Radnor Ready For Breakthrough Season

It’s been a while since has had a winning season. You have to go back to 2004 for the last time the Red Raiders were over .500, finishing 8-3, and back to 1985 since they won more than they lost before that. That’s two winning seasons in the last 25 years.

Under head coach Tom Ryan, the Red Raiders have slowly climbed back to respectability, and last season they finished 5-6, nearing that magical goal of .500 or better.

This season, with eight home games and traditional Central League powers Garnet Valley and Upper Darby not on the schedule, the six-year losing streak could be snapped this year.

“I thought we had a chance to finish .500 or better the last two years, and I think we have a legitimate shot this year,” Ryan said. “I would compare this team honestly to the four teams I had before. The kids are starting to believe we can beat teams that they didn’t think we could beat in the past. This will be my fifth year, so my first class has graduated. These seniors were eighth graders when I took over. Prior to me coming here, they only had three wins the two previous years.”

Radnor has some game-breaking talent in quarterback Tim Wilson and tailback TaJae Bryant. Wilson will share the quarterbacking duties, putting in his hands almost every play. He has the kind of speed that can break a play at anytime.

“Wilson is an unbelievable talent, and I really believe he’s one of the better players in the county this year,” Ryan said. “Wilson and Bryant are major talents that will play in college. Mike Koerick and Wilson will share the quarterback duties. We have a nice situation here. We don’t play Garnet Valley and don’t play Upper Darby, and have eight home games, counting the [Archbishop] Carroll game.”

Ryan sees Garnet Valley, Ridley, Strath Haven and Haverford high schools among the favorites to win the league. But this season, the league has a lot of balance.

“I think anyone can beat anyone in any week, that’s how balanced this league will be,” Ryan said. “Our biggest issues will be depth. We can’t afford to have any major injuries anywhere. Everyone knows about Tim and TaJae, but Paul Somboonsong will be someone that can play a lot of places, and we’re excited for Paul.”

Radnor Fact Box

Coach: Tom Ryan (5th season: 16-28 career record).

Last year: 5-6

Key players: Paul Somboonsong (Sr. 6-foot, 205, OL/DL), Tim Wilson (Sr. 5-foot-9, 170, QB/DB) TaJae Bryant (Sr. 5-foot-10, 185, RB/LB), Mike Koerick (Sr. 5-foot-10, 175, QB/DB).

Games to watch: Archbishop Carroll 9/2, Ridley 9/30, at Haverford 10/14, Lower Merion 11/12.

Radnor Schedule

Sept. 2         Archbishop Carroll 7:30 pm

Sept. 9         at Strath Haven 7:00 pm

Sept. 16       Harriton 7:00 pm

Sept. 23       Academy Park 7:00 pm

Sept. 30       Ridley 7:00 pm

Oct. 6          Springfield 7:00 pm

Oct. 14        at Haverford 7:00 pm

Oct. 21        Conestoga 7:00 pm

Oct. 28        at Marple Newtown 7:00 pm

Nov. 4         Penncrest 7:00 pm

Nov. 12       Lower Merion 1:00 pm