Haverford's football team hosts a Ridley squad coming off its first loss of the season Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in a Central League game with standings implications for both sides.

The Fords (3-4, 2-3 Central) are coming off one of the season's most painful losses. Haverford built a 14-0 halftime lead against Marple Newtown on Oct. 9, then watched it evaporate in a 29-28 defeat decided by a two-point conversion with 30.9 seconds left, according to the Delco Times.

Running back Henry Yez carried 30 times for 194 yards in that loss. He scored twice, converted two fourth downs and broke a 41-yard run into the red zone. But seven penalties for 86 yards helped Marple Newtown claw back.

"Obviously we've got to just hold onto the ball and finish drives, run the clock down," Yez told the Delco Times after the Oct. 9 game. "That's what our offense is."

Ridley (6-1, 5-1) arrives in Havertown stinging from its own setback. Springfield shut out the Green Raiders 20-0 on Oct. 9, holding them to 89 total yards, according to the Delco Times. Standout running back Jamar Savoy left on the opening possession with an injury and was on crutches by the second quarter. Without Savoy, Ridley's offense will need first-year quarterback Joey Carroll to find answers through the air.

The matchup matters for the Central League standings. Springfield (6-0, 5-0) and Strath Haven (6-1, 5-0) sit tied atop the league. Ridley faces road games at Haverford, Strath Haven and Garnet Valley over its final three weeks, per the Delco Times. A second straight loss would damage the Green Raiders' title hopes.

For Haverford, a win over a 6-1 opponent would be the Fords' biggest of the season. Their three wins have come against Harry S. Truman (42-13 on Aug. 28), Penncrest (49-7 on Sept. 10) and Lower Merion (40-0 on Oct. 2), according to MaxPreps.

Radnor (1-6, 1-5) fell 30-9 to Upper Darby on Oct. 9 and sits 10th in the Central League, according to MaxPreps. The Raptors visit Springfield on Oct. 16.

Episcopal Academy (3-1) opens Inter-Ac League play Saturday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. at Springside Chestnut Hill. The Churchmen defeated Archbishop Carroll 28-14 on Oct. 2 in their most recent outing, per the Delco Times. Quarterback Jackson Solley and running back A'azhere Lucas have led the offense.

Haverford-Ridley kicks off at 7 p.m. at Haverford.