This game was originally going to be played on Saturday afternoon but due to the weather forecast the Garnet Valley Jaguars and the Radnor Red Raiders played on Friday night. The 4-3 Red Raiders were looking to spoil the Jaguars Homecoming game. They knew it was going to be a tough test knowing the Jaguars record at 6-1.
On the Jaguars second possession Radnor’s senior linebacker Jackson Carney intercepted a pass from Jaguars senior quarterback Mark McHugh. Carney took the interception all the way down to Garnet Valley’s 24 yard line. Jaguars’ defense stepped up. On fourth and two on the six yard line, Jaguars linebacker senior Eric Warden stuffed the rush and forced a turnover on downs. Head coach of Garnet Valley Mike Ricci said “our defense is really playing with a lot of confidence, there making plays when they need to. Radnor came out and had a good drive to start out with and then we were able to shut them down and it was big. When they intercepted the ball and had a short field and we stuffed them, I think that was the turning point of the game.”
In the second quarter the Jaguars offense woke up. After a 24 yard quarterback keeper by McHugh, senior running back Marcellus Irving finished off the scoring drive. Irving scored on a 62 yard touchdown run to give the Jags the 7-0 lead. On the very next possession Irving again scored. On Radnor’s 11 yard line Irving ran into the end zone to make it 14-0 Jags. Irving said “everything just came together after those first two drives. We started off a little slow but we eventually got together and executed.”
After the Jaguars defense recovered a fumble the offense took advantage of the turnover. McHugh pitched the football to senior running back Kyle Moore and Moore scored on a 17 yard rushing touchdown. The Jaguars again scored right before halftime and again it was another rushing touchdown; this time by junior running back, Alex Warden for a 25 yard touchdown run. The Jaguars went into halftime up big, 28-0.
If Radnor was going to comeback they knew they would have to have a big second half. Getting the second half kickoff was the Jaguars. On the kickoff, junior Jeremy Irving, who is Marcellus Irving’s cousin ran the kick off back for a 92 yard touchdown return.
Early in the fourth quarter Radnor finally put points on the scoreboard. Radnor’s kicker junior Berg Yepremian kicked a 35 yard field goal but it just wasn’t enough as the Jaguars went on to win 42-3.
Next week Radnor (4-4) will play at home against Springfield-Delco. For Garnet Valley next week will be the biggest game of the season. The 7-1 Jaguars will travel to play the undefeated Ridley Green Raiders on Mischief night (October 30) at 7pm. Coach Ricci said “Were looking forward to challenge Ridley, as always is a great team. We are just glad to be in position that we have a shot to go and play for a Central League Championship.”
