Great Valley wins district title

Even though his same-named father starred at quarterback at Mainland (N.J). and Penn State, Great Valley's Doug Strang says he has greatly aided his development as a wide receiver and defensive back.

"He gives me a lot of instruction, a lot of encouragement," the senior said. "He just knows the game so well. And he's my biggest fan."

Friday night at frigid Plymouth Whitemarsh, Strang made key contributions on both sides of the ball to help the Patriots capture the PIAA District 1 Class AAA championship with a 21-0 blanking of Springfield (Delco).

Positioned at free safety, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound Strang was part of a swarming defense that limited the previously undefeated Cougars to 26 yards rushing and 60 passing though three quarters.

"We just kept fighting all game," Strang said. "We were relentless. We came in focused on stopping their quarterback [Brian Allen]. For the most part, we did that."

Allen, a lefthander with quick feet, found little running space and was stopped behind the line of scrimmage eight times.

"I'm not surprised by how our defense did," said Dan Ellis, Great Valley's first-year coach. "Except for one game, we've played really well there all year."

The Patriots, who earned the program's first district title, will face District 12's representative, Archbishop Wood or Imhotep Charter, in a state playoff next weekend at a neutral site.

Nasir Adderley, a dynamic senior playmaker, gave second seed Great Valley (12-1) a 7-0 advantage with a 50-yard punt return midway through the second quarter.

"He's magical out there," Strang said. "He's got the best vision I've ever seen."

Adderley burned top seed Springfield (12-1) again late in the third quarter, this time taking a punt back 49 yards to make it 14-0.

"He literally put the team on his back at times," said Ellis, who guided Springfield from 2008 to 2010.

The Patriots clinched matters by opening the fourth quarter with a 9-play, 75-yard scoring series capped by River Johnson's 1-yard run. Adderley's 33-yard burst and Zach Ludwig's 10-yard pass to Strang highlighted the drive.

On defense, Great Valley was led by ends Ryan Buchholz and Conor Middleton, tackle Marcus Johnson, and linebacker Hammie Hungerbuhler. Strang and Adderley, a strong safety, had second-half picks.

Great Valley 0 7 7 7 - 21

Springfield (D) 0 0 0 0 - 0

GV: Nasir Adderley 50 punt return (Pat Sauer kick)

GV: Adderley 49 punt return (Sauer kick)

GV: River Johnson 1 run (Sauer kick)