Springfield Run Game, Defense Shuts Down Radnor

Tagged under: District 1, Gameday Hub, News

Willie McGonigle | September 1, 2022

SPRINGFIELD: Last week against crosstown rival Cardinal O’Hara the Springfield Cougars grinded out 259 rushing yards while their defense shut the Lions down

On Thursday night the Cougars again showed off their run game and tough defense on their way to 36-0 victory over the visiting Radnor Raptors in the teams Central League opener.

Tyler Gougler led the Cougars with his 14 carries for 131 of the teams 281 rushing yards.

After both teams went three and out on their opening drive the Cougars defense got on the board first when Ryan Johnson intercepted Tucker Graham and returned it 25-yards for the touchdown.

After their defense forced the Raptors to punt after getting the ball to midfield, The Cougars offense drove 78-yards on 12 plays led Gougler but it was Nate Romano who powered his way in from two yards out. After the Raptors jumped offsides on the PAT the Cougars elected to go for two and gave the ball to Gougler who took it in giving the Cougars the 15-0 lead after the first quarter.

The Cougars took to the air to extend their lead in the second quarter with Jake Rama connecting with Aidan Kreydt who made an outstanding diving catching in the endzone to put the Cougars up 22-0.

The Raptors responded driving down the field right before getting down deep into the Cougars territory before Chris Dolan intercepted Graham at the Cougars 11-yardline preserving the 22-0 halftime lead.

The Cougars took the opening drive of the second half 80-yards on eight plays before Gougler found the end-zone for the second time this time from 22 yards out.

Freshman Brad Barber capped the scoring with his 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Defensively the Cougars were led by Mike Miller, Dolan, Anthony Micelli and Mike O’Donnell who all had 5 tackles. Miller also added two sacks.

Next Friday the Cougars will host Haverford while the Raptors will play Garnet Valley at location to be determined though Conestoga is expected to be the site of the game if Radnor’s Prevost field renovations isn’t complete

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