Football: Ruane shows his growth, Haverford flies past Chester

HAVERFORD TWP. >> For Haverford coach Joe Gallagher, the start of his 25th season at the helm of Haverford started off much better than his 24th.

First off, the temperature was a good 30 degrees cooler. Secondly, he was pleasantly surprised when the school had a ceremony to honor his quarter century of service prior to the season opener at A.G. Cornog stadium.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, his Fords kicked off the 2017 campaign with a measure of revenge in gaining a 40-6 victory over Chester.

It was the Clippers who spoiled the start of Haverford’s season a year ago, swamping them in the oppressive heat and humidity of a late August afternoon. That Haverford team was led by a sophomore quarterback making his first varsity start.

“I can tell you I was really nervous going into that game,” said Jake Ruane.

What a difference a year makes.

“He had a great year last year, but now he knows the offense cold,” Gallagher said. “I give him a lot of credit. He’s come a long way and he’s only going to get better.”

Ruane has a lot of poise, a lot of talent, and is the heartbeat of the Fords’ offense, which could be pretty special this season.

He threw three touchdown passes and ran for a fourth, amassing 139 yards passing. He was only 9-for-19, but there were a few drops in there, a touchdown that was erroneously called incomplete, and an interception when his receiver slipped.

“I have a lot of confidence, but not just in myself,” Ruane said. “I trust all my receivers. We’re really close off the field. I know I can just put it out there and they’re going to make plays.”

A player who could open some eyes for the Fords with his electric speed is running back Travis Weiss, who opened the second half with an 80-yard kickoff return and finished with 125 all-purpose yards.

Click HERE to read the full article.