Philadelphia, Pa., The Springfield (Montgomery County) Spartans, aided by two touchdowns as the result of interceptions rolled to an 8-0 start as they shut out conference rival Calvary Christian Academy, 18-0. This win gives them a first place share of the District One Bicentennial League.
Springfield’s strength is their defense and on the game’s fifth play Matt Krewson picked off Calvary Christian quarterback Doug Smith’s pass and returned it for a 47 yard touchdown. On the Spartans second offensive series, they generated a six minute, 12 play, 85 yard drive mostly on the running of tailbacks Clay Ewell and Max Vido and ended when quarterback Doug Bauer went around the left side for a nine yard touchdown and a 12-0 halftime lead.
The Spartans give up less than nine points a game on average but on this day the Cougars proved to be just as stingy on defense limiting Ewell (who has rushed for 971 yards and 12 TD’s thus far) to extremely small gains every time he touched the ball. It was apparent from the outset that defense would decide this one.
The second half was played with both defenses holding their own. The Spartans had a couple of opportunities to put the game away in the third quarter (once getting the ball on the Christian 24 yard line) but the Cougars held their ground and prepared to make a run themselves in the fourth quarter. With over six minutes left in the game the Cougars marched 86 yards (starting at their own 12) mixing in two nice play action passes by Smith accounting for 20 and 36 yards. Springfield thwarted the Cougars march toward the end zone though when Vido intercepted Smith at the two and ran back 98 yards for a touchdown and the ballgame.
The win by the Spartans (District 1,AA) sets up a match of undefeated teams as they host 6-0 Delaware County Christian School next week. Calvary Christian (District 1,A) falls to 6-2 and will play Perkiomen School.
Notes: Calvary Christian is coached by former Philadelphia Eagle Mike Reichenbach. The school opened in 1995. Ewell has run for over 2,700 yards in his career for Springfield. Prior to this game the Spartans averaged 40 point per game. John Watson was a rock on both the offensive and defensive line for Christian.
Scoring By Quarter
1st quarter
Springfield: Matt Krewson: 47 yard interception return: 2 point conversion: no good: 9:53
2nd Quarter
Springfield: Doug Bauer: 9 yard run: 2 point conversion: no good: 9:42
3rd Quarter
No scoring
4th Quarter
Springfield: Max Vido: 98 yard interception return: 2 point conversion: no good: 1:23
