Spring-Ford flexes muscles in win over Chester

ROYERSFORD >> Spring-Ford put its offense into high gear and combined that with another strong defensive outing as the Rams thumped visiting Chester, 55-22 in non-league football action Friday night at Coach McNelly Stadium.

The Rams constructed 35-6 lead after one quarter and stretched that margin to 48-6 over the Clippers by halftime.

Spring-Ford churned out 189 yards rushing and 149 yards passing to amass 338 yards of total offense.

Chester finished with 124 yards rushing and 108 yards passing for 232 yards of total offense.

“Our line did a lot better job than last week on protection,” said Spring-Ford junior quarterback TJ Pergine. “They got off the ball and we got our passing game and our running game going. Overall, we were good on offense. I give all the credit to them. They did a great job of protecting me. And our receivers did a good job of getting open a lot.”

Pergine completed 11 of 15 aerials for 156 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for two TDs himself. Matt Gibson rushed for 104 yards and one TD. He opened the Rams’ scoring with a five-yard scoring run.

Pergine threw touchdown passes to Quinn McKenna, Lee Albert and Stone Scarcelle.

Chester quarterback Jamir Green passed for 108 yards and one TD, a 78-yard scoring throw to Braheem Bishop.

The Clippers also scored on a 34-yard fumble recovery scooped up by Warrick Galbert Jr. and an 81-yard scoring run by Devan Freeman. Freeman totaled 97 yards on the evening.

“We really prepared for them and their defensive style,” said Albert. “At practice we prepared for that. When Quinn went down, I had to go in. A lot of guys stepped on the second team, but we still have work to do.”

Spring-Ford coach Chad Brubaker was happy with the Rams’ progress as they have been improving week to week.

“We wanted to establish a running game after last week,” said Brubaker. “We thought we would be more balanced if we did that.”

The Rams got sacks from Tanner Romano and Dean Costalas. Dan Cassidy and Tyler Edwards forced interceptions. Pete Agler made some big tackles on special teams to set the tone in the early going.

Chester defensive coordinator James Howard said the Clippers staff liked the fact the team stuck it out all four quarters

“We were impressed that the kids did not quit,” Howard said. “In years past we used to do that.”

He said Chester wants to play teams like Spring-Ford and Haverford in order to keep improving.

For Chester, Tahiaj Cooper intercepted a pass and Rushon Archer had a pair of sacks.