Radnor Senior Shines In Tough 42-7 Loss To Haverford High

Garrison Jacques’ football odyssey has taken a few bounces around the world. It started for the senior in Corona, California, then from second to seventh grade went to Cambodia, before settling back in the United States in eighth grade.

That’s when Jacques received his formal introduction to the game of American football. Call the 5-foot-9, 160-pound receiver/defensive back a fast learner. In a lean year for the Red Raiders’ program, it’s been the unending effort and diligence of players like Jacques that has made this winless season somewhat bearable.

Jacques was a handful of shining lights in Radnor’s 42-7 Central League setback to Haverford High Friday night, making seven tackles on defense and two catches, one a highlight-reel grab, for 46 yards.

Radnor fell to 0-7 overall and 0-5 in the Central League, while surging Haverford moved to 4-3 overall record and a 3-2 league mark.

“I love playing the game, that’s what motivates me each week, trying to
get better and better,” said Jacques, who’s earned a steady role as a two-way starter for the Red Raiders and intercepted a pass last week against Springfield, and whose father works for a medical agency that provides hospitals for impoverished nations.

Each week, it seems, Jacques is doing a little more and a little more.

“I think that’s what keeps me and this team going, we want to work to get better,” Jacques said.

Haverford High junior quarterback Eddie Durkin completed 10 of 11 passes for 182 yards and four touchdowns. Six different players scored for the Fords, who amassed 215 yards and were leading 35-7 by halftime. Radnor, which was playing without star tailback Tajae Bryant and defensive back Brice Sydnor, both out with injuries, received its initial first down on a Haverford penalty. Radnor didn’t cross midfield until late in the first quarter.

By then, Haverford led 21-0 on a Durkin one-yard touchdown plunge, nine-yard TD toss from Durkin to Mike Gentile and Mike Clancy’s 45-yard interception return.

“I’m proud of the effort the kids gave, but we made too many mistakes against a very good football team,” Radnor coach Tom Ryan said. “Durkin makes them tough to beat. He’s a running and passing talent.”

Durkin’s 45-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Sydnor sealed the victory and put the game into mercy-rule mode, giving the Fords a 42-7 lead in the third quarter. The remainder of the game was played with a running clock.

Jacques’ 29-yard reception set up Radnor’s lone score, a Tim Wilson seven-yard run with 10:09 left in the second quarter. Haverford answered by scoring on three of its next  four possessions.