its season-long reign as Super 7 champs.

To recap: My “logic” in bumping Haverford School from the top spot was sound… or so I thought. The Fords had to scratch and claw just to beat Penn Charter. While the Fords won in a slugfest, 41-40, I had doubts about the Fords’ defense. I said to myself, “If they can’t keep PC off the scoreboard, how in the world are they going to beat Malvern??” Not to mention, several weeks earlier, Interboro (which had not been in the Super 7), claimed a 17-14 victory over Penn Charter. How could the No. 1 team in the county give up 40 points to a team that a non-Super 7 team held to 17 points?

Boy, was I wrong.

I saw a Haverford School team Saturday afternoon that looked reinvented. Defense has been the issue most of the year, but the Fords dominated Malvern. I saw a team that hit harder than any high school football team I’ve covered in years. It helped that linebacker Mickey Kober, All-Inter-Ac League and second-team All-Delco a year ago, was back in action after sitting out the previous week. But from start to finish, the Fords were in control. They looked great in all facets. I left Malvern convinced that Haverford School was the best team we have. A case could be made that Haverford School is the No. 1 team in the entire area.

So, with all due respect to Academy Park, which once again pummeled another opponent (33-0 over Glen Mills), The Haverford School is the No. 1 team in Delco. And, honestly, I don’t see the Fords leaving their perch unless they trip up. But after what I witnessed Saturday… well, good luck, Inter-Ac League. You’re going to need it.

Haverford High and Upper Darby stay neck-and-neck at Nos. 3 and 4. I am excited for the prospect of those two battling it out on Thanksgiving morning for the Central League championship. HOWEVER, Garnet Valley (No. 5) might have something to say about that when the Jaguars meet the Royals next weekend. We still could have tri-champions in the Central League.

Interboro and Episcopal Academy switch spots this week. The Bucs continue to impress, winning their seventh in a row. I anticipate their game with Academy Park in two weeks will be for all the marbles in the Del Val.

I feel bad for EA. I don’t think the Churchmen deserve to be on the Super 7 bubble, but that’s where they find themselves after a tough loss to Germantown Academy (27-24) Saturday morning. You could make a strong case for Ridley, which has won four in a row. The Green Raiders put their season on the line Friday night against Haverford.

Boy, these next two weeks should be fun.

Super 7: Week 8

1. Academy Park (7-0)

2. Haverford School (6-0)

3. Haverford High (6-1)

4. Upper Darby (6-1)

5. Garnet Valley (5-2)

6. Episcopal Academy (5-1)

7. Interboro (6-1)

Under Consideration: Marple Newtown (6-1), Ridley (5-2).

We have a new No. 1…

Academy Park takes the top spot from The Haverford School.

Why is this?

The Knights have dominated all year, outscoring (admittedly) much weaker competition, 256-33. However, the weak schedule, up to this point, doesn’t and shouldn’t belie how good the Knights are and can be.

Academy Park earned its fourth shutout of the season, a 24-0 victory over Chichester. Meanwhile, Haverford School survived a serious scare from Penn Charter, winning in three overtimes, 41-40. Penn Charter, you might recall, fell to Interboro, 17-14.

Which is the more complete team, AP or Haverford School? That’s hard to say. I’d take the Fords’ dynamic offensive over the Knights’, but defensively, there’s no arguing that the Knights are better.

While AP has one more game played under its belt, there is no question the Fords have played the stiffer schedule.  I don’t think proof is necessary, but here goes:

Haverford School’s Opponents’ Record (Games Played): 18-22

Academy Park’s Opponents’ Record (Games Played): 17-30

The only team the Knights have played on their level was Lansdale Catholic, which was dealt a 21-7 loss. Consequently, AP scored its fewest points of the season in the LC game (21).  It could be argued the only team that can threaten the Knights’ undefeated record before the start of district playoffs is Interboro.

Haverford School has played Del Val Charter, Archbishop Ryan and West Catholic, each of whom could give the Knights a real test. But the Fords lost some points for last week’s result, despite missing key starters on both sides of the ball. And while the Knights haven’t faced the same pressure, they deserve to take the No. 1 spot for the time being.

Moving on…

Haverford High stays at No. 3 after a lopsided win against Penncrest. Upper Darby moves to the No. 4 spot. I’m having a tough time determining which is better, Haverford or Upper Darby. I really hope the Delco football Gods have something special in store Thnaksgiving morning…

Garnet Valley remains at No. 5. The Jags and UD play on the final weekend of the regular season.

Episcopal Academy couldn’t keep up with Malvern, which is the best team I’ve seen all year. I think UD and Garnet Valley should be ranked ahead of the Churchmen, thus the two-spot drop off this week.

Finally, Interboro makes its Super 7 season debut, winning six in a row. The Bucs bump Ridley out of the rankings for this week, even though Ridley has won three in a row. Interboro has shown it deserves to mentioned among the top-7 teams in the county, so … here they are.

Super 7: Week 7

Isaiah Bruce has been a huge part to No. 5 Upper Darby’s 5-1 start. Bruce is the first Delco running back to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark this season.
(Special to the Times / ERIC HARTLINE)

1. Haverford School (5-0)

2. Academy Park (6-0)

3. Haverford (5-1)

4. Episcopal Academy (5-0)

5. Upper Darby (5-1)

6. Garnet Valley (4-2)

7. Ridley (4-2)

Under Consideration: Interboro (5-1), Marple Newtown (6-0), Radnor (4-2)

Some more shuffling this week.

The top two teams (Haverford School, Academy Park) remain entrenched in the Nos. 1-2 spots. For the first time this year (arguably) the Fords were tested for all four quarters, but managed to persevere and come out with a 29-22 victory over Father Judge.

Academy Park cruised to a 49-7 victory over Penn Wood.  AP should be undefeated when it plays Interboro on the final Friday of the regular season. That’s shaping up to be a classic battle for the Del Val League championship.

Haverford High makes the biggest leap this week to No. 3. The Fords swap spots with Garnet Valley, whom they defeated Saturday night, 29-21. It truly was a historic victory for the Haverford program, which is one of three teams that are undefeated in the league (Marple and Upper Darby).

It could be argued that Episcopal Academy, No. 4, should be ahead of Haverford High. The Churchmen looked impressive off a bye week, defeating Conwell-Egan in blowout style, as they get set for a huge Inter-Ac League opener against Malvern Prep, which has a stunning win over St. Joe’s Prep on its resume.

Upper Darby stays put at No. 5 after a thrilling win over Conestoga, 25-22. Episcopal defeated Conestoga back in Week 2 by double digits, so you could point to common opponents and final score and all that stuff.

Garnet Valley falls from No. 3 to No. 6. Ridley rounds out the Super 7 after the Green Raiders took care of business against Lower Merion.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Interboro and Marple Newtown deserve to be in the Super 7, but not at the expense of Garnet Valley and Ridley.

Super 7: Week 6

1. Haverford School (4-0)

2. Academy Park (5-0)

3. Garnet Valley (4-1)

4. Upper Darby (4-1)

5. Haverford High (4-1)

6. Episcopal Academy (4-0)

7. Ridley (3-2)

Under Consideration: Interboro (4-1), Marple Newtown (5-0), Radnor (3-2).

Not much has changed from this week. Yes, Ridley is still in there. No, Marple Newtown and Interboro are not, but rest assured both teams are very deserving. If this was the Crazy 8 or Nasty 9, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

To recap the (rainy, bitter, raw) weekend it was:

The Haverford School, off a bye week, destroyed Penn Wood, 41-6. The Fords are very clearly the No. 1 team and that’s that.

Academy Park continues to maul every team that steps in its path, and when it’s all said and done, the Knights could be the No. 1 team in the county. AP toasted Cardinal O’Hara, 43-0, and has now outscored its opponents, 183-26. That’s wild.

Garnet Valley could be the hottest team in Delco. The Jaguars are playing incredible football, winners of four in a row after dispatching Springfield, 34-18. This week: Haverford High. Should be a good one.

Upper Darby moves from No. 5 to No. 4. Sure, they were expected to win big over Penncrest (and they did), but I see a team that can win a Central League title. They host Conestoga this week and still have games against Garnet Valley (Nov. 6) and Haverford (Thanksgiving). Wouldn’t it be something if one of those games determines the Central League title…

Speaking of Haverford, the Fords jump a spot to No. 5 after a dominating win over winless Strath Haven. The Fords are another team that seems to be clicking on all cylinders.

Through no fault of its own, Episcopal Academy falls two spots to No. 6. The Churchmen are set to play Conwell-Egan this weekend following a bye.

And, finally…Ridley. OK, so the consensus is the Green Raiders probably shouldn’t be in the Super 7, but they earned a hard-fought win against a good Radnor team last weekend following back-to-back losses. Whether they are actually better than unbeaten Marple Newtown or 4-1 Interboro, that debate can go on and on. For now, I think they are (slightly) better, so Ridley hangs on for another week.