Delco Christian Football Plans On Building

NEWTOWN SQUARE– is still in its infancy as a football program. The Knights are about to begin their second season as a varsity team, but they don’t have to look too far to see where a team can go and how quickly it can build.

Calvary Christian, which is in the same Bicentennial League as Delco Christian, was once a fledgling program like the Knights. It experienced those one- and two-win seasons.

Calvary Christian is now a league powerhouse that regularly qualifies for the District 1 Class A playoffs. Knights’ coach Jim Favino is willing to be patient as a foundation is laid for future teams.

A big step was taken last year when the Knights went 2-7. 

“We’re being real patient and we realize things take a lot of time,” Favino said. “People want to see improvement, but there is also the issue of teaching and keeping the guys enjoying the sport. The more reps the guys get, muscle memory improves. This is the first year that the speed and technique of the game isn’t that much higher at the varsity level. These guys know what to expect after last year. We have guys who have played a couple of years now. Those things make a huge difference for a young team. We want to improve and learn. That’s the goal.”

The run-oriented offense will revolve around Matt Hirshman, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior.

“I like the progress the kids have made, and I like the fact the guys want to work hard,” Favino said. “Matt Hirshman worked hard in the off season, and last year was the first time Matt played quarterback. We didn’t throw a lot, just to get Matt used to the system. He’s come a long way in summer seven-on-seven camps that we had.”

Offense wasn’t an issue last year, defense was.

“It was inexperience and youth that showed,” Favino said. “We’re still learning the game. A lot of the kids are very young to the sport. We have maybe six or seven that have played youth league football, and a number of our guys only played junior varsity and one of our starting ends just started playing football for the first time.”

Injuries will play a big role on how well the Knights improve this season. An injury-free year could mean a victory total that exceeds last year. Favino isn’t into making predictions about the Bicentennial League, but traditional league powerhouse Calvary Christian is to be considered the favorite.

“I think we’ll be competitive,” Favino said. “Our goal is to continue to improve and reach the goals we set, then slowly walk up to success.”

Delco Christian Fact Box

Coach: Jim Favino (second season)

Last Year: 2-7 overall

Key Players: Matt Hirshman (Sr. 6-foot-1, 180, QB), Tyler Winkis (Sr. 6-foot, 215, OL/LB), Mike Monaghan (Sr. 6-foot,  215, FB/LB), Luke Haskins (Sr. 5-foot-10, 220, OL/DL), Jon Wynne (Sr. 5-foot-9, 215, OL/DL), Zack Moore (Sr. 5-foot-7,  140, RB/CB), Scott Pendell (So. 6-foot-1, 225, OL/DL), Ron Burrell (So. 6-foot, 170, WR/S).

Games to Watch:  At Jenkintown 9/10; Calvary Christian 9/17; At Bristol 9/23; At Morrisville 10/14.

Delco Christian Schedule (all home games played at Marple Newtown High School)

Sept. 2         at Wilmington Friends (DE) 10:00 am

Sept. 10       at Jenkintown 1:00 pm

Sept. 17       Calvary Christian Academy 7:00 pm

Sept. 23       at Bristol 7:00 pm

Oct. 1          George School 7:00 pm

Oct. 8          Lower Moreland 7:00 pm

Oct. 14        at Morrisville 7:00 pm

Oct. 22        New Hope Solebury 7:00 pm

Oct. 28        at Springfield-Montco 7:00 pm