As usual, Ridley’s peaking at right time

NEWTOWN SQUARE — As Ridley’s football schedule became ready for print, Dave Wood would hope only for the one thing not historically in deep supply in Folsom – patience.

“We put the schedule together that way,” the Green Raiders’ coach said. “We knew we would go down to Florida and play a really, really good football team in Crestview. We had the Garnet Valleys of the world. We’d play Plymouth-Whitemarsh, which is big and physical. We had a sophomore quarterback who would still be learning.

“So it could take time before we put it all together.”

Not that the Raiders had been outclassed as they inched toward late October, but they rarely appeared quite complete. That changed Friday with a 42-7 victory at Marple Newtown that signaled Ridley’s readiness for a second consecutive fruitful PIAA District 1 Class 6A postseason run.

Outgaining the Tigers, 455-176, the Raiders controlled both lines and improved to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Central League. Not only did they hold tight around the 11 spot in the district power ratings, but they showed they will be business-minded when the single-elimination fray begins.

“We are hitting our strides at the right time,” said running back Owen Bosak, who mixed a 54-yard touchdown burst into his 136-yard rushing night. “We’re just playing great.”

That showed immediately Friday, Stephen O’Donovan returning the opening kickoff to the Marple Newtown 48. Seven plays later, Jackson charged two yards for a touchdown and Timmy Abdel-Latif began his 6-for-6 PAT performance.

From there, Jackson would turn relentless, running for another touchdown, catching a touchdown pass, recovering a fumble and making an interception.

“I just want to help the team,” he said. “They build energy off of that, and it helps them drive. It’s going to help us in the playoffs, and we are very confident right now.”

Sophomore quarterback Ryan Carroll completed 12 of 14 passes for 178 yards, including scoring passes to Kamir Stephenson (nine yards) and Jackson (20 yards.) He also had a TD run early in the second, one play after his 20-yard pass to Jackson sent the Raiders to the Marple Newtown 1-yard line.

The Tigers, however, quickly countered when Brian Box returned the ensuing kickoff to the Ridley 37, setting up a 22-yard scoring toss from Dave Bertoline to Paul DeFruscio. But the rally was punctured when Ridley recovered the resulting onside kick at its own 48. The field shortened, the Raiders restored their two-touchdown lead when Carroll connected with Jackson for a 26-yard score with 1:34 left in the half.

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PETE BANNAN - MEDIANEWS GROUP
Ridley's Owen Bosak, right, runs for a first down in the first half of a 42-7 win over Marple Newtown Friday night.