Garnet Valley’s boisterous, balanced attack rocks Ridley

CONCORD — Since time immemorial, or at least since Mike Ricci first fashioned Garnet Valley into perennial Central League contenders more than a decade ago, the scouting report against the Jaguars started with one thought: Pack the box, ready for the run.

That sentiment is still true. And GV quarterbacks have tested the 10-in-the-box wisdom with success before. But four games into 2020, the Jaguars might have the most balanced attack ever under Ricci.

Friday’s 44-0 demolition of Ridley had the usual Garnet Valley embellishments: Rushing touchdowns from three Jaguars, 301 yards on the ground, clock-suffocating control of possession.

For the fourth straight game, however, the Jags scored two touchdowns through the air. Just when you think you have a handle on some of the veers and traps and pitches, this year’s attack can take flight.

“Every year, we could throw the ball, but we **** people with the run so we stick with that,” quarterback Kevin McGarrey said. “This year, we just have so many athletes, we can’t pass up on the opportunity to throw the ball all around the field. … Everyone is capable of making big plays, and it’s worked out great for us.”

The Jaguars (4-0) took a 32-0 lead into halftime Friday with more yards through the air (158) than on the ground (146). That would re-balance after the break. But big-play capability in the passing game complements the omnipresent threat of the passel of backs breaking tackles at the second level and heading to the house. That’s how a team gets to outscore opponents by a 200-12 margin this season.

McGarrey has seven passing touchdowns. He started Friday with a 50-yard bomb to Ndozi Okolo on the third play from scrimmage, which got them to first-and-goal for Brian Bradley to dash in from the 3-yard line.

“It was a great way to start,” McGarrey said. “I knew (Okolo) was going to go up and get that. He’s a great playmaker and goes up and gets everything and works hard at practice. … Great route-runner; it’s great to start a game like that.”

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