You Won't Believe How This Haverford School Trio Shocked Everyone to Win the PAISAA Title!

This year's All-Delco team showcases an array of talent, led by Player of the Year Cruz Corialos. Among the standout athletes making waves on the field are several remarkable players whose performances have defined their seasons.

Graham Costello from Haverford School has cemented himself as a crucial asset, helping his team secure a second-place finish in the Inter-Ac League. The junior goalie guided the Fords to 18 wins and their first Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association title in a decade. Notably, Haverford hit their stride late in the season, winning their last six games while allowing just two goals in that stretch. Costello's impressive record includes nine shutouts, with four occurring in the final five games. His standout performances included a critical 1-0 shutout against Episcopal Academy and another 1-0 victory in the PAISAA final against Westtown School. After a challenging start that saw Haverford concede 12 goals in the first six matches, they finished the season with a 15-2-1 record, largely thanks to Costello, who made 105 saves throughout the campaign.

Jack Leuthold, a senior center back for Strath Haven, played a vital role in his team's defensive strategy, which propelled the Panthers to the postseason. They allowed only 22 goals across 18 games, finishing with an 8-10 record, which earned them a District 1 Class 3A playoff berth. Leuthold’s leadership helped maintain six clean sheets, including against formidable Central League competitors Ridley and Marple Newtown. This was particularly impressive considering the Panthers struggled offensively, managing just 15 goals in their last 15 games. For his efforts, Leuthold earned a first-team All-Central selection.

Quincy Hippler from Radnor faced considerable pressure following the loss of key players from the 2024 PIAA Class 3A championship team. However, the senior defenseman helped Radnor achieve a commendable 9-5-5 record, including a playoff victory in the district's first round. Despite an offense that struggled to find its rhythm, Hippler was instrumental in limiting the opposition to 15 goals in 19 matches, recording eight shutouts and even contributing five goals himself.

Another Haverford standout is Finn French, who has already secured his place as a two-time All-Delco player and is committed to playing lacrosse at Duke University. This season, the junior midfielder scored 13 goals and provided two assists while dominating in the central midfield area. His contributions were pivotal in guiding the Fords to an 18-win season, an Inter-Ac second-place finish, and the PAISAA title. French’s performance has caught the attention of scouts, further solidifying his athletic reputation.

Seamus Lannon has also made a significant impact at Haverford this season. Returning after a stint with club soccer, the junior midfielder helped lead his team to a District 1 Class 4A title. He excelled in both scoring and playmaking, registering five goals and eight assists. Lannon’s ability to create space and control the game allowed Haverford to adopt a new defensive strategy that paid dividends, as evidenced by their stellar defensive record. His contributions included a decisive goal in the District 1 semifinals against Lower Merion, sending Haverford to states for the first time since 1978.

Jude Sacks of Delaware County Christian experienced a rocky start to his season due to an injury but returned to form spectacularly. Scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists, he became a key player during the postseason, netting seven goals in seven playoff games. This included a critical goal in the district final, helping the Knights secure their first District 1 Class A title and reach the PIAA Class A final. Sacks’ performances were instrumental in the team's impressive 21-4 record, although they narrowly fell to Bentworth in the final.

In addition, Graham Quedenfeld from Episcopal Academy has also made his mark. The sophomore midfielder scored 14 goals and provided six assists, forming a formidable partnership with teammate Mikey McGonagle. The duo was vital in leading the Churchmen to a 14-win season and All-Inter-Ac honors.

Lastly, the standout talent of Omar Warthen from Ridley and Benk Gahler from Marple Newtown cannot go unnoticed. Warthen emerged as one of the Central League’s top attacking threats, scoring 17 goals throughout the season. Despite his team’s overall record of 7-11, his speed and striking ability ensured he made a significant impact on the field. Gahler, on the other hand, was pivotal in Marple Newtown's 10-win season, leading the Central League with 23 goals and six assists, which earned him a consensus first-team All-Central selection.

As these young athletes continue to develop their skills and make strides on the field, the future of soccer in Delaware County looks bright.