Del-Val League football preview

Things can go nowhere but up for second-year coach Nick Lincoln and Penn Wood after last season's 0-11 showing. The Patriots went 0-5 in the Del-Val League.

Lincoln, previously an assistant at Public League Class AAA powerhouse Imhotep Charter, was behind the eight ball after being hired just three months before the start of the 2014 campaign.

"We're better prepared this year," said Lincoln, 30. "We made it a point to go against some top competition in seven-on-seven drills over the summer."

Penn Wood's multiple-spread offense is sparked by quarterback Javon Terrell, running back Tayvon Ruley, and receivers Rahiem Bowens, Amir Vaughn, and Christian Santos.

The Patriots' Jordan Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound senior two-way lineman, is drawing interest from the likes of Maine and New Hampshire. He is joined on defense by middle linebacker Lidao Tchatala and backs Terrell, Ruley, Vaughn, and Santos.

"I think we're going to be competitive," said Lincoln, an English teacher at Penn Wood. "I like this team's energy."

Sparked by multipurpose threat Jamar Dembry, Academy Park (8-3, 5-0 last season) is trying for its third Del-Val title in four seasons.

The Knights' other key contributors are running back Jermaine Wesley, linebacker Terrel Lee, defensive backs Clarence Buchanan and Teddy Wright, and linemen Nykeal Jalloh, Marion Holmes, Chris Thomas, and Dan Kemp.

A solid nucleus for Chester (4-6, 3-2) is made up of two-way lineman and Temple recruit D'Andre Dill (6-3, 315), handyman Ed Nelson Jr., QB Nahmir Ishmail, and running back and linebacker Arlo Lee.

With 198 victories at Interboro, 23d-year coach Steve Lennox is closing in on a big milestone. His all-time record (he spent 11 seasons at Delaware's John Dickinson) is 282-97-2.

"I think I have the best job in Delaware County," Lennox said. "The kids give you everything they have in practices and games."

The Bucs (5-7, 3-2) are led by two-way end Chase Pattinson (6-3, 205), QB and middle linebacker Danny Mea, two-way lineman Steve Royer, two-way back Chris Hummel, fullback Lamar Shaw, and running back and linebacker Chris Thomas.

Chichester (3-8, 1-4) seeks to climb the standings behind running back and linebacker Kevin Miller, receiver and cornerback Ray Argro, center and linebacker Hunter Thornton, and two-way lineman Maurice Martin (6-3, 225).

Glen Mills (4-6, 3-2) looks to gain its third league crown in five seasons.