O’Hara Wins get second chance at Archbishop Wood

The last time Cardinal O’Hara and Monsignor Bonner met, O’Hara’s offense struggled, posting a season low of 16 points, yet pulled off a 16-6 victory at home. What a difference a few weeks made because on Saturday, in front of a packed house at Widener University’s Lesile C. Quick stadium, the O’Hara Lions offense got back on track posting 338 yards and 31 points on their way to a 31-20 victory over arch-rival Friars.” Offensively we played very very well.” Lions head coach Dan Algeo said
Part of the reason that Lions offense improved was the play of Quarterback and Aston A.A alum Ryan Laughlin who threw for 151 yards on 14 of 22 passing and one touchdown. “Ryan Laughlin had a great game.” Algeo said adding that it was a lot different tone than the last time the two teams met. Laughlin said “We’ve been working on the passing game whatever was there we took it.”
After a scoreless first quarter the Lions finally struck in the second quarter when Jay Watkins danced his way in from three yards out giving the Lions the 7-0 lead. The Lions added to their lead on their next possession when fullback Brendan McLaughlin powered his way in from seven yards out to give the Lions the 14-0 lead. Back came the Friars through when their quarterback Sean Quarterman sneaked his way from a yard out cutting the Lions lead in half to 14-7 but the Lions would respond on the final play of the half when Freshman Kicker Steve Wyler connected on a 32 yard field goal to give the Lions the 17-7 lead at halftime.
The Friars struck first in the second half with a 21- yard touchdown run by Ismir Gibson cutting the Lions lead down to 24-14. The Lions struck right back when Laughlin connected with Watkins for 4 yard touchdown giving the Lions the 24-14 lead
McLaughlin extended the Lions lead to 31-14 with his 2 yard plunge in the fourth quarter. The Friars would respond however with a five yard run by Quarterman.
With the win the Lions gained their first playoff victory in four years and advance to their first championship game in five years when they take on Archbishop Wood Saturday night 7 pm at Plymouth Whitemarsh High school. A win would give the Lions their first championship since 2004.