SYC Football Update

This years Springfield Youth Club’s 80-Pound varsity consists of (first row) Brendon Weaver, Pat Dougherty, Tanner Robinson, Mike Eberhardt, Nick Cariola, (second row) Coach Lou DiMichele, Patrick McCann, Kevin Rechner, Anthony Rightley, Aiden Shandly, Klaus Gabel, Pat Marley, Coach Jeremy Cavanaugh (third row) Coach Sal Scarpato, Coach Rob Simpson, Coach Joe Dougherty, Jimmy O'Neill, Joe Pontano, Brendan Hilden, Jake Vaughan, Steve Griffin, Coach Ed Gutowski, Coach Carlo DiMichele.

80-Pound JV Gold

Springfield 13

Brandywine Del. 6

The Cougars battled a steady rain and a tough Brandywine Delaware team on Sept. 26. Thanks to a tireless defensive effort and some explosive offense early in the game, team was once again victorious.

A muddy field and a wet football plagued both teams all afternoon... but it was Springfield's Paul Conlan who recovered a first quarter fumble that put the Cougar offense into good field position.

Fran Grady, Anthony Teufel, Daniel Albany, Aiden Hoopes and Kieran Roche opened up the Brandywine defense, allowing Jake Eden to pick up some vital yards. Later in the drive, Dominick Alfonsi broke off a 40-yard touchdown run putting the Cougars on the board. Chris Rich topped off the drive by muscling into the end zone to convert the extra point.

Late in the first half, Alex Hudyma and John Godsey helped to provide some priceless pass protection for quarterback Nick Donegan. Donegan delivered a perfect strike to Alfonsi for Springfield's second touchdown of the game. In what proved to be a hard fought second half, the Cougar defense never let up. Brian Layton, Stephen Graney, Logan Chambers, Nico Santini, Nicolas Finzio, Kevin Farren and Robbie O'Brien applied some heavy-duty pressure on Brandywine's quarterback and backfield all afternoon. Edward Cullen, Dan Tommarelli, Riley McCarry, Alex Sciarrino and Thomas Dougherty shut down the opposition's passing attack and made their presence known all day.

Springfield held off a last minute push by Brandywine as time expired resulting in a 13-6 win.

80-Pound JV Blue

Springfield 20

Brandywine Del-2 6

The Blue team (1-2-1) beat Brandywine Del. 2 on Sept. 26 by a score of 20-6 for its first win. The team posted more offensive points in this game then they have all season.

After Brandywine scored its initial touchdown in the first minutes of the game, the Cougar offense took over. The impressive offensive campaign was lead by Shawn Atkins in the quarterback position. Alex Williams scored his first touchdown of the game on a 45-yard run. Atkins ran in for the extra point making it 7-6.

Still applying pressure in the second half, Connor Smith scored his first touchdown of the year with a six-yard run on a handoff from Atkins. Matt Ellison scored the extra point on a run.

The final scoring occurred with an interception by Williams and a 10-yard run for his second TD of the day.

The Cougars stellar running game was made possible by the blocking of Anthony McBride, Danny Barrett, Chris Impriano, Brett Gougler, Tommy Ward, Dylan Archer, Cole Rhodes, Nick Santivasci, Matt Gagliardi and Ethan Scott.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kieran Morse tallied several impressive tackles, along with Aidan McLane, Todd Garrett, Colin Renning, Matt Johnston and Vincent Divario.

The Cougars registered a second interception of the day from Art Minchin. Vincent Divario, Matt Johnston and Todd Garrett recorded sacks. The tough Cougar defense continued with play by M'khai Terry, Brian King, Jake Methlie, Michael Leon and Alex Klein.

The 80-pound JV Blue will look to lengthen their winning streak with a game this Saturday at 9 a.m. at Marple versus Marple 1.

80-Pound Varsity

Springfield 13

Brandywine Warriors 6

The Cougars hosted the Brandywine DE Warriors on Sept 25. The Cougars won the coin toss and within minutes set the tone for the afternoon. Anthony Rightley had a 40-yard run, with some big blocks from Patrick McCann and Steven Griffin to put the Cougars within striking distance. Steven Griffin scored a touchdown on the next play. Pat Marley scored the extra point on a quarterback keeper making the score 7-0.

The Warriors took possession and tried to march down field without much luck. Kevin Rechner, Patrick Dougherty, Aiden Shandley and Nick Cariola kept the pressure on the Warriors while Tanner Robinson came up with a big tackle to stop the Warriors on as failed fourth down conversion attempt.

The Cougars took possession on the ten-yard line. Griffin had a nine-yard run with blocks from Klaus Gabel and Jake Vaughn. Marley made first down on another QB sneak. Rightley ran another 50 yards several plays later with the help of tackles out front by Tanner Robinson and Pat McCann.

The Warriors took a turn again to no avail. Tough defense by Jimmy O'Neill, Brendan Weaver, Brendan Hilden, Joe Potano and Michael Eberhardt held the line.

Another touchdown by Rightley made it 13-0 at the half.

Strong defense held the Warriors scoreless until the last two minutes of the game making the final score at the buzzer 13-6.

100-Pound Varsity

Springfield 19

Brandywine Warriors 0

The Cougars faced off against the Brandywine Del. Warriors, and the teams battled through a scoreless first quarter, although the Cougars were driving at the quarters’ end.

In the second quarter with the ball in Warrior territory, Frankie Durham broke free for a Cougar touchdown. Jaime Bove then scored the extra point.

On Brandywine's next possession, they drove the ball down field but Chris Finizio, and Vince DiMichele made big stops and the Warriors faced a passing situation on fourth down. The pass landed into the hands of Durham. As Durham ran downfield, Justin Shields made a huge block, enabling Durham second touchdown of the first half.

On Brandywine's last strike of the first half, Luke Gutowski made a touchdown saving tackle on a 30-yard pass.

The Cougars led at the half 13-0.

To start the second half, the Cougars put pressure to the Warriors thanks to Vince Puppio, Jeff Biancaniello and Pat Clemens to force another fourth down pass. Trevor Robinson covered the Brandywine receiver and almost picked off the pass.

Then Springfield moved the ball steadily down the field behind great blocks by Jimmy Donegan and Jimmy Clark. Jaden McKenzie then broke a touchdown run to make the score 19-0 Cougars.

In the remainder of the game, Max DiFonzo, Luke Palumbo and Jeff Houtmann helped stymie the Brandywine squad.

Zack Kennedy helped the Cougars moved the ball down the field, and McKenzie broke a 22-yard run. But what pretty much ended the game was Michael Tulskie's interception and then the Cougars just ran the clock out to end the game with Springfield up 19-0.

Next week the squad heads out to Marple to play the Marple Tigers.