Central League: If healthy, Conestoga looks strong

Conestoga has a solid chance at contending for its first Central League championship since 2005 if it can stay healthy.

Pioneers coach John Vogan was missing 23 of his 66 players because of injuries in Friday's scrimmage against Downingtown West. "We're a little banged up right now, but we'll be OK," he said.

Conestoga's offense is spurred by quarterback Tim Miller. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder, who will play baseball at Richmond, threw for 1,622 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.

Miller is joined by tailback Corey Manning, fullback Daquan Perry, multi-purpose threat Jon Locantore, and wide receiver Pete Jean.

Jean is also a fixture at inside linebacker for the Pioneers (7-4 overall, 6-3 league). Help on defense comes from linemen Perry and Bill Pauster, outside linebacker Robert Ackerman, and cornerbacks Wes Alexander and Dondre Ross.

Garnet Valley's triple-option attack is ignited by QB Matt Hamby, running backs Derrick West and Matt Lassik, and receivers Bobby Clayton and Jake Buttermore. Ted Field (6-6, 315) is an experienced linemen and Division I prospect.

In trying to regain the league title it won in 2013, the Jaguars (9-3, 8-1) are also counting on tight end Jake Mascioli and defensive end Tim Bradley.

Springfield (Delco) has some rebuilding to do after claiming its first league crown since 1994 and advancing to the District 1 Class AAA final.

The go-to players for the Cougars (12-1, 9-0) are two-way end and Temple recruit Dan Archibong, fullback and linebacker Ricky Sterling, two-way lineman Matt Cella, and receiver and defensive back Brett Sheeran.

Ridley's aim for a successful running game depends heavily on the play of a line anchored by Matt Cipolloni (6-2, 270) and Dom Pinto (6-0, 235). The running back corps for the Green Raiders (8-3, 6-3) includes Malik Young, Jagger Sherdian, and Tahj McCafferty.

Haverford High (8-4, 7-2) brings back QB Jack Donaghy, a third-year starter who threw for 1,604 yards and 16 TDs last season. Mike Romanofsky and Billy Farrell pitch in at running back and linebacker; Jack Farrell is a tight end and linebacker; and Evan Boyce is a reliable kicker.

Marple Newtown (5-6, 4-5) returns six starters on both sides of the ball, including speedy receiver Abel Hoff, QB Marcus Weathers, offensive lineman Kyle Kelly, and defensive ends Matt Trainor and Noah Turner.

Upper Darby (5-6, 4-5) has playmakers in QB Christoff Minnot, running back Isaiah Bruce, and receivers Brandon Morton, Naiqjuan McKenzie, Tyler George, and Justin Durbin.

An experienced Penncrest (307, 3-6) defense features linemen Nick Doris and Mateos Ghebre, linebacker Shane Jones, and backs Jim Hennelly, Zane Horne, Ryan Kinnard, and Zack Kaut.

Radnor (4-7, 2-7) looks to climb the standings behind linebacker Dario Falcone, lineman Colin Bradley (6-6, 280), and multi-purpose threat Jack Wilson.