Football: Garnet Valley’s defense has final say against Ridley

CONCORD — While the Garnet Valley defense seems to be in midseason form after three games, the offense remains a work in progress. That was abundantly clear during portions of Friday night’s Central League battle with Ridley.

The Jaguars emerged victorious, 21-14, in a contest highlighted by great defensive performances. Ultimately, though, the onus was on the Garnet Valley offense to win the game.

The Jaguars were able to overcome their struggles.

Derrick West broke off a 33-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to put Garnet Valley (2-1, 2-0 Central) ahead by two touchdowns. Earlier, when the Jags were looking for a spark, receiver and kicking specialist Jacob Buttermore took a pitch from quarterback Steve Flanagan and dashed 33 yards to paydirt.

The consistency was missing, but the big-play capability was evident.

“I was really proud of the offense’s resiliency,’ coach Mike Ricci said. “We made some mistakes that are atypical of us. But when we had to make the big play at the end of the game, we did.’

West was the man that ensured the Jaguars’ second straight victory. The running back finished with a game-high 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

“Tight end Tom Cleary made a fantastic block, and I took it from there,’ he said of the touchdown. “Our offense never quit. We kept working hard and made sure we went out there and kept fighting.’

The defense did the rest. Garnet Valley linebacker Tom Hourican and linemen Joey Granahan and Tim Bradley led a fierce effort by the Jags, who limited the Green Raiders (1-2, 0-2) to 154 yards of offense until Ridley’s final possession of the game.

“Ridley came to play like we knew they were going to. They were focused, they were intense and played awesome defense tonight,’ Ricci said. “I also thought we played awesome defense tonight. It was a great, physical battle and it came right down to the wire. You can’t ask for anything more than that in a high school football game.’

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