Around the League

Around the League

Depth for Jags.

Garnet Valley has joined an expanded Central League, and the Jaguars are being mentioned as contenders without having played a game. That's because of the number of players returning from a team that was the PIAA Class AAA state runner-up.

Seven players on offense and five on defense were on the 13-2 team.

Coach Mike Ricci isn't predicting a championhip for the Jaguars, former members of the Southern Chester County League, but he believes that his team can be very competitive.

"We're prepared to do well if we stay healthy," Ricci said. "It's a very physical league. It's something different and becomes a great measuring stick for our program."

Heading the returnees are fullback Jared Bonacquisti, defensive tackle Nick Garcia, and running back Tim Keyser, all seniors.

Green mystique.

Defending Central League and PIAA District 1 Class AAAA champion Ridley will have a say in the title chase on tradition alone.

The Green Raiders had 17 starters who graduated, but seniors Andrew Pidgeon and Jake Cahill are expected to replace two key losses: quarterback Steve Egee and running back Andrew Hodges. Senior wide receiver Troy Foster adds punch to the team's always-strong passing game.

Cougars' new coach.

Former Downingtown quarterback Dan Ellis takes over the helm at Springfield (Delaware County). He was an assistant at Bayard Rustin last year.

One of the Cougars' big strengths will be at linebacker, where seniors Pat Leehan and Mike Archibald have plenty of experience.

Low numbers.

Harriton makes its return to the Central League after a long absence with only 25 players and no junior varsity program.

The Class AA Rams were members of the league when the school opened but left for the Del-Val League to face schools more their size. The Central League is largely Class AAAA schools.

Coach Matt Barr is counting on senior running back Troy Iskarpatyoti and junior linebacker Nick Maguire to help the team improve on last year's 2-9 mark.

Will Aces halt streak?

Lower Merion will be out to end its two-year winless streak.

"We started a ton of sophomores last season," coach Ed Cubbage said. "They're a year older and wiser now."

Senior Josh Mallin, a 6-1, 195-pound linebacker, will be the Aces' key man on defense. He also plays offensive tackle.

Anderson returns.

Senior Tyler Andersen, Radnor's first 1,000-yard rusher in eight seasons, returns for second-year coach Tom Ryan as the Red Raiders try to improve on last year's 3-7 record.

Ryan installed a wing-T formation last year. Speedy junior Derrick Adger should add to Radnor's running game.

The defense doesn't rest.

Conestoga coach John Vogan says defense will have to carry his team at the beginning of the season. The Pioneers return nine starters on defense, but only three on offense.

Senior linebacker Phil Mariani will lead the defense. It will be up to wide receiver Bryan Barley and running back Ed Parent, both seniors, to get the offense up to speed.

Transfer help.

Senior linebacker/fullback Nick Stephens (6-0, 215), a transfer from league rival Penncrest, should give Marple Newtown a boost, according to coach Ray Giunta.

Senior running back/linebacker Dan Giordano was injured in a scrimmage but is expected to be ready to play in the Tigers' opener tonight against Conestoga.

Royal speedster.

Chris Greene is expected to take over the fullback duties in Upper Darby's run-oriented offense. The 5-10, 180-pound senior covers 40 yards in 4.28 seconds.

Tim Brown, a senior who played tight end last year, will move to wide receiver. He will play outside linebacker on defense.

Fords ready.

After a season in which Haverford High went 8-4 and made the District 1 AAAA playoffs, coach Joe Gallagher believes that his 2008 team can compete with anyone.

Gallagher will rely on a group of seniors headed by defensive back Liam McGrath to back up that claim.

League honors.

Strath Haven senior Dave Alyanakian will try to become an all-Central League choice at linebacker for the third consecutive year.

Alyanakian, also a tight end for the perennial league contenders, and senior offensive guard/defensive end Forrie Miller are expected to lead the Panthers. They host Penncrest tonight in their opener.

Tough way to start.

Former assistant Paul Graham has been named interim head coach at Penncrest. His Lions will face Strath Haven and Garnet Valley in their first two games.

He is counting heavily on four seniors - split end Rick Bailey, running back Tyriq Kershaw, guard Nick Barbereri and center Chris Quintans - to carry the Lions, who were 5-6 last season.

- Don Beideman