The 6-foot, 170-pound senior quarterback/defensive back might be the best quarterback in the Central League, possibly the best player. Some might contest that, until they see Foote play.

Although it's a modest improvement, the Aces already have doubled their victory total from a year ago, at 2-5 overall and 2-4 in the Central League. This season marks the first time since 2005 that Lower Merion has won a Central League game.

It's because of Foote, a true difference-maker. A case in point came with 2 minutes, 37 seconds left in Lower Merion's Oct. 9 game against Haverford High, and the Aces trailing, 21-7. Two quick touchdown passes by Foote - with an onside-kick recovery sandwiched in - made the Aces winners for the second time.

"That's the thing about Conor, he elevates everyone's play around him," Aces coach Jon Rothberg said. "He's one of those kids you don't want to go into a game without. It's never over with him on the field. All he wants to do is win. I pretty much compare him to a Jake Plummer in college. He's a winner, a gamer, and a warrior. It's just the kind of kid he is. His best football is ahead of him."

Springfield coach Dan Ellis has watched Foote all season. A former standout at Downingtown and a 2-year starter for Virginia, Ellis has a keen eye for talent.

"I love him. I think he's a great football player," Ellis said. "People are definitely missing the boat with this kid. Foote can change the course of a game. When you talk about having to defend Lower Merion and how to beat Lower Merion's defense, you have to beat No. 12. The No. 1 thing that all great players have is a competitive nature. You can tell he's a great competitor, and on top of that, unbelievably skilled."

Foote, a three-sport starter (also in baseball and basketball), carries a 1,200 SAT score and a 3.7 GPA. He is the youngest of seven and plays with a burden - carrying the knowledge that his father, Dr. Joseph Foote, is battling T-cell lymphoma, diagnosed in July. His father would come and watch him play in grade school, Conor recalls with a laugh, sometimes dozing off in the bleachers after a long day of performing surgery.

"My father's situation is obviously on my mind, but you try not to think about it too much," said Conor, who is considering Penn, Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall, Columbia and Fordham. "I think about him and how important it is that he gets to watch me play. He's still fighting and I know he'll make it through. To see me succeed makes him happy. It's why winning the Haverford game meant so much. It was really exciting to see a big smile on his face."

Playoff picture

Entering last weekend, Ridley was fourth in the District 1 Class AAAA point standings, behind Pennsbury (126.7 average), Downingtown West (120), and North Penn (115). With Downingtown West losing, Ridley should jump into the top three.

Garnet Valley (6-1) is also in a good position. The Jaguars entered last week at No. 7, but with Downingtown West and No. 6 Council Rock South losing, the Jaguars' position seems much more solid with AAA Radnor, then AAAA Ridley (a game that could be for the Central League title) and AAAA Lower Merion left to play.

In AAA, Interboro and Academy Park seemed to be in prime spots for one of the eight district postseason berths, while Marple Newtown and Strath Haven seem on shaky ground. Interboro was tied in the point standings with Owen J. Roberts, each with a 130.0 average, behind No. 1 Pottsgrove, which had a 138.3 average entering last weekend's games.

But with O.J. Roberts losing, and Interboro picking up a victory over AAAA Penn Wood on Monday, the Bucs are almost certain to get another postseason berth.

If Academy Park can beat AAAA Chester and Glen Mills, the Knights also appear in good position for postseason play, sitting at 6-1. Some help came last weekend, with O.J. Roberts, West Chester Henderson and Marple Newtown - all teams ahead of the Knights - losing, possibly moving the Knights among the top five in the Class AAA point standings.

Bubble teams Marple Newtown and Strath Haven might need help. The Tigers close with AAAA Upper Darby, AA Harriton and AAA Radnor, while Strath Haven will have to beat AAAA Haverford and Penncrest, and AAA Springfield (Delco) for any hopes of a district playoff berth. *

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