Garnet Valley

By MATT SMITH

msmith@delcotimes.com

CONCORD — Garnet Valley replenishes its roster every season with a fresh crop of varsity-ready seniors who are not simply being thrown into the fire.

Instead, the varsity newcomers begin to learn Mike Ricci and his coaching staff’s system well before they arrive to high school with the promise that, if they work hard, their time will come. A senior-laden club has been crucial to Garnet Valley’s success since it joined the Central League in 2008.

“Over the last several years we have evolved into a senior team. The last several years we’ve had several first-year starters who are seniors and these guys have had a fantastic offseason,” said Ricci, who starts his 28th season at the helm. “They’ve worked really hard in the weight room, they’re a class that wants to do well and they push each other and pick each other up.

“Every year, you obviously don’t know what you got when you have so many guys without varsity experience, or how things are going to work out. But we’ve been very pleased with the way they’ve been executing in practice.”

While there are plenty of fresh faces, there are returning seniors who played a vital role in the Jaguars’ Central League championship 2013 campaign, including a pair of All-Delcos in center Shane Stabinski and defensive end Joey Granahan, who set the program’s single-season sack mark as a junior. Connor Faith is the team’s best linebacker and is coming off a very solid junior season.

One of the Jags’ best strengths should be its defensive secondary, which features senior returnees Jack Diggory and Steve Palis.

“The defense is looking good. Obviously we lost a lot of great guys last year, but so far it seems like we haven’t missed a beat with guys stepping in,” Granahan said.

Last year, Faith posted 47 tackles and Granahan, in addition to his nine sacks, finished with 56 tackles.

“We’re pretty solid at every position and everyone is doing their job,” Faith said. “I think it should be a strong unit.”

Zach Nelson figures to be a major weapon on offense. Last fall, he led the Jaguars in most receiving categories, including receptions (19), yards (335) and touchdowns (six). Nelson is a dynamic player who should see his workload increase.

“Anyone would say they’d love to get more touches, but it’s whatever is best for the team that counts the most,” Nelson said. “We’re going to run the ball a lot and pass the ball a lot. That won’t change, and everyone will get their opportunity.”

The quarterback duties will be handled by Steve Flanagan, who served as Christian Portale’s backup last year. Ricci and the team have been impressed by the 6-0, 205-pounder’s progress in camp.

“With our options (offensive system), Flanagan probably hides the ball better than anybody we’ve ever had,” Ricci said. “He handles the ball well. He’s a great a student of the game. I think he’s taken a lot of things from (2012 All-Delco) Ryan (Corkery) and Christian and blended them together really, really well. He’s a strong runner and a really good athlete.”

Stabinski anchors what should be an entirely new offensive line featuring seniors Jake Arters, Brian Smith and John DiPasquale, as well as junior Greg Schenk. Junior Ted Field started last year and will be in the mix for a starting spot.

“It’s definitely been a lot different, working with new guys, but they’ve been picking things up real fast,” Stabinski said. “I think they’re going to do well for us.”

The Jaguars usually are flush with top talent on the O-line, which is coached by Ridley All-Delco and former Kansas City Chief, Joe Valerio.

“To have somebody with Shane’s experience and leadership, strength and size, it’s great,” Ricci said. “Shane’s a real quiet kid, but the things that he does on the field and in the weight room; it just sets the tone for everybody that’s involved. So, we’re really thrilled to have him back.”

Senior Brendan Williams is penciled in as the team’s primary halfback. He, too, is a first-year varsity player.

The Jags haven’t forgotten the empty feeling they endured last year, when they were upset by Abington, 26-21, in the second round of the District One Class AAAA playoffs. But the page has been turned, and the team has shifted its focus to the 2014 season.

“Everyone on the team definitely wants more than what we got last year,” Granahan said. “We’re focused on the first game against Unionville and that’s it.”