SYC cheerleaders are league champions

The Springfield Youth Club Senior Cheerleaders won their league championship on Nov. 14, taking first place at the Bert Bell Cheerleading Competition in the Senior Elite Category at West Chester University. The girls even earned a perfect score for their routine from one of the judges. Cheerleaders are: (front row) Maddie D’Amico, Callie Robinson, Danielle Kerr, Cara Dunfee, Shannon McLaughlin, Taylor Murray, Natalie Stagliano, Jenna Dortone, Morgan Marker, Brandi Layden, and Ashley Sullivan. (Back row) Melissa Papale, Sara Polohovich, Allison Riddle, Jessica Eden, Maura Berlingis, Megan Bailer, Michelle Fessler, Chloe Williams, Holly Gilligan and coaches Sam Dortone and Steph Smith. Missing from photo: Sara Hackett, Cassie Varacalli, Laura Monzo, Grace Hackett, Alex McCormick, Jackie Ciano and Emily Mosenson.

Springfield, Ridley swimmers for MS raised $1,400

On Saturday, Nov. 13, swimmers from the Ridley and Springfield swimming communities took the plunge and dove in to help people with Multiple Sclerosis. Participants swam laps over a five hour period. Through the hard work and dedication of event coordinator Ceire Hay, along with a challenge grant from Taylor Community Foundation, the Swim For MS raised over $1,400 for Multiple Sclerosis. Swimmers included, front, Ceire Hay (left) and Kate Hay; and back, Kayla McAteer (left) and Kalista Murphy.

Great season for Springfield SAA team Florida

SAA K-1 Team Florida soccer team members are (front row) Sean Hannigan, Gianna Hannigan, Kaitlyn Brennan, Connor Farrell, Xavier Wendel, Jack Preston, Jake Marryott, (back row) Ryan McLaughlin, Mairin Gallagher, Coach Todd, Gavyn McBride, Coach Anthony and Conor Higgins.

SYC 80-Pound are Bert Bell Champs

SYC 80-pound Varsity became the 2010 Bert Bell Champions after defeating Kennett-Union. The team ended its season with an incredible 13-0 record. Team members are Jake Vaughan, Anthony Rightley, Mike Eberhardt, Nick Cariola, Tanner Robinson, Brendan Weaver, Jimmy O'Neill, Aiden Shandley, Pat Dougherty, Kevin Rechner, Klaus Gabel, Steven Griffin, Joe Pontano, Pat Marley, Brendan Hilden, Pat McCann. Coaches are Carlo DiMichele, Rob Simpson, Ed Gutowski, Sal Scarpato, Jeremy Cavanaugh, Lou DiMichele, and Joe Dougherty.

80-Pound Varsity

Springfield – 20

Greater 69th Street - 6

Springfield came one step closer to a perfect, undefeated season by adding a big win over Greater 69th St in the Bert Bell Semi-Finals playoff game.

The Cougars defense played an extremely tough first quarter keeping 69th St. off the board with big stops by Klaus Gabel and Nick Cariola. Brendon Weaver, Jimmy O’Neill, and Mike Eberhardt stayed focused and helped prove the Cougars are the team to beat in the Bert Bell League.

The Cougars struck first with a fantastic 30-yard TD run by Anthony Rightley. Impressive blocking by Brendan Hilden and Aiden Shandley allowed Rightley to successfully add the extra point making it a 7–0 game.

Soon after, a perfectly completed pass by QB Pat Marley fell right into Rightley’s hands for a huge gain. Thanks to Jake Vaughan and Joe Pontano’s excellent blocking, Rightley added scored, making it a 13–0.

Rightley had another big touchdown run on the opening play of the second half. Kevin Rechner and Tanner Robinson executed strong blocks and created the necessary opening for Pat McCann to successfully push through and add the extra point making it a 20-0.

The Wildcats struck back late in the fourth quarter, making it a 20–6. However, Steven Griffin made sure that was where it stopped by coming up big with both a fumble recovery and an interception.

Pat Dougherty and Jake Bush kept their team pumped from the sidelines as the Cougars earned a place in the Bert Bell Championship game.

Springfield – 19

Kennett Unionville – 7

The Cougars completed a perfect 12–0 season on Nov. 20 with a systematic and convincing 19–7 victory over Kennett Unionville.

The victory, at Coatesville High School, captured the 80-pound Conference Championship of the Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference.

The first half was closely contested with the Cougars scoring on their first possession on a nifty 48-yard pass and run from Pat Marley to Anthony Rightley. Despite a strong ground attach from backs Steven Griffin, Pat McCann, and Tanner Robinson, the SYC was looking at a 7–6 halftime deficit. Things could have been worse if not for a game changing TD save and tackle by Rightley as the half expired.

The second half was all Blue and Gold as the aggressive and confident defensive unit of Klaus Gabel, Mike Eberhardt, Kevin Rechner, Jimmy O’Neill and Nick Cariola repeatedly stopped the Titans. This allowed the powerful Cougars offensive unit of Brendan Hilden, Aiden Shandley, Jake Vaughan, Brendon Weaver and Joe Pontano to make big plays and orchestrate a time consuming drive that lead to two second half TDs by QB Marley.

Pat Dougherty, as usual, kept his teammates focused and spirits high.

The entire team and coaching staff had an amazing season, and earned SYC’s first 80-pound Bert Bell Championship win since 1984. It was a season no one will soon forget.

Springfield SAA U12 girls are champs

The champion U12 Cougars:are (first row) Lily Clair, Rosie McKnight, Bailey O'Brien, Julianne Clemens, Abbey Johnson, (second row) Paige Dezzi, Jill Kane, Kaily Crystle, Emily McGuire, (third row) Coach Dave Tijarian, Mackenzie Schott, Gianna Zulli, Bridget Whitaker, Stephanie McCann, Georgia Apostolu and Coach Gil Crystle.

The SAA's U12 girls’ travel soccer team won its second straight PAGS championship in dramatic fashion. The Cougars worked hard all season with all 14 girls giving 110 percent and finishing the regular season 5-2-1 and second place with a 5-2-1 record.

The Cougars advanced to the play-offs and won their semi-final game last Saturday against NPAA in a 2-1 come-from-behind victory.

The next day, the girls went on to defeat the first place River Hornets 2-1 in a penalty kick shoot-out. Gianna Zulli scored the tying goal as the fourth shooter in the penalty kick round to force a second round. The Cougars eighth shooter, Rosie McKnight, fired a laser into the lower left corner to score the game-winning goal.

Lily Clair defended the goal throughout the game with tenacity, and showed total dominance during the penalty kick round, allowing one goal and making seven saves to clinch the championship.

Springfield CYO: SFA beat St. Pius

SFA Junior Varsity

SFA 46

St. Pius 13

The St. Francis of Assisi (SFA) fifth- and sixth-grade football team routed St. Pius last Friday night. SFA raised its record to 9-2.

SFA scored on all four offensive possessions in the first half: Andrew Paulus bulled up the middle twice from five and 15 yards; Kyle Long swept around end from 38 yards; and Nicky Kutufaris raced 35 yards off tackle to record the touchdowns. David Strawley booted an extra point, and Greg Tamaccio also ran in an extra point.

The defense did not allow a first down in the opening half, and the half came to a close with SFA on top 27-0.

There was no scoring in the third quarter, but in the fourth quarter both teams combined for five scores. SFA struck first as Derek Stain scored from three yards out.

St. Pius finally got on the board with a long scoring pass, but then Kutufaris returned the proceeding kickoff 65 yards to pay dirt.

St. Pius added another touchdown and extra point, but SFA answered right back as Kutufaris once again found a running lane and returned the kick-off 60 yards into the end zone. The two kick-off returns for touchdowns in one quarter was a first in SFA's 36-year history. Strain added the extra point to complete the scoring.

SFA accumulated 256 rushing yards as linemen Nick Matty, Strawley, Connor Sadoff, Chris Alfonsi, Joey Radico, Jared Morris, Kevin McKeon, Michael Ward, Jerry Curran, Jimmy Schneider, Alex Grafstrom, Chris DiRenzo, Nick Cutuli, Matt Reis, Matt Bendyna and Chris Delaney dominated the line of scrimmage.

Leading tacklers for SFA were Paulus, Curran, McKeon, Strawley, Andrew Pickett, Sadoff, Morris, Matty, Alfonsi, Mike Conran, Cutuli, Stephen D'Amico, Delaney, DiRenzo, Adam Klein, Schneider, Strain and Kutufaris. In addition, Reis blocked a punt and Morris recovered a fumble.

SFA plays their final game of the season on Thanksgiving Day at Springfield High School at noon against Holy Cross, with the varsity starting off the festivities at 10 a.m.

Episcopal Academy captures boys water polo title with win over Haverford School, finishes season 23-3

The Episcopal Academy boys’ water polo team defeated host Haverford School, 16-3, on Saturday and won the Inter-Ac League championship with a perfect 8-0 league record.

It was a super season for EA. which also won the Eastern Prep School championship two weeks ago at Lawrenceville School and ended the year on a roll, with 12 straight wins against tough competition from several states. In the win over Haverford, junior Kyle Leidheiser led the scoring with four goals and seniors Charlie McGregor and Jimmy McEntee had three goals apiece. Goalie Anders Lindgren had another stellar game in the nets with outstanding saves and release passes. Ricky McEntee had an outstanding game with two goals, three assists, and four steals.

"We are very pleased to win the Inter-Ac title," said first-year EA coach Damon Newman. "We also won Eastern Preps for the first time since 2002 and we placed 6th out of 50 schools at the Beast of the East Tournament earlier this year.

"Our success was achieved through a balanced offensive attack and a pressure defense that was relentless. We believed in one another and the players bought into a style of water polo that made us successful this year."

Overall, the EA team finished 23-3 this season and went 8-0 in the Inter-Ac. The Churchmen averaged almost 13 goals a game, while giving up just 8 per game. Goalie Anders Lindgren was a wall behind top defenders such as senior Brad Hahn, Jack Forgash, and Michael Niu. The team's overall scoring was led by Spanish exchange student Alberto Munarriz, McGregor, Leidheiser and the McEntee twins, seniors Jimmy and Ricky.

"I'm very proud of the individual members' hard work, their attention to detail and their focus throughout the season," said Coach Newman. "It was truly a great year."

Photos courtesy of Ken Leidheiser

Spirited EA fans crowd the poolside area at Haverford School on Saturday, rooting on their team to the Inter-Ac championship. Overall, EA and Haverford School split the sports contests 2-2 during EA/HS Day. EA won the cross country and water polo events, and HS took the soccer and football games in the afternoon.

Goalie Anders (The Wall) Lindgren (left) was a stellar netminder for the EA team this year, and he played a strong game in the 16-3 win over Haverford last Saturday.

Delco Fall Baseball season ends

Cousins and teammates Chris Huk and Brian Ward, both of Springfield, proudly display their trophies marking the end of the Delco Fall Baseball season.

Springfield elementary ice hockey beats Penncrest

Danny McGill stops penalty shot vs Penncrest on Nov. 14.

Springfield Gold 8

Penncrest 0

The Gold Cougars continued their great play with an 8-0 shut out win over the Penncreast Lions with a total team effort on Sunday, Nov. 14.The defense led the way in this one and goalie Danny McGill was the star, making 15 saves, including a tremendous kick save late in the third period. McGill’s best save came early in the first period when he was part of the most exciting play in hockey, a penalty shot. The Penncrest player deked to his right and snapped a shot for the corner but Danny gloved the puck out of the air and waited for his teammates to celebrate the save.

Due to a short bench, the Cougars had a trio of ironmen on defense. Thomas Yocum, Dominic Carbonetta and Jack Spence logged a ton of icetime and all three picked up points while keeping the Lions off the board. Steven Griffin notched his second straight game with six points, scoring four goals and two assists, his play set the tone for the rest of his team.

Eric Agan had his skills on display, skating well on his wing, and Johnny Carafajumped in and hustled up some good scoring chances, both players show a real nose for the net. The third member of that line, Brendan McCloskey, had a great game, as well picking up his second goal of the season and leading the way with tenacious back checking. Conor Rysak continues to gain confidence and as aresult of his hard work, Rysak picked up his first career assist.

Game puck honors were split this week. Along with McGill's great game, sniper Ronnie Delfera was a force. Delfera found his spot in the slot and ripped home two big third period goals past a pretty good Penncrest goalie.

Up next for the Cougars are Plymouth-Whitemarsh on Monday, Nov. 22.

Scenes from the Haverford Soccer Club

Have a look at some great pictures from the Haverford Soccer Club, who concluded their fall season recently. Pictures are courtesy of Tricia Woodman and PicturesbyTodd.com.

One little kick

The following was written by reader and member of the Haverford Soccer Club U-13 team, Jared Franks.

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I dove as a last ditch effort - my one hope of surviving the shot. I saw it go by as dirt from the ground shot up into the air. The last I saw were people celebrating and then everything blurred. It was the game that I had been preparing for all season, the championship game.

Everyone was watching as we took the field. The game began in a flash. They had the ball in our zone before we were ready and luckily they didn’t have a chance due to our mighty defense. The game continued at a frantic pace. Each team making runs with the ball toward the other team’s goal, taking shot after shot. I made many solid saves and did very well but they ended up scoring just before the end of the first half. We were up by one goal at that point and we still had the lead going into half time. Our coach talked to us at the break and said that we couldn’t let up because this team had a history of many come-from-behind victories and we needed to keep our guard up.

The second half didn’t start as fast as the first had because both teams knew that they didn’t have to play as hard. The game was close. Everyone on the field and sidelines knew that it would only take one mistake to change the game entirely. Things became serious when the other team scored and tied the game. Each team’s defense held up through the end of the half and the game ended in a tie.

After a tiring game, everyone had to prepare themselves for overtime. Overtime had now elevated spirits and team anxiety to a higher level. Every second counted and the game could be over at any moment. Shockingly, after two overtimes, the game was still a tie. Everyone knew what was next…. a shootout. No team had ever gone to a shootout so it was either team’s game.

It started out with a round of fives shots each. No one on either team had scored so we went to a second round of five shots each. I blocked every shot and it came down to the final two shots, one by each team. Our team scored on the other team’s goalie which meant that saving this last shot would win the game for us. All I had to do was save this shot from entering the goal. They took the shot and I dove to the ground, dirt flying up in my face as I landed. Everyone gasped as I stood up and I knew by the look on their faces that it had scored. It was now one to one at the end of the second shootout.

There we were, now forced into a sudden death shootout as the only answer. Any shot scored would win the game. It was relentless, shot after shot I had to block. I could focus on nothing but the ball. The emotions were high for both teams. I had blocked all the shots, one after another, to this point. It was down to a teammate, a defenseman who usually does take many shots, but he made this one count. He took the shot and he scored!

This game will go down in my mind as the greatest game that I have ever played and will ever play. I will remember this game forever and will always look back on it with great memories. To this day our team has not won another championship but not for lack of trying. Of course we have high hopes to win this year. This year the championship game is on Sunday. I am ready.

Springfield Storm have undefeated season

The SAA U10 Girls Travel Soccer Team, “Springfield Storm,” had an undefeated season this year. Back row: Coaches Kathy Long, Dave Mastropietro and Chris D'Ambrosio. Middle row: Gillian Troilo, Julie Schickling, Belle Mastropietro, Jordan D'Ambrosio, Jenna Casasanto, Amanda McTaggarrt and Lexie Hagan. Front row: Emma O'Connor, Sydney Young, Alyssa Long, MaryKate Trevisan and Gina Troilo. Missing from photo: Gina Napoleon.

Springfield elementary ice hockey begins

Springfield Gold 8

Lower Merion 4

Springfield Gold got the new season underway with a convincing 8-4 win over Lower Merion on Nov.7

Steven Griffin led the way with a six-point night. Defenseman Jack Spence showed why he is one of the leaders on this team with a beautiful assist on Griffin's first goal. Griffin went on to score three more goals.

Riley Garrison picked up her first assist on the year when Brendan McCloskey finished off a sweet give and go with Griffin. McCloskey returned the favor with an assist later in the game.

Goalie Danny McGill stood tall all night, especially in the second period turning away several good scoring chances and had the save of the night with a poke check stop on a Lower Merion breakaway.

Thomas Yocum played his game tough as nails on the backline while showing his scoring touch with a hat trick stopping any thought of a Lower Merion comeback.

Youngsters Eric Agan and Conor Rysak, playing in their first game ever, played some big minutes with great results. Both had shots on goal and made important plays on the defensive end. Ronnie Delfera was all over the ice, picking up where he left off last season; a couple of big saves from the Lower Merion goalie kept him off the score board.

Dominic Carbonetta was on top of his game skating well and moving the puck; he also added an assist on the game-winning goal with a great outlet pass.

Game puck honors went to Mikey Ahearn who played in the first game of his career. He looked like a veteran out there, getting involved at both ends with good scoring chances and a relentless back checking effort all night.

The Gold Cougars look to continue their great play on Nov. 14 against Penncrest.

Springfield SYC 80-pound varsity undefeated

80-Pound Varsity

Springfield 27

Brandywine Del 7

Springfield remains undefeated as it earned a fantastic 27–7 victory over Brandywine DE this past Saturday in a Bert Bell Playoff quarterfinal game.

Offensively, Anthony Rightley remained the Cougars secret weapon and racked up well over 100yards and three touchdowns. Pat McCann pushed forward with some big yards when needed. Steven Griffin added an extraordinary 50-yard touchdown run as well. Pat Marley contributed hard earned extra points with impressive efforts up the middle. The formidable offensive line of Brendan Hilden, Jake Vaughan, Kevin Rechner, Aiden Shandley and Joe Pontano were remarkable and created the necessary lanes for the offense to create successful plays.

The Cougar defense earned its tough-as-nails reputation and held the opposition to merely 7 points throughout the game. Huge stops by Jimmy O’Neill, Pat Dougherty, Brendon Weaver, Mike Eberhardt and Nick Cariola kept Brandywine out of the red zone time-after-time. Tanner Robinson single-handedly added well over a dozen tackles having his most impressive game to date. Klaus Gabel was all over the field as usual and ensured Brandywine stayed off the board to keep the Cougar lead going strong.

The Cougars are excited to be in the final four and will play Greater 69th Street at home next Saturday, Nov. 13 at a time to be determined.

Come out and support both SYC teams as they continue their journey through the playoffs.

100-Pound Varsity

Springfield 28

Haverford 0

The Cougars closed the regular season against the Haverford Fords.

Early on Frankie Durham broke free to give the Cougars an early 7-0 lead. Jimmy Donegan, Vince Puppio, Luke Gutowski, Justin Shields and Trevor Robinson made big blocks. Jeff Biancaniello, and Michael Tulskie made stops to kill the next Haverford drive.

The Cougars marched again thanks to blocks by Vince DiMichele, and Chris Finizio while Jimmy Clark and Pat Clemens led the Cougars to another touchdown.

Luke Palumbo made a stop to end the first half with Springfield leading 13-0.

Jaime Bove made a tackle in Haverford territory on the second half kickoff. Then, Max DiFonzo, and Jeff Houtmann made stops to send the Cougar offense back on the field.

Durham ran 59 yards for a touchdown. The Cougars got the two-point conversion to make the game 21-0.

On their next possession, Zack Kennedy hooked up with Trevor Robinson for another Cougars score. Jaden McKenzie scored the extra point.

Clark made a big stop in the fourth period, along with Durham and Michael Tulskie.

The Cougars won the game, 28-0 to lock themselves into the playoffs.

Springfield 7

Brandywine (Del) 0

The Cougars opened the playoffs against the Brandywine Warriors.

On the first play, Frankie Durham got an eight- yard run behind blocks by Justin Shields, and Chris Finizio. The drive ended when the Cougars fumbled.

Now on defense, Jaime Bove and Jeff Biancaniello made huge stops to prevent a Warrior first down.

On the ensuing Springfield drive, Jaden McKenzie busted through the middle on blocks by Vincent DiMichele, Jimmy Donegan and Vince Puppio. The Cougars still didn't convert.

Back on defense, Trevor Robinson and Luke Gutowski shut down the Warriors to end the scoreless quarter.

The second quarter continued as a defensive war with neither team able to score. Jeff Houtmann, Michael Tulskie and Jaden McKenzie provided huge Cougars’ defensive plays.

Still scoreless, Bove, aided by Max DiFonzo, recover the kickoff. But moving the ball still proved to be a futile exercise.

Pat Clemens. Luke Palumbo and Jimmy Clark on defense were causing problems for the Warriors.

Zack Kennedy led the offense down the field but the Cougars couldn't get a score.

With less than a minute left in regulation, with a pitch to the outside, Jaden McKenzie out ran the Warriors defense, and the Cougars scored to get a 7-0 game winning lead.

The coaches made sure the Cougars were prepared for the Warriors.

Next week, they will play the Marple Tigers once again in Marple.

Springfield CYO Football

St. Francis Junior Varsity

St. Jerome 13

SFA 12

The St. Francis (SFA) fifth- and sixth-grade football team lost their opening round playoff game in an overtime shoot out to St. Jerome 13-12. SFA’s record fell to 7-2.

SFA scored the only points of the first half when Andrew Pickett broke loose for a 14-yard touchdown on a fourth down play late in the second quarter. The extra point kick hit the cross bar but bounced the wrong way and SFA led 6-0 at half.

St. Jerome tied the score on their opening drive of the second half. The extra point attempt failed and the score was tied 6-6.

The remainder of the game was played in St. Jerome’s territory, but SFA could not capitalize and neither team would score again in regulation.

The final outcome of the game was decided in an overtime format, with each team getting a chance to score from the opponent’s ten-yard line. SFA converted immediately on their first play when Andrew Paulus burst off tackle for a touchdown. The extra point attempt failed.

St. Jerome then scored on a controversial fourth down and two, made the extra point, and emerged victorious in a hard fought battle.

Holy Cross Junior Varsity

Holy Cross 13

Sacred Heart 0

Holy Cross (HC) defeated Sacred Heart 13-0 last Friday night under the lights at Bonner. It was a great defensive showing by the entire team to get a victory in the first round of the playoffs.

On the first drive of the game, the HC offense marched right down the field and score early. Chaz Hunter crossed the goal line to put up six, quarterback Tommy Toal connected with Ethan Cook to get the extra point.

HC defense took over and shut down Sacred Heart. Huge defensive showing by Christian Lane and Johnny Hally, and a key sack by John Henderson set the tone for the game defensively.

Toal scored the next touchdown seeing that his offense was well covered by a big Sacred Heart defense.

Key defensive players: Daulton DiPhillipo, Ryan Harlow, Jake Gindhart, Nick Kurko, Jason Estep, Zach Venit and Ian Reger.

Always putting forth great effort: Brian O'Neill, John Taylor, Kevin Deal, Nate Lohr, Bill Issertell and Nate Shimkutis.

Holy Cross will play St. Gabe's Sunday, the field and time will be determined later.

A win this coming week will put HC in the Parade of Champions.

SAA U-13 boys travel team

The Springfield Athletic Association U-13 Boys Travel Soccer Team, “The Union” recently posed for a team picture during the Columbus Day Tournament. Pictured are Coach Tom McCaffrey, Paul Quatriani and Fred Dortone with players, Chris Belfie, Nick Belfie, Pete Caceci, Brandon Dortone, Jonathan Fogel, David Hentnick, Danny LeHigh, Thomas McCaffrey, Max Palumbo, Jake Plank, Paul Quatriani, Adam Short, Matt Sousa and Nick Vecchione.

Cougar ice Strath Haven

In Springfield's 8-1 win over Strath Haven, Kyle Riddle scrambles in front of the net trying to retrieve the puck. Riddle is a freshman, just 5-feet tall and playing with a broken hand.

Springfield's Bryan Correnti set up in front of the net, waiting for the puck to be passed.

SHS field hockey team honors their seniors

Springfield High School's field hockey team recognized their eight seniors at Senior Night on Oct. 19. With their parents and siblings are Molly Kmetz, Megan Todaro, Kelly Cahill, Morgan Murphy, Kristy Reid, Brooke Shea, Kelsie Blackburn and Teresa Porcellini. Photo by John Perkins.

Tamaccio of Springfield CYO Scores Winning Touchdown

St. Francis of Assisi’s Greg Tamaccio hauls in the game winning TD catch from Connor Ringwalt to beat OLMC with a 13-7 score.

Springfield CYO Football

SFA Junior Varsity

St. Denis 25

SFA 0

The St. Francis of Assisi (SFA) fifth and sixth grade football team split a pair of games against undefeated teams over the past two weeks, losing their first game of the season to St. Denis and then rebounding to defeat Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) in a thrilling come-from-behind victory. The difference in the two games was "night and day", as SFA could not generate any momentum against St. Denis under the lights at Haverford Reserve on a chilly Friday night, but then reverted back to form in their normal time slot on Saturday afternoon to defeat OLMC. SFA's record now stands at 7-1.

SFA 13

OLMC 7

Midway through the second quarter Kyle Long burst free on a counter play and raced 51 yards for a touchdown. The extra point attempt failed but SFA was on top 6-0. The lead was short lived, however, as OLMC used the long pass game to tie the game and take a 7-6 lead with the PAT.

OLMC dominated the third quarter until Andrew Pickett intercepted a pass at the two-yard line to thwart a drive, and the offense took over on the two-yard line.

SFA then could not convert their own fourth down attempt, and the defense was back on the field with OLMC again knocking at the door on the ten-yard line; however, David Strawley recovered a fumble on the five-yard line to again thwart OLMC.

Undaunted by the amount of field ahead of them, SFA patiently prodded forward until they reached the end zone. Greg Tamaccio, Andrew Paulus, Pickett and Long alternated carries down the field, but the key play in the drive was a 28-yard pass from Connor Ringwalt to Paulus. Then with 20 seconds left Ringwalt connected with Tamaccio for a game-winning score. Ringwalt hooked up again with Paulus to convert the extra point and a 13-7 SFA victory.

Linemen Nick Matty, Chris Delaney, Strawley, Chris Alfonsi, Joey Radico, Jared Morris, Kevin McKeon and Jerry Curran battled hard during the long drive and neutralized their bigger opponents.

Leading tacklers for SFA were McKeon, Paulus, Strawley, Pickett, Tamaccio, Michael Ward, Long, Morris, Curran, Matt Reis and Connor Sadoff.

SFA will enter the playoffs as the second seeded team from the South Division, and will play St. Jerome, the first place team from the East Division, on Sunday afternoon at Church Road Field. Game time is 2:30.

Holy Cross Junior Varsity

Holy Cross 40

St. Francis de Sales 6

Another exciting win for the Crusaders last Friday night under the lights in beautiful downtown Westbrook Park.

Tommy Toal led the offense with his powerful arm connecting on two passes for touchdowns to Brian O'Neill and Ethan Cook.

The offensive line again smashed holes into the St. Francis de Sale's defense. opening gapping holes as the backs ran free. Bill Issertell, Zach Venit, Frank Leahan, Ian Reger, and Jason Estep led the way for offensive backs; Chaz Hunter, Christian Lane, and John Henderson helped to carve up de Sales for 40 points.

In every possible part of the game, Holy Cross ran away with the game shutting down St. Francis' offense for only six points. Ryan Harlow led the defense as he and teammates John Hally, Jake Gindhart, Daulton Dephillipo, and Nate Lohr stifled St. Francis and jumped on missed opportunities by St. Francis.

Pitching in on a first class effort were Kevin Deal, Anthony Torrelli, John Taylor, Nate Shimkutis and Nick Kurko.

Holy Cross primed its team for the playoffs, which will begin this Friday night (field not yet determined). While Holy Cross awaits it's next opponent for the Division playoffs, the offense seems to be churning along like a juggernaut and the Holy Cross defense has the ability to shut down what seems like any offense.

Springfield youth club 80-pound teams

80-Pound JV Gold

Springfield 20

Haverford 6

The 80 pound JV gold team provided a lot of excitement on Oct. 30 by capping off a phenomenal season with a convincing 20-6 victory over Haverford. After a hard fought first half and a 6–0 deficit, the Cougars came out fired up in the second half and dominated both sides of the ball.

Dominick Alfonsi led the Cougar offense with two remarkable touchdown runs. Jake Eden converted two extra points to help the Cougar offense cement the win. Kieran Roche, Stephen Graney, Fran Grady, Anthony Teufel, Dan Albany, Aiden Hoopes and John Godsey paved the way for Nick Donegan and Chris Rich to pound out some crucial yards all morning.

As always the Cougar defense was relentless! Nick Finzio laid a devastating hit on a Haverford running back forcing a fumble that the Cougars were able to recover. Alex Sciarrino also recovered a Haverford fumble that he was able to return 30 yards for the final Cougar touchdown of the morning.

The collective defensive effort of Chad Ruppert, Brian Layton, Edward Cullen, Dan Tommarelli, Riley McCarry, Logan Chambers, Tom Dougherty, Malachi Hansen, Robbie O’Brien, Kevin Farren, Alex Hudyma and Nico Santini proved to be too much for the Haverford offense. The Cougar defense allowed only minimal first half yards and stopped the Haverford offense completely in the second half.

A very fitting end to the game was Paul “never say quit” Conlan’s 40-yard dash to catch a Haverford running back and make the tackle just a few yards shy of the end zone. His effort saved a late touchdown and proved to be the final play of the season.

It was a great year for the 80-pound JV gold team. Congratulations to all of the players and coaches on a terrific season.

80-pound JV Blue

Haverford 7

Springfield 0

Springfield 80-pound JV Blue (1-6-2) lost a close game to Haverford 1 on Oct. 3. The score for JV Blue’s final game of the season was 7-0 at Haverford.

Haverford scored early in the first half on their second possession of the game but were held scoreless by Springfield’s defense the remainder of the game. The defense recovered two fumbles on the day by Todd Garrett and Matt Johnston. Leading the way for the defense was Alex Klien, Matt Gagliardi, Cole Rhodes, Connor Smith, Vincent Divario, Jake Methlie, Brian King, Aidan McLane, M’khai Terry, and Tommy Ward. Strong defensive tackling was shown through out the game by Art Minchin, Colin Renning, Alex Williams, and Michael Leon.

The Cougar offense was fighting tough field position much of the first half. Led by quarterback Shawn Atkins the offensive had several long yardage gains by running back Alex Williams. Running backs Connor Smith, Matt Ellison, and Kieran Morse also posted rushing yards. Nick Santivasci, Cole Rhodes, Ethan Scott, M’khai Terry, Anthony McBride, Brett Gougler, Danny Barrett, and Dylan Archer handled offensive blocking.

Head coach Shawn Atkins praised his team for their effort on the day that was a parallel to their tough season.

80-Pound Varsity

Springfield 21

Haverford 6

SYC 80-pound Varsity completed its regular season with a perfect 9-0 record by shutting down Haverford on Saturday.

The offense had its most impressive game to date against an extremely tough Haverford defense. Brendon Weaver, Brendan Hilden, and Jake Vaughan lead an impressive effort throughout all four quarters. Early on, a fantastic pass by QB Pat Marley landed squarely in the hands of Anthony Rightley who ran it in for a quick 7- 0lead.

The Cougars’ defense had its work cut out for them against a quick-footed opposing offense. However big stops by Steven Griffin, Tanner Robinson, and Pat Dougherty held the Fords off time and again. Michael Eberhardt and Jimmy O'Neill came up big when it counted and racked up several stops as well.

Key blocking by Kevin Rechner and Aiden Shandley created the necessary openings to allow a QB Keeper for Marley to add two more touchdowns early in the second half. Pat McCann and Rightley both came up huge with impressive runs to add the extra points for a 21-6 lead that wouldn't change for the remainder of the game.

The Cougar defense remained focused and kept Haverford out of its territory thanks to the impressive efforts of Nick Cariola and Joe Pontano. Klaus Gabel had an incredible day racking up several sacks to keep the Fords from scoring.

The undefeated Cougars hope to see the entire SYC community cheering them on in their first playoff game next Saturday at home at 1noon.