Football: All Delco

The following Central League players were named to the All Delco teams.

First Team

Adrian Sapnas, Marple Newtown: No player gained more critical acclaim on a weekly basis as Sapnas, the county’s leading rusher for 2014. It was an amazing year for the senior, who broke Marple Newtown’s single-season and career rushing records. It’s hard to believe how great Sapnas truly was considering he was the Tigers’ featured running back for less than two seasons. This year, Sapnas finished with 2,094 yards, the fourth-best output in county history. His career total of 2,993 yards bested that of former Tiger Matt Moccia, who rushed for 2,900 yards from 2003-05. Sapnas enjoyed his best game on the final week of the season, going off for 304 yards and four touchdowns against Chichester. Sapnas led all county players (non-quarterbacks) with 24 touchdowns.

Abel Hoff, Marple Newtown: Hoff proved to be one of the top receivers in the county despite his dimunitive frame (5-9). On the final night of the season, he caught eight passes for 78 yards and three touchdowns to become the county’s single-season record holder with 70 receptions, breaking a 24-year-old mark set by Ridley’s Devon Preston (69). Hoff also excelled in the defensive secondary and on punt returns for the Tigers. With Sapnas out of the picture, Hoff will be the Tigers’ top weapon in 2015.

Nick Costello, Haverford: As the Fords enjoyed an eight-win campaign and advanced to the District One Class AAAA playoffs for the second time in three years, Costello emerged as a top-flight wide receiver in a league loaded with standouts at the position. The 6-5, 205-pound senior was a terror in man-to-man coverage. He ended his scholastic career with a spectacular three-touchdown performance in a win over Upper Darby on Thanksgiving morning. For the year, Costello with 751 yards and a county-best 11 touchdowns.

Alex Andersen, Radnor: When Andersen first came to Radnor, coach Tom Ryan knew he had someone special at his disposal. Prior to 2014, Andersen, a two-way lineman and All-Central League honoree, gave his verbal commitment to University of Penn. The 6-2, 270-pounder is another in a long list of Radnor linemen to have continued their careers at the Division I and Division 1-AA levels. He will enroll at Penn’s Wharton School of Business.

Jonah Jackson, Penncrest: There are linemen in Delaware County, and there are special players such as Jackson. Put simply, the 6-4, 290-pound Jackson was a beast for the Lions, who finished an otherwise disappointing year (3-7) with two consecutive victories. Despite the team’s struggles, Jackson flashed his immense talent on a weekly basis and was the anchor on both the offensive and defensive line. On defense, Jackson registered 39 tackles and four sacks. Jackson, who will continue his career at Rutgers, was selected to the All-Central League team for a second straight yet.

Brian Allen, Springfield: The senior quarterback earned All-Delco honors as an all-purpose performer due in large part to his versatility at the position. A dual threat, Allen helped guide the Cougars to the District One Class AAA final and the program’s first Central League title in 20 years. He became the county’s first 1,000-yard passer and rusher in at least 15 years, while finishing fifth in the county with a passing efficiency rating of 128.19. He threw for 1,248 yards and 16 touchdowns while running for 1,024 yards and 12 scores.

Brian Layden, Springfield: Layden’s 2014 season defied logic. The senior’s diminutive frame suggests he would have been best served as a shifty running back or slot receiver. Maybe those who faced him underestimated the 5-9, 155-pounder’s ability to dominate on the defensive line. As the team’s every down nose guard, Layden made the Central League’s biggest and baddest offensive linemen look downright silly. As the Cougars developed the county’s best defense, Layden was in the middle of all the action, exceeding expectations and taking names. It’s believed that Layden posted the most sacks by a Delco player in at least the last 20 years, when the sack stat became popular. He registered 21 sacks, the most since Penn Wood All-Delco and current Baylor University standout Shawn Oakman posted 17 in 2009. Layden, who doubled as Springfield’s starting center, earned All-Central League honors.

Mike Cropper, Ridley: For two years, Cropper was a force at defensive end for the Green Raiders, routinely finding a way to disrupt plays in the backfield. He helped fuel a resurgent Ridley defense in 2014 that limited the opposition to fewer than 100 rushing yards on eight occasions. His exploits helped enable the Green Raiders to an 8-3 record, including a 9-8 victory over Interboro on Thanksgiving morning. While Ridley failed to win a Central League title and make the District One Class AAAA tournament for the second straight year, Cropper was a standout performer every step of the way. His performance in 2014 resulted in All-Central League honors.

Joey Granahan, Garnet Valley: The senior defensive end bested his All-Delco season in 2013. Granahan broke his individual team record for most sacks in a season (nine) with 11 this year. With Granahan leading the way, the Jaguars posted a program-best 33 sacks in a season. A two-time All-Central League performer, Granahan finished second on the team in tackles with 85. As the Jaguars claimed eight wins and advanced to the second round of the District One Class AAAA playoffs, Granahan’s play helped enable the Jags to rank among the top defensive units in the county.

Diego Zubieta, Penncrest: It’s easy to marvel at Zubieta’s ability. All one needs to do is check out his Hudl highlight package, and it’s no wonder why Zubieta was regarded as one of the best linebackers in the Central League in back-to-back seasons. In 2014, he emerged as one of the four best in Delaware County. The 5-11, 195-pound senior posted 11 tackles, four sacks, one interception and five pass deflections. Even though the Lions defense had trouble sustaining success, Zubieta was all over the field, making plays. Prior to the season, Zubieta committed to Monmouth University.

Dario Falcone, Radnor: The junior middle linebacker may have surprised some people, as he played for a Radnor team that finished 5-7 and well out of the hunt for the Central League title. Falcone, though, was a gem. He has one of the fastest motors in the county and is a walking, breathing playmaker. As the season progressed, Falcone became one of the county’s blossoming talents. While Falcone’s preferred sport is lacrosse, he is garnering interest from Ivy League programs for his exploits on the gridiron. He ended the 2014 season with 111 tackles and six sacks in 11 games, including 17 in the finale against Lower Merion.

Connor Faith, Garnet Valley: Faith’s influence on the team cannot be measured by his final statistics, which are not overwhelming. He produced a fine statistical season, but his value to the Jaguars went above and beyond his numerical output. Jaguars coach Mike Ricci raved about Faith’s play and leadership qualities, as he was a key cog on a very good Garnet Valley defense that held the opposition to two touchdowns or fewer on nine occasions. A standout in both run and pass coverage, Faith finished with 52 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and four pass deflections.

Kevin White, Upper Darby: A two-time All-Delco cornerback, there was no better player at his position in the Central League, and it’s easy to make a case that White was the top DB in the county over the last two years. It would be unfair to look at White’s interception total (three) and make a conclusion on his 2014 season. More often than not, White blanketed opposing teams’ No. 1 wide receivers and there were five games when quarterbacks chose not to test his coverage skills altogether. White was the definition of a lockdown receiver for a Royals team that produced a 6-6 record this season. White, an All-Central League selection, posted more than 30 tackles and logged 13 pass deflections and was a steady producer on punt returners.

Lucas Spence, Springfield: Spence’s immense athletic ability led to him becoming one of the top all-around defensive backs in Delaware County. He flourished on defense and was an occasional asset in the passing game. An All-Central League honoree, Spence notched a county-high six interceptions on a Cougars defense that thrived at taking the ball away. Spence and fellow defensive backs Mike Fleagle and Pat Smyth combined for 15 picks this season. A two-sport All-Delco and All-Central League selection, Spence is a standout attackman for the Cougars’ lacrosse team. He’s committed to play lacrosse at Lehigh University.

Ryan Dougherty, Ridley: The senior captain developed into one of the top linebackers in the county and led a Ridley defense that bounced back in a big way following a down year in 2014. Dougherty’s versatility and athleticism allowed him to flourish as a middle and outside linebacker. Ridley was an extremely aggressive defensive team, and Dougherty often caused havoc in the backfield. One of the fastest LBs in the county, Dougherty led a defense that allowed an average of 2.2 yards per carry and held teams to negative yardage on three occasions. Dougherty was also Green Raiders’ punter. An All-Central League selection, Dougherty is the younger brother of former Ridley standout and All-Delco linebacker, Shane Dougherty.

Second Team

Jack Donaghy, Haverford QB Jr.

Derrick West, Garnet Valley RB Jr.

Anthony Myers, Strath Haven RB Sr.

Tom Cleary, Garnet Valley TE Sr.

John DiPasquale, Garnet Valley OL Sr.

Scott Rucci, Upper Darby OL Sr.

Evan Boyce, Haverford SP Jr.

Dan Archibong, Springfield DL Jr.

Sam Romanofsky, Haverford DL Sr.

Kevin Maloney, Haverford LB Sr.

Paul Somaru, Strath Haven DB Sr.

Mike Fleagle, Springfield DB Sr.

Jack Diggory, Garnet Valley DB Sr.

Steve Palis, Garnet Valley DB Sr.

Honorable Mention

Quarterbacks: Steve Flanagan (Garnet Valley); Marcus Weathers (Marple Newtown); Dan Fisher (Penncrest); Jake Hoffman (Ridley); Christoff Minott (Upper Darby).

Running Backs: John Kim (Haverford); Dasantae Callis (Ridley); Malik Young (Ridley); Colin Braconnier (Springfield); Isaiah Bruce (Upper Darby).

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Dan Boyle (Haverford); Zane Horne (Penncrest); Bob McCafferty (Penncrest); Quideer Wimes (Springfield); Amadou Barry (Upper Darby); Vince Coll (Upper Darby);

Offensive Linemen: Jake Arters (Garnet Valley); Shane Stabinski (Garnet Valley); Kyle Kelly (Marple Newtown); Luke Lozowicki (Marple Newtown); John Lord (Radnor); Pat Najmola (Ridley); Jesse Lesher (Ridley); Matt Cella (Springfield); Peter Deeb (Strath Haven); Madhat Fares (Upper Darby);

All-Purpose/Specialists: Zach Nelson (Garnet Valley); George Lambritsios (Marple Newtown); Shane Breckenridge (Penncrest); Jack Wilson (Radnor); Alex Bratsis (Strath Haven); Nick Milone (Strath Haven)

Defensive Linemen:Ryan Donegan (Garnet Valley); Vince Ciavardelli (Marple Newtown); Noah Turner (Marple Newtown); Justin Fremont (Strath Haven); Nataar Henderson (Upper Darby)

Linebackers: Tom Hourican (Garnet Valley); Jack Farrell (Haverford); Gino DiCamillo (Marple Newtown); Tre Hinchey (Ridley); Todd Parker (Ridley); Ricky Sterling (Springfield)

Defensive Backs: Ethan Samel (Haverford); Carmen Christina (Marple Newtown); Jon Sklar (Radnor); Christian Dunn (Ridley); Gene Gibbons (Ridley); Pat Smyth (Springfield); Calvin Fielding (Upper Darby); Rociado Jennings (Upper Darby).