Bear, Delaware- In a game marred by big plays, penalties and an ugly fourth quarter brawl, Cardinal O’Hara (PCL, AAA) showed why they are ranked fourth in the state by dismantling Delaware’s Red Lion Christian Academy (3-1), 30-0.
The Lions did not get on track until midway through the 2nd Quarter when Senior Brendan McLaughlin (transfer from Avon Grove) ran up the middle for a 49 yard gain to the Red Lion 10. A few plays later Senior Quarterback Ryan Laughlin bulled into the enzone from the 1 yard line to give O’Hara a 6-0 lead. A few plays later Red Lion coughed up the ball that O’Hara recovered and Laughlin hit RB Adam Dempsey with a nice pitch and catch down the left side for a 12-0 halftime lead.
Things went from bad to worse for Red Lion at the start of the second half when Laughlin hit Senior Tyler Gallen with a beautiful 65 yard touchdown down the left side only a minute into the half. Laughlin then passed to Dempsey for a two point conversion and a 20-0 lead.
Things heated up a bit near the end of the 3rd stanza when a Red Lion RB was horse collared by an O’Hara defender near the Red Lion sideline. A brawl occurred and it took about a half hour for peace to be restored before both teams took the field again.
Immediately thereafter O’Hara got the ball back and scored again in only a minute and a half punctuated by Laughlin’s 20 yard scramble that led to the end of the scoring.
Much heralded 8th Grade QB David Sills (already slated for a scholarship to play for Southern California) played valiantly in defeat. He threw the ball extremely well. He took some big hits from O’Hara but stayed in and played admirably even though Red Lion could not put up points on the scoreboard. Unofficially he was 9 for 22 with 101 yards passing. O’Hara also was able to contain Red Lion’s sensational D Lineman Angelo Blackson (Auburn commit). Blackson was ejected during the brawl.
O’Hara played a much disciplined game on both sides of the ball and was one of the best tackling teams this reporter has seen all year. O’Hara could not get to Sills during the first Quarter but Coach Dan Algeo made adjustments in the second stanza that put much more pressure on the young QB. Their run defense led by Senior Drew Formica was stifling all night and did not break after Red Lion produced some extended scoring drive opportunities.
Algeo credited the coaching staff for putting the Lions in position to make plays all night. Said Algeo; “John Algeo (Defensive Coordinator), Gabe DiBernadino (Offensive Line Coach) and Joe Millison (D Line Coach) did a great job working on a game plan to try to neutralize Red Lion’s strengths. We are 6-0 with 5 shutouts because the coaches work tirelessly with these kids as well as the kids’ ability to carry out the game plan. I am proud of every one of them.”
Laughlin played near flawless with his two TD passes and two runs. He also intercepted one pass. WR/DB Gallen had his one long TD reception and another was called back by penalty. He also had one interception. McLaughlin had a stellar game as well with over 70 yards running and was a stalwart LB on defense. Junior Damiere Shaw ran for over 50 yards on 6 carries in the 4th Quarter and runs very much like Desmon Peoples from Archbishop Wood. “Dameire is a very talented player” said Algeo. He has been hurt and hopefully he’ll be 100% soon. He is a very talented corner as well.
O’Hara now will begin their very difficult conference schedule with games vs. Monsignor Bonner, Archbishop Carroll and finally a dandy at home in their newly built stadium with an October 30 game with undefeated top AAA State team Archbishop Wood.
2 responses to “O’Hara flexes its muscle with win over Delaware Power Red Lion”
Armand Do you remember me Bobby Dillon I am a friend of Ted Silary I saw your website great Job I am a clock Operator for The Catholic& Public League Football games I’m at Wissahickon on Saturday Carroll Wood Game Your website is great Maybe I’ll see you at one of the games Hope all is well Bobby Dilllon
Thank You for your write-up of this game, as in Phila., we had recently been re-acquainted with those in the Red Lion Christian team thru Inquirer and Daily News sports articles.
Nothing like hearing what happened when Red Lion met a Catholic League representative: Cardinal O’Hara.
My comment has to do with having read Red Lion QB David Sills “threw the ball extremely well”. Later, in praise of some of O’Hara’s notable players, it was mentioned that, for example, Laughlin had 1 interception and Gallen also had 1 interception.
How many “interceptions” did Red Lion’s heraded QB David Sills commit?
The report going out to Sills’s future alma mater Southern Cal could not be positive.
To say nothing about the report that Auburn is going to get about their prospect Red Lion’s Angelo Blackson being ejected for brawling.
The sort of thing coaches and parents of Auburn current and future players do not want to look forward to.
Collateral damage being suffered in terms of reputation by Red Lion (Christian, or not!).
We hope that Cardinal O’Hara will not have any sanctions against it for having ventured accross state lines to play a non-affiliated, independent school like Red Lion.
O’Hara’s players showed discipline (a tribute to their coaches) and appear to be students at a great place for Delaware Valley area athletes to consider attending themselves.
Side notes (your article) being sent to Southern Cal and Auburn football staffs (and respective Booster Club board members) praising the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL), Cardinal O’Hara, and a few other high-school stalwarts of good character and outstanding grid-iron talent.
Much appreciated.
Regards.