Delco Football Back on Normal Track?

By Joe Stokes

The second week of Delaware County High School football featured the defeat of several pre season favorites. However week three might be considered the return of the favorites.

The following Delaware County Sports.Com top twenty found week three victories. Number three Cardinal O’Hara survived a 14-12 challenge from Catholic League rival West Catholic. The Lions playing their first game at their new home at Widener University’s Quick field found West Catholic more than a good match. West Catholic out gained O’Hara 284 to 198 total yards but failed on both extra point attempts to provide the Lions with this slim victory.

The Central League saw two big matchups in week three. Number eight ranked Strath Haven faced fifth ranked Ridley at muggy George L. King Field in Wallingford. The Panthers jumped to a 14 point lead in the first seven minutes of the game and the Ridley Green Raiders never found solid footing after this early game shock. Strath Haven’s Jared Bradley once again led the way with 187 yards on 28 carries. The victory not only keeps the Panthers (2-1) in the running for AAA playoff consideration but avenges last year’s 20-3 drubbing at the hands of these same Green Raiders.

Conestoga ranked number seven last week relied on defense to hold on to a 7-0 victory over an inspired Penncrest squad. The only score of the night was a thirty-two yard TD strike from Leroi Leviston to Dwuann Clark late in the first half. The Penncrest Lions had no magic left after last week’s last minute victory over Springfield and fell to their first defeat of the season.

In other notable games number nineteen Upper Darby continued its winning ways with a hard fought victory over a stubborn group of Marple Newtown Tigers. The Royals relied on running back Simoni Marco-Lawrence and kicker Dan Dibona for the only scores on the night. Meanwhile the Upper Darby defense held the Tigers to just 63 total yards and a shut out on the scoreboard.

In addition to the ranked teams up and coming Haverford High School scored an impressive 34-7 victory over Lower Merion while Interboro returned to its normal winning ways with a 33-14 over Council Rock South.

Next week features a clash of the undefeated Upper Darby Royals at Conestoga while Strath Haven hosts Radnor and Ridley faces Penncrest in other Central League action.

Meanwhile Cardinal O’Hara travels to Father Judge and Archbishop Carrol faces Archbishop Wood in Catholic League Action.