Springfield has to make sure not to overlook Paoletti, MN

With three weeks left in the regular season, drama is building in the Central League.

Garnet Valley (7-0) and Springfield (7-0) will meet next week in what could be the game that decides the championship. The Jaguars should have little trouble with Harriton this week, but the Cougars face a far tougher challenge on the road against Marple Newtown (4-3). The Tigers gave the Jaguars everything they could handle in a 34-31 loss last Friday.

Elsewhere, the Del Val League heats up as Academy Park (4-2) hosts Glen Mills (2-4) and Chichester (3-3) travels to Penn Wood (5-2) Friday night. Interboro (3-4) will look to reach the .500 mark Saturday morning at Chester (2-5).

Here is breakdown of the top-five games to watch this weekend: 10 carries.

The Eagles have won two of their last three games, including a 30-3 rout of Bishop McDevitt last week. Star running back Patrick Garwo amassed 177 yards and three touchdowns.

Ja’Den McKenzie rushed for two TDs and Jack Psenicska was 4-for-4 for 66 yards and two touchdowns as the Cougars made quick work of Harriton last week, 42-8. Geo Dotscias came off the bench to add a TD run.

This is the first of three consecutive road challenges for the Cougars, who are No. 2 in the Super 7. After Marple Newtown, the No. 2-ranked Cougars travel to Garnet Valley (7-0) and Haverford (6-1) to wrap up the regular season.

The Tigers showed plenty of fight in a 34-31 loss to undefeated Garnet Valley. AllDelco quarterback Anthony Paoletti threw for 252 yards and a pair of touchdowns to wide receiver Dash Dulgerian (six catches, 170 yards). Marlon Weathers amassed 119 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. In the loss to Garnet Valley, Paoletti became the county’s career passing leader, surpassing his head coach, Chris Gicking. their first night game of the year at Kerr Field. They are riding a five-game winning streak as the No. 5-ranked team in the county. Kennedy Poles hauled in three catches for 123 yards and two TDs in the Patriots’ 2014 win at Glen Mills.

The Royals could be the most underrated team in Delaware County. Last Friday they posted their fourth consecutive win with a 34-7 rout of Penncrest. During their winning streak the Royals are averaging 37.8 points per game. Senior quarterback Josh Gouch threw for 146 yards and a score and ran for 108 yards and two TDs. Senior running back Quaran Davis chipped in with 60 yards on eight carries and a TD.

The Panthers pummelled Conestoga, 44-7, for their second straight victory. Zack Hussein ran for 102 yards and two TDs, while Ethan Belville scored on a 46-yard fumble return.

The Churchmen were plagued by penalties in their loss at Salesianum (Del.), 2820. Maurcus McDaniel threw for 160 yards and two scores, and added 84 yards on the ground. DeeWil Barlee ran for 130 yards and a TD.

Springside Chestnut Hill saw its four-game winning streak fall by the wayside with a 25-24 loss to Northeast High. Ke’Shawn Williams is an exciting talent at wide receiver for the Blue Devils, averaging 17.4 yards per reception with two touchdown catches. ww