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Springfield-Delco takes care of business in week 1 game at Marple Newtown

Tagged under: District 1, News, pfn

| August 30, 2025

Springfield-Delco’s defense shines in stunner

Marple Newtown took on Springfield-Delco at Marple Newtown HS on Friday night in a defensive battle, mainly on the Springfield side of things.

Here’s my analysis from postgame

Our game got underway with the coin toss and the National Anthem. Marple won the toss and elected to defer. Springfield has the first ball.

Springfield does nothing on their first drive and opts for punting it away. The Cougars’ punt is a good one, landing back at the Marple Newtown 8-yard line.

Marple started off with two straight rushes, quickly getting them to a 3rd down position with 8 yards to go until the first down. On third and 8, Marple Newtown decided to go with a pass play, but that was a huge mistake as TJ Valetii came out of nowhere and picked off Sean Grogan. Valetti trotted his way into the endzone with a pick six, marking one of many huge defensive plays from Springfield-Delco. The point after was good, and Springfield led 7-0.

Marple Newtown had possession once again, but the mistakes continued to pile on, although they drove down the field thanks to some big plays from Sean Grogan. Disaster was soon to strike. Springfield fumbled on a big drive, and Maddox Moleski of Springfield picks it up. It’s a huge play and proves why Springfield’s defense is the real deal.

Springfield turns defense into offense, as Tanner Coll goes the distance for Springfield immediately after scooping up the fumble. The PAT was good, and the Cougars led 14-0 over Marple Newtown.

Springfield’s touchdown concluded the first quarter, and Marple had the ball coming into the second.

Marple Newtown drove down the field and made it into Springfield, hit, and eventually they were able to find the endzone for the first time. Sean Grogan connects with Jack Dean on a slant, and with the PAT, Marple was back in the game.

Unfortunately for Marple Newtown, Springfield strikes right back. They bring down the field with rushes from Luke Valerio, but eventually it’s the QB to WR connection. Springfield QB John Hopkins finds Mike Neville. This was Neville’s first Varsity TD. The point after was through the uprights, and  Springfield retook a 14-point lead with minimal time until halftime.

Marple Newtown wasn’t done scoring in this heavy-hitting game. As they brought it into Springfield territory and kicked a field goal. This was the last score before halftime. Springfield led 21-10 at halftime.

Here’s my halftime analysis recapping the game and what to expect for our second half.

Springfield had to kick it away to Marple to start our 2nd half, but elected to pull out a gutsy move, an onside kick. It was an unsuccessful onside kick, and Marple had prime field position for their opening drive. Marple didn’t have to go a ways to get onto Springfields’ side, but once they did, they went out with a bang. Sean Grogan found Jack Dean for a second time, but instead, this was a 41-yard pass for a TD. The PAT was good, and Marple now trailed 21-17.

Back and forth they went, but it likely will take only one Springfield score to break this thing wide open and pull them out victorious.  That is exactly what they did. Luke Valerio AGAIN. He took the ball into the endzone once again for his second score of the night. Springfield now led 27-17 due to a missed PAT.

Marple Newtown had to punt on their next drive, and the third quarter would end. This gave Springfield the chance at the nail in the coffin.

Springfield drove all the way down to the 8-yard line before they put together another score, and once again its Luke Valerio. The PAT was good, and Springfield now led 34-17.

Marple Newtown fumbled once again on their next drive, ultimately finishing this game, although they had one more chance, and they  threw an interception, and Springfield sealed the win 34-17.

Here’s my analysis of the final plays of the game and the second half.

 

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