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Springfield-Delco Continues Storied Season With Win Over Marple

Tagged under: District 1, Gameday Hub, News, pfn, Playoffs

| November 11, 2023

Photo courtesy of Brendan Ricciardi

Springfield, PA – Two District One 5A teams took to the gridiron to move onto the semi-finals. The Springfield-Delco Cougars had the home-field advantage for last nights game. Rolling into the matchup with a 10-1 record and a three seed ranking, they were ready to dominate. The Marple Newtown Tigers entered 9-2 as a sixth seed. These two teams were not unfamiliar with one another. They squared off earlier in the season on Marple’s turf. Springfield took down Marple 22-0 that game. It was no difference the second time around as the Cougars took care of business beating the Tigers 20-7.

It was quick start for the Cougars. Three straight runs would bring them into opponent’s territory. They would punch in a touchdown and a PAT to go up 7-0 on their first drive. It would now be Tigers ball with 7:53 remaining in the first quarter.

The Tigers would try to move the ball into their opponents side of the field, but would fail to do so. Cougars held them off and forced the Tigers to punt. Those two drives would consume most of the first quarter and it would conclude 7-0 Springfield.

With 10:30 in second quarter, Springfield’s Ryan Whitaker would connect with Dolan on fourth down in the end zone for a touchdown. The PAT would ail no good and the Cougars would extend their lead to 13-0.

Marple’s David Bertoline would lead the offense to follow up the Springfield scoring drive. A decent drive downfield though would end in Bertoline throwing an interception on the opponents nine yard line. Marple’s defense would hold on and force a punt to get the ball back. Again unable to get the ball moving, the Tigers punted.

The Cougars, eager to stretch their lead even more, looked to capitalize on the punt. A pass from Whitaker to Ryan Johnston would result in a 75-yard touchdown for Springfield. They increased their to 20-0.

Marple would use the remaining 3:14 in the half to find the end zone. It was a Bertoline to Alex Gillian pass. The half would end with Springfield leading 20-7.

Marple started the second half with the ball, but they would go three and out. Marple’s defense would return the favor and force a punt of their own. The Tigers eventually went for it on fourth, but failed to complete it forcing a turnover on downs. The Cougars would get the ball on their own 20-yard line. That would conclude the third quarter with the score still 20-7 Springfield.

The Tigers would take over with five minutes left in the game. Bertoline would end up hitting Trey Saviour on fourth down to keep the season alive. Unfortunately, the drive would end with Bertoline throwing an interception with 2:14 left in the game. It would be a game-sealing interception for Springfield. The Cougars kneeled it out to claim a victory on their home turf.

Springfield’s season still carries on. It was a season many did not see coming. Springfield last year went just 5-7 and and 2-3 in 2020. Now 11-1 they are cruising by competition. With many convincing wins on the season they move onto the semi-finals. They will face the 11-1 Strath Haven Panthers for a chance to advance to the District One 5A title game. The Panthers handed the Cougars their only lose this season, beating them 19-15. Expect a gritty game with tons of excitement. The game will take place on Nov. 11 with a site to be announced.

For Marple, their postseason run comes to an end. They still have one final game this season. They will take on rival the Cardinal O’Hara Lions for their Turkey Bowl. The Lions went 7-4 on the season. Their postseason run ended last week against Bonner-Prendie where they lost 31-7. The game will take place on Nov. 22 with kick-off set for 6 p.m. at Cardinal O’Hara High School.

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews

 
 
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