UPPER DARBY: Entering Friday night’s Central League contest against the Upper Darby Royals at Upper Darby Memorial Stadium The Springfield Delco Cougars defense has been playing lights out. In the four games prior to Friday nights match-up the Cougars defense yielded just 13 points.
Their stellar play continued Friday night holding the Royals to just 81 yards total offense. The players know who to give the credit to. and that’s defensive coordinator Chirs Britton. “Coach Britton seems to know everything” junior Linebacker/running back Mike Dougherty said. In addition to his 81 yards on 17 carries Dougherty was in on numerous tackles and recorded an interception. Also standing out for the Cougars defense was senior linebacker Tyler Morrissey who was also in numerous tackles and added and interception and a fumble recovery. Matt Reichert also recorded an interception.
After playing to a scoreless tied in the first quarter the Cougars wasted little time scoring as on the third play of the quarter Aaron Coyne powered his way in from 19 yards out. Brad Lord added the extra point to make it 7-0.
Back came the Royals with a 12 play 71 yard drive that ended with Soncarly Winpea 11 yard touchdown.
The Cougars had their chance to take the lead heading into the locker room but Craig Pettit intercepted Ryan Strain at the 1 yard line and returned it down to the Cougars 25 where he was caught from behind by Strain. The Cougars defense stepped up and not allowing the Royals to score and sending the game into the locker room at half tied at 7.
Following the interception by Morrissey on the opening drive of the second half the Cougars struck again on a fourth down Strain scrambled and connected with Reichert for the touchdown. Putting the Cougars up 14-7 at the end of three.
Dougherty’s interception in the fourth quarter set up the Cougars inside the Royals ten yard line and Coyne finished off the Royals with his second touchdown of the day from three yards out.
Next Friday the Cougars return home for a pivotal Central League matchup against the Garnet Valley Jaguars
