Upper Darby’s big win creates better playoff slots for Central League

By Joe Stokes

The seventh week of the 2005 Delaware County High School football season once again was disrupted by a wet Friday. The featured game of the week between Central League rivals Upper Darby and Strath Haven was played Monday night in perfect weather conditions.

The Royals finally found a way to beat Strath Haven for the first time since 1995. Simoni Marco Lawrence scored three big touchdowns and a missed extra point in overtime made the difference in this 27-26 thriller in Wallingford.

The playoff and Central League picture is beginning to clear with Upper Darby jumping into AAAA playoff contention in 7^th place out of an eight team District One field. The Royal victory Monday night puts Upper Darby in a solid second to undefeated Conestoga in the League championship race.

Although Strath Haven suffered its second loss of the season a AAA playoff slot remains in reach. The Panthers find themselves in 6^th place in a four team District One field. However several teams ahead of them face difficult contests in the next few weeks. Chichester faces Academy Park and Interboro while the Bok & Ben Franklin loser will certainly drop down the playoff list.

If Strath Haven can defeat Lower Merion, Springfield and Penncrest it appears they have a great shot at returning to the playoffs after a one year absence.

Conestoga looks like a AAAA playoff lock and Upper Darby victories over Penncrest, Ridley and Penn Wood would allow them a first time entry into the post season.

Plenty of great football left with Delaware County teams racing to the end of another great season.