Upper Darby quarterback Montez Ellis runs for a 69-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of Upper Darby’s 28-21 win over Haverford last season. (Pete Bannan – MediaNews Group)
By Matt Smith
In the meantime, we can get excited about players who are destined for greatness this fall. Here are five to watch, in no particular order:
Hayden Brown, Ridley >> The two-way lineman was outstanding last year on both sides of the ball. He paved the way for Daily Times Player of the Year Tahir Mills, who broke the county’s single-season record for rushing yards. Defensively, Brown finished with 52 tackles and four sacks.
Staring Reaves, Chichester >> Perhaps the most explosive returning player in Delco, Reaves is an all-purpose dynamo for the Eagles. Last season he recorded 44 tackles and six interceptions, which tied for the county lead. Offensively, Reaves was a threat running and catching the ball, notching 20 catches for 355 yards and five TDs while rushing for 349 yards and two scores. On special teams, Reaves averaged nearly 40 yards per kick return. Expect more of the same this year.
Tommy Wright, Haverford >> The soon-to-be senior quarterback is bound to have a breakout year. Last season he threw for 1,895 yards and 23 touchdowns for a Fords team that went 4-8 overall. Wright’s top target is senior wide receiver Ethan Mahan (48 receptions, 798 yards, 10 TDs), so look for those two to make plenty of magic.
