Anthony Crawford breaking a tackle against Radnor this season. Photo by James Quinn Photography.
By Matt Smith
There is no shortage of Delaware County teams in the District 1 playoff chase.
The postseason picture in Class 6A was thrown a curveball when Ches-Mont League power Coatesville was caught with an ineligible player during its game with West Chester Rustin earlier this year. That’s a no-no. By PIAA rule, Coatesville was stripped of its win and given a forfeit loss, while Rustin was awarded the victory. Coatesville (7-1) is ranked fifth in the standings.
Where do the local teams stand? Garnet Valley (8-0) occupies the top spot in the Class 6A standings, which is not a surprise. The Jaguars, who haven’t lost a regular season contest since 2019, are defending district champions. Ridley (6-3) is in 11th place and in good shape to qualify for the 16-team tournament.
In Class 5A, Strath Haven (9-0) is in second place behind Upper Dublin (9-0), while Chester (8-1) is in fourth place trailing Rustin (8-1). Springfield (6-3) is the No. 8 team and No. 11 Marple Newtown (5-4), No. 14 Sun Valley (4-5) and No. 15 Academy Park (3-6) all would make the field of 16 if the playoffs started today. AP’s strength of schedule is a big reason why it is in position for a playoff berth. Of the Knights’ five losses, six have come against teams with at least seven wins.
