Three years ago, had a football program hanging on the precipice of oblivion. The Rams had 19 players and were 1-9 overall. Two years ago, they did not fare much better, going 2-8, and last year 3-7.
But there is an underlying feeling that this program is about to make a dramatic upturn—possibly this season. Rams’ head coach Matt Barr has steadily built and cultivated all those behind-the-scenes things, like offseason workouts, seven-on-seven summer passing camps, and a new, feisty attitude.
Three years ago, the varsity team had 19 players. This season, 22 freshmen alone are out. The program, from freshmen to seniors, has close to 60 players. And now with the numbers comes talent, like Division-I prospects Ryan Kelly and junior quarterback Pat Moriarty, who could arguably be the best quarterback in the Central League.
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The numbers are there. The talent is here. Now it’s time to win, and Barr knows it.
“This could be my best team in my five years here,” Barr said. “It all hinges on the young guys. We have a couple of sophomore running backs who can be really, really good. We return all of our linemen, and we have some decent size. And we have Pat.
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“I think Pat can be a Division-I quarterback. He has the arm strength and the accuracy. Pat started last year as a sophomore, and he got better every game. I don’t think there’s any argument, Pat should have been first-team all-Central League last year. I think he’s the best quarterback in the league, and I have no trouble saying that. I believe in him. Ryan Kelly may be one of the best overall players in the league. Hopefully, with enough support from the other guys, they’ll be able to show what they can do.”
One thing is certain: Harriton won’t be the team everyone circles on its schedule as a guaranteed victory.
Other than Kelly and Moriarty, another reason why is the Rams return seven starters on both sides of the ball. The added bonus is sophomore running backs Andre Pendleton (6-foot, 190 pounds) and Alex Shippen (5-foot-10, 170 pounds).
“They’re both very talented,” Barr said. “Andre has a huge upside. He scored a few touchdowns for us last year as a freshman. Alex is an exceptionally talented kid, too. Those two can be an unbelievable backfield. This team will be fun to watch. We have a blue chip quarterback in Moriarty and an outstanding receiving duo in Kelly and [Dylan] O’Donnell. The hard part is convincing the kids we can win. We’ve had some tough years here. We have good leaders that think we can win. Moriarty and Kelly think they can win every game. Our goal is to make the Class AAA district playoffs. If we can beat some teams, it’s possible.”
Harriton Fact Box
Coach: Matt Barr (5th season)
Last year: 3-7
Key players: Ryan Kelly (Senior, 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, TE-LB), Pat Moriarty (Junior, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, QB), Dylan O’Donnell (Senior, 6-foot, 175 pounds, WR), Kenny Brown (Junior, 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, DB/WR), Kody Carb (Senior, 5-foot-6, 175 pounds, OG/DT), Andre Pendleton (Sophomore, 6-foot, 190 pounds, RB/DB), Alex Shippen (Sophomore, 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, RB/DB), Eric Korn (Junior, 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, RB/LB).
Games to watch: Springfield-Delco (Sept. 2), at Radnor (Sept. 16), Marple Newtown (Oct. 6), Lower Merion (Oct. 14).
Harriton Schedule (all games at 7 p.m.)
Sept. 2—Chichester
Sept. 9—Springfield-Delco
Sept. 16—at Radnor
Sept. 23—at Upper Darby
Sept. 30—Garnet Valley
Oct. 6—Marple Newtown
Oct. 14—Lower Merion
Oct. 21—Ridley
Oct. 28—at Penncrest
Nov. 4—Strath Haven
Nov. 11—Springfield-Montco
