CHESTER: Heading into Friday nights Philadelphia Catholic League AAAA Division opener everyone knew the Lions of Cardinal O’Hara had a big game rusher in Corey Brown but he’s not the only weapon the Lions got. The Lions showed their running game isn’t a one man game has Brown along fullback Dan O’Hara combined for 211 yards rushing as the host Lions downed their cross county rivals the Monsignor Bonner Friars 39-20 in front of packed house at Widener University Lesile C. Quick Jr Stadium. “We are really fortunate we got some good skill kids.” is what Lions head coach Dan Algeo would have to say after the game about his backs.
After both teams traded three and outs on their opening possessions the Lions would get on the board first when Brown busted through the Friar defense for a 34 yard touchdown. Mike Granta extra point attempt would be blocked giving the Lions the 6-0 lead
On the ensuing kick off the Friars would respond thanks a 71 yard kick off return for a touchdown by Jamie Juisti. Dan Vanderslice extra point was good giving the Friars the 7-6 lead
On the ensuing drive the Lions would drive 65 yards on 12 plays before D. O’Hara power his way in from 3 yards out.
The Friars would need only 3 plays to take the lead back when Eric Petransky would take in from 38 yards out. Giving the Friars the 14-12 lead.
On their next play from scrimmage the Lions would again take the lead back when Ryan Laughlin place a beautifully thrown ball to Adam Dempsey in strive for a 67 yard giving the Lions the 18-14 halftime lead.
It took the Friars only three plays from scrimmage in the second half to take the head back when Sean Quarterman connected with John McGilligan for a 63 yards out. Giving the Friars the 20-18 lead “Offense was their biggest improvement over the pass 12 months.” Is how Algeo would say about the Friar offense he would add “ they gave us fits tonight.”
On the ensuing drive the Lions would take lead for good with nine play 77 yard drive when D. O’Hara takes it from a yard out. D.O’Hara finish the game with 17 carries for 91 yards. After game giving O’Hara gave credit to his line saying “It all had to do with my line, I gotta give all the credit to my line.”
The Lions would add to their lead when Laughlin hit Mike Huf for 20 yard touchdown. Huf would finish game with a career best 2 catches for 55 yards. Laughlin would hit D. O’Hara for the two point conversion.
Brown would cap the scoring with 5 yard touchdown run. Brown would finish the game with 15 carries for 120 yards.
Up next for the Lions is a non league date with the Clippers of Chester Saturday morning at 11 am. The Friars will continue with a league date with the Roman Catholic Cahillites.
