SPRINGFIELD: Flashback to 1994, gas was only around $1.40 a gallon, Chris Britton was playing for the Springfield Delco Cougars, all of the Cougars home games were played during the afternoon, and it was also the last time the Cougars claimed the Central League.
Back to the present day and Britton is finishing his first season as head coach, Cougars home games are now played under the lights on Friday night, and after Friday night’s 36-7 convincing victory over the visiting Harriton Rams, the Cougars (10-0) are again on top of the Central League mountain.
The recipe for this one was the same, get a stellar effort from the defense. Entering the contest, the Cougars defense averaging 9.6 points allowed per game, while displaying an offense that go the distant at anytime.
One of the strong points of the Cougars defense this season has been the play of Sr Noseguard Brian Layden, who entered the game with 18 sacks on the season. He would have three more on this night giving him the team record for most sacks in a season. Sr LB Adam Krauter also has been a game changer this season and on Friday he was in on ten stops. Another thing the defense prides themselves on is creating turnovers and Friday night they forced three more(two fumbles and interception). Sr. Mike Fleagle had one recovery and an interception.
After a scoreless first quarter, The Cougars offense exploded for twenty points, including two Brian Allen touchdowns, one a piece to Dan Archibong and Quideer Wimes. Allen also added a six-yard touchdown run.
On their first series of the second half, Allen and Wimes struck again this time connecting from 34 yards out. A Patrick Stewart intentional grounding gave the Cougars the 27-0 lead after 3.
Freshman DL Justin Shields would cap the scoring when he fell on a Rams fumble in the endzone to seal the victory. Stewart would connect with Jack Veasey for the lone Rams score.
The Cougars will be the number one seed in District 1 AAA tournament and will open playoffs Friday night vs an opponent to be determined but expected to be Interboro. The Rams(1-9, 1-8 in central league) will host the Sun Valley Vanguards Friday night.
