Football: Bonner-Prendergast, Upper Darby highlight Week 1 slate

The 2014 regular season begins in earnest Friday night with 12 games involving Delco teams. Opening weekend continues into Saturday with six more contests, three of which take place down the New Jersey shore. Here are five games to watch:

Friday

Bonner-Prendergast at Upper Darby, 7

There is a lot of hype surrounding the Friars this season. After a three-win 2013 campaign and a trip to the Philadelphia Catholic League AAA title game for the third consecutive year, the popular belief is that B-P has the potential to be one of the top programs in Delco. The Friars get to show what they’re made of tonight against neighborhood rival Upper Darby, which is coming off a tremendous 8-4 season and an appearance in the District One Class AAAA playoffs.

It all starts with quarterback Collin DiGalbo, who enters 2014 as arguably the best quarterback in Delaware County and among the top at his position in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Christian DiGalbo — Collin’s twin brother — anchors the offensive line as the team’s starting center. Senior tight end Tyler Higgins is a big target in the passing game. Last year, DiGalbo threw 16 touchdowns and passed for a county-leading 1,658 yards.

The Royals hope to build on 2013’s success with, for the most part, a new cast of characters at several key positions. Christoff Minot gets his first crack behind center replacing All-Delco Chris Rossiter, who passed for 1,400 yards and 19 TDs last fall. Lawrence Bowden takes over for All-Delco Cyrus Barlee as the team’s No. 1 running back.

Upper Darby beat Bonner-Prendie in thrilling fashion on opening night last season, 28-27.

Marple Newtown at Academy Park, 7

The Tigers are one of six teams in Delco with a new coach. Chris Gicking returns to his alma mater following a successful 12-year tenure as an assistant for John Vogan at Conestoga.

The running back position looks to be a big strength for the Tigers, who netted only three wins last fall. Junior Abel Hoff and senior Adrian Sapnas are a potentially very dangerous duo.

MN is tasked with opening the year in Sharon Hill to face the defending District One Class AAA champs. The new-look Knights will start several first-year players including quarterback Allon Ingram, who takes over for All-Delco Brian Ingram. Running backs Jermaine Wesley and Jeremy Dembry hope to fill the void left by Daily Times Player of the Year Jerry Lanier.

The Knights pummeled the Tigers in last year’s opener, 38-7.

Interboro at Springfield, 7

Interboro is looking to reclaim its position as one of the most feared programs in Delco. The Bucs are coming off a 6-5 season that ended with a dominating, 12-0 win over Ridley on Thanksgiving morning. This year’s club will be led by senior quarterback Sean Menold, who is a first-year starter behind center. Mark Everton returns as one of the top receivers in the county.

Springfield could be a wild card in the Central League. Adam Krauter and Brian Allen are integral to the Cougars’ success in 2014. Allen is a top athlete and a dual threat under the center, and Krauter is arguably the top returning linebacker in the county.

The Bucs’ and Cougars’ 2013 seasons ended prematurely in the District One Class AAA playoffs. Last season, Springfield earned a hard-fought 13-7 win at South Avenue Complex.

Ridley at Glen Mills, 7

The Green Raiders and Battlin’ Bulls have met in Week 1 in each of the previous two seasons. Ridley is 2-0 in those meetings. Dennis Decker, who begins his sixth year at the helm of Ridley, is the former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Glen Mills.

After stumbling to a 6-5 record in 2013, Ridley looks to get back to its winning ways this season. Mike Cropper had a fine 2013 season on the defensive line and has the ability to be a tremendous d-end with pass-rushing prowess. Ryan Dougherty is a second-year starter at linebacker and Pat Najmola is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. Tre Hinchey and Jake Hoffman, both seniors, were battling it out for the coveted starting QB position.

Glen Mills is the defending Del Val League champion and came up short in the District One Class AAA title contest against Academy Park.