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.

SHS Field Hockey Team Helps With SAA Clinic

The Springfield High School Field Hockey team has teamed up with the SAA to provide a field hockey clinic to all girls from third- through eighth-grade registered with the association. The High School girls donate their time for a six-week period to help teach the girls positioning, fundamentals, teamwork and most importantly how to have fun while playing. Without the help and support of the girls the SAA would not be able to open the clinic to the number of girls that they do.

Their dedication to the sport and to the younger players is a great way to give back to our community. Pictured is a small group of the High School players who helped with the SAA field hockey clinic for girls in third- through eighth-grade. Top row: Morgan Murphy, Brooke Shea, Kelly Cahill, Megan Todaro; second row: Kelly Casper, Amy Rensimer, Erin Bunker, Jamie Cesna, Nikki Cassasanto and Alyssa Grace; third row: Kristen Dolan, Megan Hayden, Alexa Acchione, Nicole Ward, Steph Cant, Emily Kane, Sara Gamble and Amy Rosenzweig; front row: Molly Scully, Brittany Correnti, Sammi Brower, Claire Remy, Erin Gallagher, MaryKate Brennecke, Michaela Whitaker and Taylor DeBernardi. Missing from the photo is Kelsie Blackburn.

Union's Shea Salinas to read to Delco children, Sunday at Helen Kate Furness in Wallingford

Chester, Pa. – Philadelphia Union’s Shea Salinas will be the guest reader at story time at the Helen Kate Furness Library in Wallingford, Pa. on Sunday, September 26 at 2:30 p.m. The midfielder will read one of his favorite children’s books, “Where the Wild Things Are,” to area children ages 3-10. Delaware County Council Chairman Jack Whelan will also present Salinas with his own Delaware County library card.

Children’s Librarian Lori Friedgen-Veitch will kick off the story time with at 2:00 p.m. with books about soccer, including the new Pele picture book autobiography. Salinas follow at 2:30 and then will answer questions and sign copies of his READ poster, one of several celebrity “Read” posters created by the Delaware County Library System to promote literacy and library use. Copies of the poster will be given to the first 50 participants.

Registration is required and those interested can register online at the DCLS website at www.delcolibraries.org or in-person at the Furness Library, 100 N. Providence Road (Route 252), Wallingford, Pa. For more information, visit the Delaware County Library System web page: www.delcolibraries.org or the Furness Library web page: www.hkflibrary.org The Delaware County Library System is a department of county government responsible for supporting public library service. The Helen Kate Furness Free Library is an independent member of the Delaware County Library System serving the communities of Nether Providence Township and Rose Valley.

Fishing Tourney at Ridley Lake To Benefit Ridley Soccer

Above, Coach Jamie Volpone and Eric Sims who caught the first tagged fish are pictured at last year’s Trout Tournament.

Saturday’s Trout Tournament At Ridley Lake To Benefit Ridley Soccer Program

Those who are angling for some family fun are invited to come out to Ridley Park Lake for the 3rd Annual Trout Fishing Tournament hosted by the Ridley High School Boys Soccer Team on Sat. (Sept. 25) from 8:30 am to 1 pm Rain date will be Sept. 26. This year's tournament includes 300 freshly stocked and hungry trout with prizes awarded for anyone catching a tagged fish. There will be a variety of food, drinks and a limited amount of bait for sale. Registration begins at 7 a.m. so come out early to get a desired spot on the lake. Participants are encouraged to bring rod, tackle and the whole family Proceeds will benefit the Ridley Boys Soccer program. The cost for children ages 15 and under is $5 and $10 for those 16 and over. Children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult and anyone over 16 years of age is required to have a PA fishing license. A PA Trout stamp is not required for this event. All fish caught may be kept or released at the catcher’s discretion. For complete details, visit http://www.ridleysoccer.org/.

SYC 100-Pound JV Beats Ridley

100-Pound JV Running Back Nick Canavin sweeps to the outside for a touchdown as Springfield beat Ridley 42-0. SYC celebrated Homecoming with festivities and returning alumni.

SYC 100-Pound Varsity

SYC's 100-Pound Varsity quarterback Michael Tulskie stands under center Jimmy Donegan as Springfield easily defeated Ridley 35-0. This past weekend was SYC's Homecoming.

100-Pound Varsity

The Cougars kicked off homecoming against the Ridley Raiders in Week 2 of the regular season. The opening kick by Vince Puppio went all the way back to Ridley's 22 yard line as Jaden McKenzie pummeled the Ridley returner. After Springfield stopped Ridley's offense on the first 3 downs, Frankie Durham caught an interception and the ball was on the Ridley 17. After moving the ball all the way to the 5 yard line, Jaime Bove scored a touchdown because of a huge hole left by Pat Clemens, Jimmy Clark and Jimmy Donegan. After failing on the first 2 downs, Ridley's offense was shut down on the last 2 downs as well, as Vince DiMichele and Vince Puppio made the stops. On Springfield's next drive, Frankie Durham and Justin Shields ran out the clock with a 1st and 10 inside Ridley territory to begin the second quarter . The score was 7-0.

After failing to get a first down in the first 2 downs, Jaime Bove came up big on 3rd and long as the ball was inside the 10 yard line, which set up a highlight reel touchdown by Jaden McKenzie. On Ridley's next drive, Jeff Biancaniello made consecutive stops to set up a fumble recovery by Springfield's defense. On Springfield's next drive, Justin Shields went 38 yards while breaking three tackles to score another Springfield touchdown. Luke Gutowski had a nice block on the play.

As Springfield drove the ball down the field on their next drive, Michael Tulskie threw a touchdown pass to Jaden McKenzie to put Ridley behind by a wide margin in the second quarter. Ridley's quarterback was pressured by Max DiFonzo to force the interception by Luke Gutowski to end the 1st half.

When Springfield received the ball to start the second half, Chris Finizio, Vince Puppio and Pat Clemens ran the ball down the field thanks to huge blocks by Vince DiMichele and Luke Palumbo. Frankie Durham then took over duties at quarterback. After driving the ball a bit further down the field, Vince Puppio scored a touchdown on an eight yard run up the middle. Houtmann scored the extra point.

The fourth quarter was being run down by the Cougars, especially after an interception by Trevor Robinson.

Springfield won 32-0. Next week's game is against the Clifton Rams.

SYC 80-Pound Teams

80-Pound JV Gold

Homecoming weekend , Sept. 11, brought beautiful weather, capacity crowds and a tremendous victory for the 80 pound JV Gold Team as they defeated BYC 12-0.

Springfield’s offense was sparked early by Jake Eden’s sideline dash for big yards. This was followed up by Nick Donegan punching one in the end zone for Springfield’s first touchdown. Relentless blocking was provided all day by Riley McCarry, Robbie O’Brien, Aiden Hoopes, John Godsey, Fran Grady, Alex Hudyma, Kieran Roche, Daniel Albany, Anthony Teufel and Stephen Graney. The lineman helped pave the way for spectacular runs by Dominick Alfonsi and Alex Sciarrino in the second half. Late in the game Chris Rich was able to pound Springfield’s second touchdown into the end zone securing the game for the Cougars.

Springfield’s dominating defense served up its second goose egg in as many weeks. Nick Finizio set the tone early with an exciting interception. Brian Layton, Kevin Farren, Nico Santini, Edward Cullen, Paul Conlan and Chad Ruppert handed the BYC offense more than they could handle all morning. Linebacker’s Dan Tommarelli, Logan Chambers, Michael Wells, Tom Dougherty and Malachi Hansen issued some punishing hits and managed to keep their opposition to very little gain.

Congratulations to all players and coaches on a very impressive win! The Gold team will host Brandywine-Delaware this Saturday at Crowell Park.

80-Pound Varsity

The Springfield Cougars 80-pound Varsity football team celebrated their Homecoming at Cougar Stadium on September 11. The Cougars came ready to play and defend their home turf against the opposing Ridley Raiders.

The Cougars opened with a great kickoff to the opposing Raiders, however, the return was quickly cut short by outstanding tackles made by Aiden Shandley and Kevin Rechner. The Raiders tried to bounce back, but their remaining drive was unsuccessful as the Cougar defensive team of Patrick Dougherty and Jimmy O’Neill refused to allow the Raiders to advance.

The Cougars offense then took the wheel and advanced quickly downfield into Raider territory. A terrific block by Tanner Robinson created the necessary opening for a long run and resulting touchdown by Steven Griffin. A fantastic block by Klaus Gabel allowed Griffin to ease in for the extra point and the Cougars were now up 7-0 early in the first quarter.

The Cougars defense once again took the field ready and willing to defend their territory. Early in the drive, a forced Raiders fumble resulted in a recovery by Michael Eberhardt. This turnover put the Cougars offense back in play. A rock-solid offensive effort by Joe Pontano and Jake Vaughan led to a 50 yard touchdown run by Anthony Rightley. Pat McCann then had a successful run up the middle for the extra point. The Cougars were up 14-0 early in the first quarter.

An additional fumble recovery by Rightley put the offense back in drive late in the first quarter. Brendon Weaver helped the offensive line remain a powerhouse throughout the drive. Shortly after, McCann added 7 more to the scoreboard with a fantastic 51 yard TD run. With a quarterback keeper, Pat Marley added the extra point to end the quarter with a Cougar lead of 21-0.

Proving they truly are one team, with one goal, no matter what, the Cougars welcomed the constant leadership from their injured teammate and friend Jake Bush cheering them on from the sidelines.

The second half saw two more fumble recoveries by Brendan Hilden and Nick Cariola. Despite the Raiders best efforts, the Cougars ended the game with a 21-6 win and defended their home turf. They are looking to continue their winning streak next Friday night against Clifton.

Local players take part in All Star Baseball Showcase

(Photo by Ken Leidheiser)

Getting pitching tips from Bucknell Coach Scott Heather is Strath Haven pitcher Jake Enterlin (left) at the recent All Star Baseball Showcase at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington. Enterlin was one of almost 100 area players (ages 15 to 18) to showcase their talents at the recent Academic Baseball Showcase.

All Star Baseball Academy of West Chester is hosting the Tri-State Baseball Showcase, October 23-24 at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington. Area high school players are invited to register now to showcase their talents. A total of 12 college coaches will be participating in the event, including Delaware, Villanova, St. Joseph's, Gettysburg, Susquehanna, Arcadia, Immaculata, and Elizabethtown.

This showcase is part of All Star Baseball's "Collegiate Showcase Series" which helps connect area players with college coaches and recruiting coordinators. Players who are 15 to 18 years of age and graduating in the class years of 2011, 2012, and 2013 will get the opportunity to show their talent at this top-rated Showcase.

Players will have the opportunity to show their skills in front of many of the top academic colleges in the Mid-Atlantic area. The camp will consist of both skill evaluations and live games over a two day period. Players will be divided into four teams and rosters will be built by position so that each team will have the same number of pitchers and position players.

"For area players who want to attend an excellent college, this is a great opportunity in terms of exposure and visibility to top coaches." said Ken Leidheiser of All Star Baseball. "This showcase event will be limited to the first 100 players who sign up, and this session has drawn a lot of interest across several states."

Players can sign up at www.allstarbaseballacademy.com or by calling All Star Baseball Academy at 610-399-9356. Registration can be completed by check or credit card, with the cost of this top-rated event at $350 per player.

Collegiate Showcase Series--Tri-State-- A total of 12 colleges from the tri-state area will be represented by coaches and recruiting coordinators at this showcase event.

The colleges include: Delaware, Villanova, St. Joseph's, Stockton, Arcadia, Immaculata, William Paterson, Elizabethtown, Moravian, Susquehanna, Rutgers-Camden, and Gettysburg. Area players (ages 15-18) who want to play baseball in college should attend this event to gain exposure to these schools and their coaches.

Like the recent Academic Showcase, both skill evaluation and live games will be conducted over the 2-day camp. Players will be evaluated by the coaches, and divided into groups for live games, batting practice, and fielding drills. The coaches will also give the players excellent instruction and postion-specific tips on how to take their games to the next level.

"This Showcase is a great chance to get better and get noticed too," pointed out Leidheiser. "Players will pick up key pointers and tips to help their games, and they will also get the opportunity to gain visibility with some of the top colleges in the East. This is a great list of schools in the Mid-Atlantic area that we have coordinated for one event."

Players can sign up at www.allstarbaseballacademy.com or by calling All Star Baseball at 610-399-9356. Players can sign up by check or credit card at $350 per player for the 2-day showcase event.

"Frawley Stadium is a top-notch, first-class facility and we are excited about running this Showcase Event at such a nice field," said Leidheiser. "We look forward to helping area players get noticed by top colleges of their choice so that they can showcase their skills, improve their games, and potentially earn scholarship dollars in the future. This represents a super opportunity for players in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to come to the Blue Rocks Stadium and get noticed."

Enjoying the Little League World Series

Ten St. Francis of Assisi Parish families in Springfield spent the weekend in Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series. Katie Ward, Sara Sadoff, Matthew Bendyna, Aaron Sadoff, Nick Cutuli, Connor Sadoff and Michael Ward spent the afternoon cheering on players their own age.

Rose Tree ‘Flames’ in soccer tourney

Rose Tree Soccer Club U9 girls A team "The Flames" recently participated in the 24th annual Spirit United Kickoff Classic Soccer Tournament in Downingtown. They were tournament champions in the U9 Elite division. (Front row, from left) Tori Natale, Mia Leonhardt, Hannah Casanova, Abby Dermott, Carly Bateman, (back) Elyse Brangiel, Lydia Elia, Kenna Kaut, Alexis Calloway, and Anna Nunag. Not pictured are head coach Jon Dermott and assistant coaches Hope Kaut and Deneen Calloway.

Brianna Mae Fox Is Diving Champ

Brianna Mae Fox of Springfield placed first for the second consecutive year in the senior division of Intra County Diving Championships held at her home pool, Primos-Secane Swim Club on July 25. Brianna stands with her coach, Charlie Meo.

12U Blue supplied World Series excitement

The12U Springfield Blue World Series team at Emerald Beach.Teammates are Brett Sheeran, Matt Methlie, Charlie Carbin, Earl Kelly, Andrew Astrino, Jimmy Murray, Matt Cella, Matt Conran, Brian McCloskey, Mitch Masi, Nick O'Shea, Ben Thorpe and Seamus McCaffrey. The coaches are Joe Johnson, Jr., Mike Masi, Dan Crowe, and Tom LeVasseur.

When our 13 boys (Springfield 12U Blue) are asked what they did this summer, they have a great answer: “We went to the World Series.” In order to qualify, they had to win the state and regional titles. Then, everything had to turn around in 10 days, so that they could get to Wilson County, N.C. for the opening ceremonies on Aug. 12. The boys were first sent by limo to the airport and then flown to Raleigh. By chance, Darren Daulton (former 1993 World Series Phillies’ catcher and now commentator) was at the airport and stopped for a picture with the team.This was the first plane ride for a couple of the boys. After they landed, they were picked up by a luxury bus at the airport and taken to a local eatery to kill some time, waiting for the Connecticut (NE Region champs) team who was flying in and needed to share a ride to the hotel, which was an hour away. During the stay, the weather was hot and steamy and there were a lot of gnats.

The team was warned about both. They put fans in the dugouts and on the fields to help. The field was called "The Hole" because it sits down below the stands and behind Rockridge Elementary School. Southern hospitality was evident at the ball fields; two hostesses/cheerleaders and two batboys were provided (Brianna, Alexis, Braxton and Cameron). A “Banquet of Champions” dinner was provided, and all the teams from across the country were honored. A former Phillies player, Scott McGregor, gave a speech. They referred to the team as the Mid-Atlantic Region champs, representing the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and New York. Teams representing their respective regions were California, Idaho, Wilson County, N.C., North Dakota, Kentucky, Arkansas, Connecticut, New Bern and North Carolina, plus a team from Nassau, Bahamas. Springfield made it out of pool play and advanced to the quarterfinals. That gave the squad a day off, and a lot of the boys went to Emerald Isle Beach to escape some of the heat.

The quarterfinal game was played on Aug. 17 under the lights versus Idaho. It was not decided until 10:45 p.m. when the score reached 16 to 14. Our boys battled but this was to be Blue’s last game of a spectacular season. Wow -- playing baseball until Aug. 17. What a way to end a four-year career for Coach Joe Johnson, Jr. and the boys from our small town in Springfield. They all worked hard at this starting back in March. The boys wanted it and Coach Joe made the kids believe they could get to the World Series. Many honors are still coming their way. The team is invited to Citizens Bank Park Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. to be honored. A visit to the House of Representatives in Harrisburg is in the works with Rep. Bill Adolph, and Springfield Township will honor our boys. In addition, two of the boys were given honors based on their performance in the World Series; Mitch Masi was named to the All-Defensive Team, and Charlie Carbin was named to the All Pitching Team. The boys want to thank the many family members (including a lot of grandparents) and friends who came from Springfield and beyond to be with them and to cheer them on; it was like having home field advantage. In addition, the games were available on the Internet and many of you watched and supported the team from afar. You were with the boys all year, and they will never forget your support.