Football: Ridley-Garnet Valley has become quite a rivalry

The birth of the Ridley-Garnet Valley rivalry can be traced to Oct. 31, 2008.

The Jaguars were in their inaugural season as a Central League program. A team with a recent history of success including District One and Eastern Pennsylvania Class AAA championships in 2006-07, they were looking to make a statement against the winningest program in Delaware County.

“It was a year after we had won in the Class AAA playoffs and Ridley had a deep run the year before in the AAAA playoffs. The first year we met, I remember we were both undefeated, it was Halloween night, and it was a phenomenal atmosphere,’ GV coach Mike Ricci said. “From that time on, I think the rivalry has steadily intensified.’

The Jaguars pulled off a 41-28 victory and clinched the Central League title that night behind players like Tim Keyser, who was the 2008 Daily Times Player of the Year, and All-Delco Paul Dunn.

For years, Ridley and Strath Haven had dominated the Central League, but Garnet Valley’s inclusion changed everything. Since 2008, the Jaguars have won four league crowns to Ridley’s three and Strath Haven’s one.

Garnet Valley and Ridley have alternated winning titles since 2011. Friday’s showdown at Moe DeFrank Stadium (7 p.m. kickoff) marks the eighth meeting between the teams.

“There has been some great games that have come down to the wire,’ Ricci said. “There’s a great environment from both communities every time we’ve played them. It’s been a lot of fun to prepare for and to play a program like Ridley.’

The Jaguars, who vanquished the Green Raiders by 29 points at Phil Marion Field last fall, hold a 5-2 advantage in the series. Both teams enter play 1-1 overall. ‘