PA – Central Athletic League | Archive | December, 2016

From fifth grade through his sophomore year at Strath Haven, John Harrar focused on basketball. “I thought I was going to stick with the sport and play it in college,” the 6-foot-8, 230-pound senior said. “But then the coach [longtime Panthers football boss Kevin Clancy] kept bugging me to come out for the team.”

Harrar fared well as a junior defensive end and then, in the recently completed season, was highly impressive as a two-way end. He earned first-team all-Central League honors on both sides of the ball.

“I got stronger physically and learned from the coaches the ins and outs of the game’s technical aspects,” the 17-year-old said. “Now I’m leaning toward playing football in college.”

Tuesday night on the hardwood, Harrar produced 26 points and nine rebounds to spark visiting Strath Haven to a 76-67 triumph over Central League rival Springfield. Harrar has drawn recruiting interest in basketball from Army, Bowling Green, Cornell, Elon, Quinnipiac, and Rider.

“He’s a game-changing athlete,” Strath Haven hoops coach Dave McFadden said. “He’s really good at picking apart a defense. He’s very athletic for a kid his size.”

With Harrar averaging 20 points and 10.4 rebounds, the Panthers are 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the Central League. “We’re on the young side, so we’re still trying to jell as a team,” Harrar said. Last season, McFadden’s first in charge, Strath Haven went 19-5 and lost to Hatboro-Horsham in the first round of the PIAA District 1 Class 4A playoffs.

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Strath Haven’s John Harrar (24).

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Conestoga (16-3-4 overall) finished second in the Central loop, and placed third in the PIAA District One AAAA tournament. Haverford (15-4-1 overall), Harriton (9-7-1), Lower Merion (9-8-1) and Radnor (7-7-3) completed a strong Central League field from the Main Line, as the Fords and Rams qualified for the PIAA District AAAA tournament, and the Red Raiders advanced to the PIAA District AAA tourney.

The All-Main Line high school girls’ soccer teams are selected by the coaches. Because Main Line Media News covers 19 high schools, the Main Line Media News sports staff limits the number of spots available to first team, second team and honorable mention — but follows the priority of coaches’ selections.

The following players from the Central League were named to the All Main Line teams.

FIRST TEAM

Hannah Morgan, Conestoga – Junior center back was runner-up for Central League MVP, was named all-state by the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association, and was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association All-Region team. Was key factor in Pioneers giving up only 15 goals all season, with 10 shutouts. Has committed to play at Providence.
Caitlin Donovan, Conestoga – Freshman forward was a prolific scorer for the Pioneers, was unnanimously voted as Conestoga’s offensive Most Valuable Player, and was called by head coach Ben Wilson, “One of the best natural strikers I have ever seen.”

Filippa Graneld, Harriton – Sophomore center mid was first team All-Central League selection, and tallied 11 goals and dished out seven assists in 17 games. Considered a dynamic player and scoring threat who is able to beat players one-on-one, and is extremely skilled with the ball.
Brianna Blair, Haverford – Senior outside back, a first team All-Delco and All-Central League selection, was the Fords’ MVP, scoring six goals and helping the team earn 14 shutouts. Her long throw-ins were difficult to defend, setting up numerous scoring chances. Will continue her career at Cabrini.
Amelia Durfee, Haverford – Senior forward, a first team All-Delco and All-Central League selection, was the Fords’ offensive MVP, scoring 10 goals and dishing out six assists. Also contributed to the Fords’ sterling defensive record (14 shutouts).
Julia Utkus, Lower Merion – Senior defender and captain, was the Aces’ Most Valuable Player. A first team All-Central League pick, she was moved to center defender this fall and was the anchor and leader of the Lower Merion defense.
Maura Holst, Radnor – Senior midfielder, a first team All-Delco and All-Central League selection, scored 11 goals in 17 games. The Fordham commit and two-time All-Delco selection’s clutch goals late in the season got them into the District One 3A tournament.

SECOND TEAM

Conestoga – Rachel Dirico, junior center mid; Colleen Baldwin, senior goalie.
Harriton – Morgan Rees, junior forward; Reilly Short, sophomore defender.
Haverford – Maddie Santoro, senior center back.
Lower Merion – Lexie Sutton, senior forward; Lily Elman, sophomore forward.
Radnor – Allison Lanzone, senior midfielder.

HONORABLE MENTION
Conestoga – Nia Scott, sophomore forward; Madie French, senior outside mid; Jordan Roe, sophomore center back; Dana Cicchitti, senior outside back.
Harriton – Gabriela Mazzoni, sophomore midfielder; Juliet Milani, senior center back; Ella Milani, senior outside back; Amanda Costa, senior defender.
Lower Merion – Isabelle Kuszyk, sophomore midfielder; Lizzy D’Alonzo, senior midfielder.
Radnor – Annika DeRoos, senior defender.

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

OFFENSE

FIRST TEAM

Anthony Paoletti, Marple Newtown: The junior quarterback became the county’s single-season passing leader by breaking Ridley grad Dennis Decker’s record of 2,737 yards. Paoletti threw for 2,793 yards and 25 touchdowns en route to leading the Tigers to a share of the Central League title for the first time since 1977 and a berth in the District 1 Class 5A semifinals. The All-Central League selection has 4,681 career passing yards, 1,216 short of tying Marple Newtown head coach Chris Gicking’s school and Delco record of 5,897. Paoletti is garnering interest from several programs including Harvard, Columbia, Duke, Boston College, Connecticut, Purdue and Temple.

Cameron Mathes, Marple Newtown: The senior wide receiver, who will play baseball at Villanova, was the lone player from Delaware County to eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving plateau. With 50 catches for 1,027 yards and eight touchdowns, Mathes became the fifth Delco player since 2000 to amass 1,000 receiving yards in a season. He caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime against West Chester East to move the Tigers (11-3) to the District 1 Class 5A championship.

Jordan Mosley, Haverford: The senior wide receiver/linebacker transferred from Bonner & Prendergast and made a sizable impact on a post-Jack Donaghy Fords team that was looking for new stars. Mosley it was. The 6-1, 200-pounder made history in his lone season at Haverford, posting a school-record 996 receiving yards with 51 catches and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, Mosley registered more than 70 tackles with five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception.

Chad Hrivnak, Garnet Valley: The junior lineman was a threat on both sides of the ball for the Jaguars. Garnet Valley coach Mike Ricci said of Hrvinak: “He was our best offensive lineman throughout the year.” Hrvinak was vital in helping the Jaguars average a county-leading 299 rushing yards per game and qualify for the District 1 Class 6A final. The All-Central League selection was outstanding on defense, too, as he racked up 13 sacks, the most by a Garnet Valley player since 2009. With Hrvinak on the field at all times, the Jaguars broke a school record for most points in a season (528) while logging the most team sacks in a season (45) since 2009.

John Sheldon, Ridley: The 6-2, 250-pound senior lineman recently announced his commitment to Robert Morris University. His decision to spend the next four years at RMU comes following a tremendous 2016 campaign. The offensive guard was a menace in the trenches for the Green Raiders, who captured a piece of the Central League championship and returned to the district playoffs. Sheldon opened running lanes for backs Brock Anderson and Malik Young and quarterback Cade Stratton, all of whom gained more than 700 yards on the ground. Ridley’s return to prominence in Delco happened in large part because of players such as Sheldon.

Brock Anderson, Ridley: The senior put together a stellar senior campaign as an all-purpose player. Anderson rushed for 722 yards and six touchdowns for the Green Raiders, who advanced to the quarterfinals of the District 1 Class 6A tournament. In his finale, Anderson scored the game-winning touchdown against Interboro on Thanksgiving. He excelled on defense in the secondary, where he recorded an interception. An All-Central League selection as a punter, Anderson was an exceptional special teams player, posting two touchdowns as a returner. Anderson will play lacrosse at Hofstra.

Jacob Buttermore, Garnet Valley: A top candidate for Player of the Year honors, Buttermore made history at Garnet Valley this season. The senior specialist/all-purpose standout led the Jaguars to the final of the District 1 Class 6A playoffs by shattering the program’s single-season scoring record with 189 points (the previous record was 143). Buttermore rushed for 1,053 yards and 15 touchdowns but did so much more in other areas. As a returner, Buttermore had three touchdowns. He was the team’s primary kicker, converting 51 of 53 extra-point attempts while making four field goals and kicking eight touchbacks. Buttermore will play lacrosse at Syracuse.

SECOND TEAM
RB — Ja’Den McKenzie, Jr., Springfield
WR — Dash Dulgerian, Sr., Marple Newtown
OL — Harrison Doane, Sr., Radnor
OL — Zach Wagner, Sr., Ridley
OL — Alex Yao, Sr., Garnet Valley
SP — Kyran Baker, Jr., Ridley

HONORABLE MENTION

Quarterback: Nick Juliano (Garnet Valley), Jake Ruane (Haverford), Cade Stratton (Ridley), Johnny Fanelli (Springfield), Nate Rimel (Upper Darby).

Running Back: Matt Lassik (Garnet Valley), Marlon Weathers (Marple Newtown), Caleb Mahalik (Penncrest), Zach Newlon (Strath Haven)

Receiver:Chris Trainor (Haverford)

Offensive Line: Joey D’Antonio (Garnet Valley), James Diamond (Marple Newtown), Matt Rigolizzo (Radnor), Jack Hutt (Ridley), Lee Holbert (Strath Haven)

DEFENSE

FIRST TEAM

Rob Monachello, Garnet Valley: It could be argued there was no better player during the Jaguars’ remarkable run to the District 1 Class 6A final. The senior lineman was a terror against the likes of Central Bucks South, Neshaminy and Perkiomen Valley in the District 1 Class 6A tourney. All three teams felt the wrath of Monachello, who led the Jags in tackles with 78 while registering 11 sacks, eight quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. Garnet Valley coach Mike Ricci said of Monachello: “He was virtually unblockable and was an absolute beast throughout the playoffs.”

Justin Shields, Springfield: A stellar player on both sides of the line, the junior was dominant for the Cougars in 2016. Shields brought a nastiness to a Springfield defense that was extremely stingy against the run. With Shields causing havoc, the Cougars allowed more than 18 points in a game only twice and forced 30 turnovers. His play enabled the Cougars to win a share of the Central League title and advance to the District 1 Class 5A final. The All-Central League honoree, as an offensive and defensive lineman, finished with 124 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

Jack Farrell, Haverford: The anchor on a Haverford defense that improved as the season progressed, Farrell makes the All-Delco team for a second year. The senior linebacker had a huge influence on the Fords, who enjoyed a 7-4 season and qualified for the District 1 Class 6A playoffs. While Farrell lacked the interceptions (he was among the best in Delco last season in that category), he remained extremely effective. Farrell registered close to 100 tackles with five forced fumbles and an INT. Coach Joe Gallagher has routinely called Farrell one of the best defensive players he has ever coached.

Ryan Gricco, Ridley: The best linebacker in the Central League — and perhaps in Delaware County — was the top performer on a Green Raiders defense that ranked among the best units in the county. Gricco’s play helped Ridley post an 11-2 record and earn a piece of the Central League title. Gricco, an All-Central League defender who is garnering interest from several college programs, was an intimidating force. A linebacker who can rush the quarterback, stuff the run and excel in pass coverage, Gricco put up amazing numbers, including 115 tackles (18 for loss), 11 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery.

Joe Kennedy, Springfield: A candidate for Player of the Year, the senior all-purpose standout was the MVP of the Cougars. Kennedy was a blanket in the secondary with four interceptions and several pass breakups. He made a larger impact on offense and special teams — he was one of the top return men in the county and one of the best punters. In guiding the Cougars to a share of the Central League title, Kennedy finished among the county leaders in receiving with 55 catches for 809 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had the interception that sealed Springfield’s overtime victory over Ridley, the first win for the Cougars over the Green Raiders in 22 years.

SECOND TEAM
DL — John Harrar, Sr., Strath Haven
DL — Cooper Maas, Sr., Marple Newtown
LB — Dom Bertone, Sr., Garnet Valley
LB — Charlie Coslett, Sr., Garnet Valley
DB — Carmen Christiana, Sr., Marple Newtown
DB — Greg Tamaccio, Sr., Springfield
AP — Malik Young, Sr., Ridley

HONORABLE MENTION

All-Purpose: Nasir Greer (Upper Darby).

Specialist: Reilly Fillman (Marple Newtown), Dan Coary (Springfield), Emmet Young (Strath Haven).

Defensive Line: Joe Thomas (Garnet Valley), Nick DiIorio (Haverford), Mike Miller (Marple Newtown), Kyle Tobin (Marple Newtown), Isaiah Coates (Radnor), Joe Spillman (Ridley), Kevin Deal (Springfield), Derek Strain (Springfield), Obadiah Asare (Upper Darby), Derrick Korboi (Upper Darby)

Linebacker: Shane Donegan (Garnet Valley), Mike Romanofsky (Haverford), Luke Cantwell (Marple Newtown), Kyle Addis (Radnor), Sean Crowley (Ridley), Pat Clemens (Springfield), Dwayne Snipes (Springfield), Dave Strawley (Springfield), Ryan Morris (Strath Haven), Richard Tougeekay (Upper Darby)

Defensive Back: Denny Nealon (Garnet Valley), John Klee (Haverford), Allen Martin (Ridley), Thomas Foster (Strath Haven), Mekhi Hill (Strath Haven), Kalil Brown (Upper Darby).

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Leading the way on the Main Line high school boys’ soccer scene this fall was PIAA Class AAAA state champion Conestoga (25-1), which was ranked fifth in the United States by Top Drawer Soccer at the end of the season (and was ranked first at times during the season). Conestoga was undefeated in the Central League, which featured three other strong Main Line teams – Lower Merion (15-4-4 overall), Radnor (13-7-3 overall, 8-3 Central League) and Haverford High (11-6 overall).

The All-Main Line high school boys’ soccer teams are selected by the coaches. Because Main Line Media News covers 19 high schools, the Main Line Media News sports staff limits the number of spots available to first team, second team and honorable mention — but follows the priority of coaches’ selections.
The following players from the Central League were named to the All Main Line teams.

FIRST TEAM
Nick Jennings, Conestoga – Junior captain was one of only four players in Pennsylvania to receive NSCAA All-American honors. Was extremely verstaile for the state champions, playing center back, attacking and defending midfield, as well as the lone striker up top, scoring eight goals and dishing out 11 assists. Was unanimously selected first team All-Central League, and was an all-state and All-Region selection as well.
Chris Donovan, Conestoga – Junior right wing, a unanimous selection as first team All-Central League, led the PIAA state champions in scoring with 15 goals and seven assists. Played the right wing, and up top as the lone striker, during the season, and scored the game-winning goal for the Pioneers in their 1-0 victory in the PIAA Class AAAA state championship finals.
Blaise Milanek, Conestoga – Senior defensive midfielder and captain, a two-time first team All-Central League selection, was a key factor in the Pioneers’ airtight defense (less than 0.5 goals per game), and delivered some offensive punch as well (three goals, five assist). Has committed to play soccer at Lehigh University next fall.

Alex Kades, Harriton – Sophomore striker and center midfielder, a first team All-Central League pick and the Rams’ MVP, scored 14 goals in 19 games and dished out five assists. Has 20 career goals for Harriton, and will be a team captain as a junior.
Sean Cannon, Haverford High – Senior midfielder, a first team All-Central League selection and first team All-Delco pick, led the Central League with 12 assists, and finished with 13 overall. Provided plenty of scoring punch as well, tallying six goals.

Tim O’Hare, Lower Merion – Sophomore midfielder, a first team All-Central League selection, was the leading scorer on a strong Aces’ team, and led Lower Merion in assists as well. Had a knack for scoring goals at particularly opportune times.
Sebastian Jenkins, Lower Merion – Senior goalie, a first team All-Central League selection, posted 11 shutouts during the season and was a key factor behind Lower Merion’s success this fall. A seasoned goalie who also is a netminder with the nationally-ranked FC Europa U17 Crunch team.

Ben Toomey, Radnor – Senior goalie and tri-captain posted a 1.04 goals-against average in 20 games, and per head coach Joe Carouolo, “he averaged one amazing save per game to keep us in games.” Was Red Raiders’ co-MVP and a second team All-Central Leasgue pick.
Jack Miller, Radnor – Senior forward and tri-captain, a first team All-Central League pick, led strong Red Raiders’ squad in points (16) and assists (nine). Also scored seven goals, many of them timely, during the season.

SECOND TEAM

Conestoga – Mason Miller, senior attacking midfielder/right wing; Gabe Harms, senior defender; Micahel McCarthy, junior defender.
Harriton – Emil Andersen, junior defender.
Haverford High – Josh Cunningham, senior midfielder; Cam Morse, sophomore forward; Wilson Dodds, junior defender.
Lower Merion – Ryan Tillman, senior forward; David Smith, senior center defender; David Novacich, senior left midfielder.
Radnor – Ryan Peter, junior forward; Cal Congleton, senior center back.

HONORABLE MENTION

Conestoga – Logan Schwartz, junior left wing; Will Klein, senior defender; Luke Smith, senior goalie.
Harriton – Evan Tracy, sophomore midfielder; Serhat Sakarcan, junior striker.
Lower Merion – Max Shapiro, junior center midfielder; Alex Moureaud, senior center midfielder; Thomas Podrasky, junior center defender.
Radnor – Ben Verbofsky, sophomore outside back; Andrew Boujoukos, senior midfielder; Phil Regan, senior center back.

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CONCORD >> Go to any high school volleyball match and the odds are you will see at least one young girl, if not more, off to the side either passing the ball to themselves, each other or against the wall. Garnet Valley’s Elizabeth “Lizzie” Herestofa was one of those girls. She would tag along with the family to watch her older sister, Alix, play in middle school and high school. Eventually, the younger Herestofa would find a ball and go off and pass the ball to herself or against the wall. That’s how she was introduced to the sport.

By the time she was in middle school, Lizzie Herestofa was taking the game more seriously. Since her sister, who is her senior by nine years, was a setter, Lizzie figured she would be a setter, too. “It didn’t work out,” Herestofa recalled.

Suddenly, Herestofa was not so sure that volleyball was the sport for her. “I hadn’t found out what I wanted to be, what I was best at in middle school,” Herestofa said. “I was a little unsure of how it was going to turn out for me and then I got into passing and I fell in love with it. That’s where I found reassurance.”

Passing is one of the skills needed to be a libero. So is quickness, intelligence and the ability to dig balls out. Herestofa found a home as a libero — or defensive specialist — and Garnet Valley coach Mark Clark is glad she did. Herestofa’s dominating play on defense enabled the Jaguars to make history as the first girls volleyball team in Delaware County history to win a PIAA championship when the Jaguars upset two-time defending champion Parkland last month to win the Class 4A title.

It also helped Herestofa earn Player of the Year honors from the Daily Times. Joining Herestofa on the All-Delco team, which was selected by the Daily Times sports staff after consultation with county coaches, are teammates Gabby Davis and Sydney Portale, Hannah Wright and Mary Kate Painter from Archbishop Carroll, Kristen “Kiki” Daly of Cardinal O’Hara and Penncrest’s Diana Balta. Balta and Wright are the only repeat selections. Balta is a three-time All-Delco and Wright earned all-county honors for the second straight year.

Garnet Valley’s defense during its run to the state title, especially in the playoffs, was nothing short of amazing. The Jaguars (24-3) racked up 1,339 digs with 575 coming in the postseason, which included the Central League championship and District 1 and PIAA 4A tournaments. The Jaguars averaged an astounding 81 digs in their four state tournament matches, including 116 in the five-set marathon victory over Parkland in the final.

Herestofa, who is headed to Susquehanna University with Davis and Portale, was the leader of that defense. She had 42 digs in the championship match and 111 in the state tournament, including the final dig that led to the championship-clinching point by teammate Erin Patterson. Herestofa finished the season with 458 digs.

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CONCORD >> Garnet Valley’s Sydney Fail likes shooting free throws so much that she is always the first one to volunteer in practice. “I love foul shots,” Fail said. “They’re kind of my thing.” Fail’s teammates depend on her to come through. Coach Joe Woods does a drill in practice where the team is asked to run after every missed foul shot. Fail usually saves them from running for too long.

“Coach Woods will ask who wants to do them and I’m always the first one to raise my hand,” said Fail, an Ursinus commit. “We’ll run if we miss. He usually picks on someone, but if he asks I’m always the one raising my hand.”

Fail put her skills on display Tuesday night in Garnet Valley’s season opener against Springfield. The senior forward shot 9-for-10 from the foul line in the fourth quarter and scored a team-high 14 points to help the Jaguars claim a 42-34 decision.

“It works out for times like this when they’re obviously needed,” Fail said. After sophomore Morgan Falcone converted a pair of freebies to tie the game at 28-all, Fail netted her team’s next seven points. Fail drained a 3-pointer with five minutes to go to put the Jaguars ahead to stay, 31-28.

“Sydney came up huge for us,” said sophomore forward Brianne Borcky, who had six points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots. “We needed her to make those foul shots.”

After her triple, Fail went to the charity stripe on each of GV’s next two possessions. Unrattled, she calmly sank four freebies to extend the Jags’ lead to seven.

“They’re important to have,” Fail said of her foul shots. “(Coach Woods) talks all the time about how foul shots win games.”

In a rematch of last winter’s Central League championship game, the Jaguars handed the Cougars (2-1) their first defeat of the season. The Jags bounced back from a listless first half (6-for-23 shooting with seven turnovers) and kept senior guard Maggie O’Connell and the Cougars at bay.

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Tredyffrin >> Starting four players 5-9 or taller, host Conestoga unleashed an aggressive defense that forced turnovers en route to a 47-33 win against Radnor Tuesday night in the Central League opener for both teams.
“I haven’t seen that many of our passes tipped in one game since I’ve been here at Radnor,” said Red Raider head coach Mark Jordan, now in his 11th year as Radnor girls’ basketball head coach. “Conestoga’s got size, and when they get their two point guards back [from injury], they’re really going to be tough to beat.”
The two point guards Jordan was referring to are 5-7 senior Sarah Mascioli and 5-8 junior Maria Koblish, who are out with foot injuries but could be returning within a week. Conestoga head coach Chris Jeffries called them, “our two best shooters and two best ball handlers.”
Even without the two point guards, Conestoga (2-0) was able to wreak havoc Tuesday night with its size. Not only did they force a number of Radnor turnovers, but they won the rebound battle too, led by 6-4 junior center Katie Mayock (10 rebounds), 6-1 junior forward Cat Esbehshade (six rebounds), 5-11 senior forward Emma Powell (six) and 5-9 senior Liz Scott (five).
Jeffries said, “We have a lot of athletic phenoms here at Conestoga, state champion caliber athletes from the soccer team and the lacrosse team, and some of them are on this basketball team. They’re great athletes who can do a lot of things.”
Radnor hung close to Conestoga, particularly in the first half, and trailed by only five points (29-24) late in the third quarter. Radnor senior guard Nicole Massimino, a four-year starter, managed to penetrate the tough Conestoga defense often enough to keep the score close through three periods, and she finished with 15 points on the night.

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The following players from the Central League have been named to the All Delco Field Hockey Teams.

FIRST TEAM

Lea VanLuvender, Haverford: The senior led a defense that recorded four shutouts and allowed just one goal in five other games. VanLuvender was a first-team All-Central League selection who helped the Fords finish 12-8 overall and 10-1 in the Central League. The only loss was a 3-1 setback to perennial league champ Conestoga. Haverford reached the second round of the PIAA District 1 Class 3A playoffs where it fell to eventual runner-up C.B. West in the second round. VanLuvender will attend Longwood University.

SECOND TEAM

Carly Gannon, So. F, Haverford
Emily Johnston, Sr. M, Ridley
Emma Majercak, Sr. D, Radnor
Gillian Gunn, Sr. GK, Strath Haven

HONORABLE MENTION

Garnet Valley: Deanna Huck
Haverford: Carly Gannon, Laura Winters
Marple Newtown: Gia DeAngelis, Casey Fritsch
Penncrest: Sammie Martin, Willa Thompson
Radnor: Natalie Junior
Ridley: Karleigh Foltz, Emma Wheeler
Springfield: Jackie Ciano, Gina DeBernardi
Strath Haven: Katie Capalbo, Meghan Lashley, Emily Raech
Upper Darby: Grace Muldoon

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CONCORD >> Garnet Valley coach Joe Woods said the 2016-17 season is about continuing a tradition of championship basketball. The Jaguars are targeting a fourth consecutive Central League title. There’s one caveat, though. Despite their immense success last winter, the Jags feel as though they have some unfinished business. In the PIAA Class 4A quarterfinals, the Jags were seconds away from a major upset of Cardinal O’Hara. Instead, Garnet Valley lost on a questionable last-second foul call that enabled O’Hara to win the game from the free-throw line with no time left. GV’s season ended with a 26-6 record.

“We were excited to be there. Nobody really expected us to be there,” junior guard Nicole Barnes said at practice Wednesday. “We could have won. It was an amazing year. But I think we can go farther this year.”

That’s precisely the kind of talk Woods loves to hear from his players. They are not content with Central League dominance and a surprise appearance in the state quarterfinals. This team can reach even loftier heights. It’s never easy starting fresh. Everybody deals with losses to graduation, and the Jags know that replacing 1,000-point scorer and All-Delco Maddie Ireland may take time. Also gone is defensive and rebounding specialist Sam Tomasetti. Barnes, a tri-captain alongside seniors Sydney Fail and Kathryn Eckhoff, started at the point as a sophomore. She learned a lot from playing with Ireland, who is continuing her career at Widener.

“I know the point guard (role), they are the ones who run the game. From watching Mini (Maddie Ireland) and Jordan (Ireland, Maddie’s sister and 2015 graduate), they taught me how to be calm with the ball and to set the offense,” Barnes said. “It’s a lot to fill their shoes, but I’ve got to be calm because if I’m not calm, everyone else will be frantic.”

Fail and Eckhoff were ancillary players in years past, coming off the bench and lending minimal scoring contributions. Both players should see their playing time increase exponentially.

“It’s definitely more exciting this year,” Eckhoff said. “Especially having the chance to play in the first two quarters (whereas) last year we were going in at the end more.” “It’s exciting to have that chance to do more,” said Fail, who has committed to Ursinus. Eckhoff will play lacrosse at Ursinus.

Woods has a solid mix of veterans and underclassmen in his lineup. Sophomore forwards Emily McAteer, the team’s second-leading scorer last season, and Brianne Borcky were instrumental in helping the Jaguars in 2015-16. Both are primed to develop into complete players.

“I think having that experience from last year really helps us,” McAteer said.

Despite their youth, McAteer and Borcky are easily two of the most dynamic players in the Central League, capable of carrying the team on their shoulders.

“We’re in a position to help everyone,” Borcky said. “We want to do whatever we can make us a better team. But we’re still underclassmen and we have a lot to learn still.”

The Jaguars have the pieces to meet their standard of excellence, but they take nothing for granted.

“We don’t think that we’re just going to get there, that we’re just going to win,” McAteer said. “We have to work for it.”

That’s music to Woods’ ears.

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It’s a testament to his drive and work ethic that Andrew Pidgeon has coached high school, college and professional football players. He’s only 25 years old. After his senior season at Ridley in 2008, the All-Delco quarterback was slated to continue his playing career at Kutztown, but Pidgeon had other aspirations. Even as a teenager, Pidgeon’s passion was for coaching.

“I knew that this is what I wanted to do my senior year of high school,” he said.

Pidgeon was an undergraduate assistant at Kutztown for four years. He then earned an internship with the Lehigh Steel Hawks, a professional indoor football organization, and worked his way up to assistant coach. After his stint in Lehigh, Pidgeon returned to the Central League, where he was an assistant at Lower Merion from 2014-15. He was named offensive coordinator of BJ Hogan’s staff at Cardinal O’Hara for the 2016 season. In 2017, he’ll be somewhere else.

Pending school board approval, Pidgeon will be the next head coach at Penncrest. He replaces Rick Stroup, who resigned last month after six seasons. Pidgeon is the youngest head football coach in Delaware County.

“I kind of told myself that every move that I make will be towards getting myself in a position like this,” Pidgeon said. “I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened this quickly. I am 25, I know I’m young, but I did a lot of things to put myself in this position. A lot of sacrifice and a lot of time.”

One of Pidgeon’s biggest mentors is his former Ridley coach, John Waller, who always encouraged Pidgeon in his coaching endeavors.

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