ROSEMONT, Pa. — Harriton varsity football beat Kensington High School Tigers 43-18 earlier tonight.
During the first game of the season, the Rams dominated on offense, with senior Tre DeMarco scoring three of the team’s six touchdowns. The team’s young defensive group held its own against a mediocre Kensington offense.
Though it wasn’t all good, starting quarterback Spyros Esposito went down with a lower leg injury after scoring a touchdown at the end of the first quarter. He didn’t return to the field, but cheered on the team from the sideline with a walking boot.
The Rams looked like a new team compared to last year, mainly in the trenches. The offensive line allowed zero sacks and handled the Tigers’ defense line with minimal trouble. Captain and Harriton Junior Matai Mistry anchored the line at left tackle. He paired nicely with the team’s new center, Cooper Govberg, who rejoined the team after a hiatus.
Sophomore backup quarterback Joey Mena replaced Esposito and played the rest of the game. He played sharply but struggled with his deep passes, often overthrowing. The team will need to get Mena more comfortable with the first team offense if Esposito’s injury keeps him out long-term.
Freshman Damon Bailey had a great start to his career here at Harriton. He, as well as Tyler Dean, also a freshman, looks to fill the shoes of Colin Sullivan and Musyn Dennis, who graduated last year.
The team also saw improvement on special teams as Jacob Bohnenkamp hit all 5/5 extra points. Some of the kick-offs went off target, but the kicks got better as the game progressed.
The biggest issue, barring injury, was penalties. The Rams need to stop getting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. However, they didn’t affect the outcome, it and other preventable penalties must be eliminated before next week.
Other minor issues include screen passes (numerous were dropped), short down scenarios on defense and catching punts. Though Ryan Zheng had a nice return on a punt late in the game.
This marks Harriton’s first win since October 5, 2023, against New Hope-Solebury High School. However, Kensington is Harriton’s sole out-of-conference opponent this year. The other nine games are likely to prove more challenging.
Next Friday, Harriton takes on Radnor at home at 7 pm. Reports from training indicate that Radnor will be a formidable opponent. New head coach Drew Devitt leads them, along with second-year quarterback Luke Reilly. Reilly beat the Rams last year 37-0 and had 1,331 yards and 10 TDs last season.
The rest of Harriton’s schedule is as follows:
8/29 – Radnor – 7 p.m.
9/5 – Garnet Valley – 7 p.m. (Live on HarritonTV)
9/12 – @ Marple Newtown – 7 p.m.
9/19 – @ Lower Merion – 7 p.m.
9/26 – @ Springfield-Delco – 7 p.m.
10/4 – Ridley – 7 p.m. (Live on HarritonTV)
10/10 – Strath Haven – 7 p.m. (Live on HarritonTV)
10/17 – @ Upper Darby – 7 p.m.
10/24 – @ Penncrest – 7 p.m.
HarritonTV’s new podcast, The Herdline, will air tomorrow with Tre DeMarco and Sam Ferenchick, who will discuss the game.
