Bucs look to derail AP’s title express
Sole possession of first place in the Del Val League is at stake when Academy Park travels to the South Avenue Athletic Complex to face Interboro. Springfield looks to remain undefeated at home against Garnet Valley. You can read more about that big Central League clash in this week’s Football Friday feature.
With that in mind, here are five games to watch in Delco this weekend:
Friday
Academy Park (8-0) at Interboro (7-1), 7
Nobody should be surprised that this is the game of the year in the Del Val League. While the Knights seek their fourth conference title in five years, the Bucs are looking to claim their first Del Val crown since 2009.
Dazhon Miller had three touchdown runs and Jermal Martin had an interception as well as a kick return for touchdowns in AP’s dominating win over Penn Wood last week.
The Bucs eked out an 8-0 triumph over Glen Mills last Thursday. Nate Murtha found Connor Adams in the end zone for an 18-yard scoring connection in the fourth quarter.
The Knights haven’t lost to the Bucs since the 2012 District One Class AAA semifinal round. Last year the Knights rallied late in regulation to earn a 7-6 decision over the Bucs. Radnor (3-5) at Strath Haven (3-5), 7:30
You may be asking yourself why a pair of Central League teams with losing records merits “game to watch” recognition. The answer is simple: playoff implications.
In years past the Raiders and Panthers would likely be playing out the string, but with the PIAA classification expansion many 5A clubs, including these two, still have postseason hopes. Strath Haven and Radnor are in 13th and 14th place, respectively, in this week’s district power rankings update. The top 16 teams quality for the district tournament. Germantown Academy (5-1) at Episcopal Academy (6-0), 7
The Inter-Ac League kicked off its schedule with a few nail-biters. The Churchmen were triumphant over Malvern Prep thanks to a game-ending field goal by Connor Ringwalt. Quarterback CJ McAnally threw for three touchdowns and tight end Kyle Virbitsky had three receptions for 113 yards and two scores.
Meanwhile GA defeated Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in overtime, 16-13. Mike Reilly caught the winning touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle McCloskey, who has thrown for 772 yards and 10 TDs. GA has reeled off five consecutive wins.
Saturday
Glen Mills (3-5) at Chichester (3-4), 1:30
The Bulls couldn’t find the end zone, despite a stellar effort by running back Quadir Gibson, en route to their third straight defeat last week. Despite its recent woes, GM sits in 11th place in the District One 5A standings.
Chichester kept its 5A district playoff dreams alive with an impressive win on the road at Chester. Ishaad Maultsby led the way with three TD runs. The Eagles are clinging to the 16th and final postseason berth. Malvern Prep (3-3) at Haverford School (5-1), 2
The Fords scratched out a 21-20 overtime victory over Penn Charter last Friday. Tommy Toal found Mallik Twyman on a 10-yard wheel right to put the Fords ahead. Malik Geathers and Graham Haabestad thwarted Penn Charter’s fake extra-point attempt later in OT to seal the win for Haverford.
The Fords will be tasked with containing senior running back Zac Fernandez, who rushed for 141 yards in the loss to Episcopal. Backup quarterback Matt Gunther was 16 of 24 passing for 228 yards in relief of starter Kevin Doyle, who was injured in the first half.