Interboro running back Abu Kamara is on pace to challenge the county’s single-season rushing record set last season by Ridley’s Tahir Mills, the Daily Times Player of the Year, with 2,519 yards.
Kamara has rushed for 1,389 yards and 18 touchdowns in six games, averaging 228.2 yards and three touchdowns per game. Next is Chichester. Can you keep up that torrid pace as the Liga Del Val gets underway this weekend?
The same can be said for Chester. The Clippers have been putting up big numbers through six games. Chester is averaging 42.6 points per game on offense and defense has been just as impressive. The Clippers have thrown five shutouts in six games. They have allowed just 1.7 points per game.
Here’s a look at the best games this weekend, in Del Val and elsewhere:
Friday
Upper Darby at Marple Newtown, 7
This was supposed to be a home game for the Royals (2-4, 2-2), but was moved to Marple Newtown due to field conditions at Upper Darby’s Memorial Stadium. The Royals have lost two in a row and have scored just seven points in that span.
The Tigers (4-2, 3-2) are also looking to snap a two-game losing streak. Those two setbacks have been for a total of four points. MN lost to Springfield last week, 35-32, and dropped a 28-27 decision to Conestoga the week before.
Strath’s Shelter at Ridley, 7
The Panthers (6-0, 4-0) look to stay tied with Garnet Valley for first place in the Central League when they visit Phil Marion Field. The Green Raiders (4-2, 3-1) also look to remain in the league championship hunt, as well as the District 1 Class 6A playoff hunt.
Strath Haven is coming off a 35-6 victory over Penncrest and has won the last four meetings between the teams. Ridley (4-2, 2-2) has consecutive wins over Penncrest and Lower Merion and leads the all-time series, 22-13, according to havenfootball.net.
Springfield at Conestoga, 7
The Pioneers know how to win close games. They have three one-point wins in wins over Lower Merion (15-14), Haverford (15-14) and Marple Newtown (28-27). Conestoga used solid defense and a strong six-minute stretch in the second quarter to outlast Upper Darby last week, 20-7. Quarterback Peter Costigan threw two touchdown passes and ran for another touchdown in the win over Upper Darby.
Freshman running back Brad Barber carried the ball 10 times for 108 yards and a touchdown as the Cougars snapped a three-game losing streak with a 35-32 victory over Marple Newtown. His 23-yard touchdown run with 6:30 left in the game gave Springfield a 35-26 lead.
Saturday
Bonner & Prendergast at Neumann-Goretti, noon
Sole possession of first place in the Catholic League Blue Division is on the line when the Friars (4-1, 3-0) take on the Saints in the South Philadelphia Super Site.
The Friars are coming off a 35-7 victory over Archbishop Ryan. Isaiah Session scored a pair of touchdowns and was involved in four of the team’s 12 tackles for loss. Wykil Fowler intercepted two passes and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.
Neumann-Goretti (3-1, 3-0) is a two-time division champion and has won three in a row since a 21-0 loss to Penn Charter in the season opener. The Saints are allowing 68 yards rushing and 141.5 yards of total offense per game.
Chester at Penn Wood, 11 a.m.
Rookie quarterback Jalen Harris continues to impress for the Clippers (6-0, 1-0). He has thrown for 1,323 yards and 22 touchdowns, completing 70.9 percent of his passes. Cymeer Harris has been on the receiving end for 673 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Patriots (0-6) continue to struggle. Penn Wood has lost 17 games in a row since the shortest spring season in 2019.
Chichester at Interboro, 11 a.m.
Kamara has been in a big tear. In the last two weeks he has rushed for 644 yards and nine touchdowns for the Bucs (4-2, 0-1). He had 335 yards and five touchdowns in Interboro’s 35-24 win over Kennett, and 309 yards and four touchdowns in a 50-21 win over Oxford the week before.
Chi (1-5, 0-1). Chi has been plagued by the injury bug and the Eagles’ offense has struggled to put points on the board. They have scored 20 points in their last four games, all losses.