Moore runs Interboro back into game, past Chester
GLENOLDEN — A team that gives up a big return on the opening kickoff and a touchdown three plays later might appear to be headed for a long night. Interboro found itself facing the former situation but refusing to let the latter scenario take place at the South Avenue Athletic Complex Friday night.
The Bucs were behind before all of the Senior Night fans were in their seats. They also had those fans out of their seats cheering when they bounced back from their early problems and rolled to a 36-20 Del Val League decision over Chester.
Senior Michael Moore ran over and around Chester defenders for 168 rushing yards on 25 carries and even hurdled one on his way to one of his two scoring runs. He also found time to make a number of tackles for losses. Quarterback Jared Dellipriscolli had only two completions – one in each half – but both went for touchdowns.
Senior Ryan Galanaugh helped lead an offensive line that resulted in 308 rushing yards on 52 carries for the Bucs. Michael Zane chipped in to the defensive effort, getting an interception inside the Bucs’ 10 in the first half and putting a halt to another Chester drive inside the Interboro 20 in the second half.
“We’re getting some people back who had been missing and that’s helping,” Interboro coach Steve Lennox said. “Against Chichester last week we won, but three of our four captains were out and we had five starters who were hurt.
“Tonight our offensive line did a nice job, and everyone on this team was pulling for each other. That’s great to see.”
Chester’s Malik Langley had the home crowd worried when he ran 49 yards with the opening kickoff to the Interboro 25. On the Clippers’ third play, Anton Sterling banged through the line for five yards and six points.
Interboro (4-5, 2-2) responded with a 12-play drive that covered 80 yards and included runs of 12, 14, 10, and 13 yards by Moore before Dellipriscolli scored from one yard out. Moore’s conversion run put the Bucs ahead.
Interboro had to go only 53 yards on its next possession to add to the lead. Evan Sorrentino got things started with a 29-yard run, and Moore provided the finishing touch with a four-yard burst that included his high-step maneuver over a would-be tackler at the goal line.
“I got some great blocks all night,” Moore said. “I’m glad the way we’ve been coming together.”
Zane’s first interception set in motion a 12-play drive – all running plays – in which the Bucs drove from their 17 for another score, taking almost seven minutes off the clock. Sorrentino ran 11 yards for the touchdown.
Chester (2-7, 1-3) got a Tahree Fuller-Bryan to Hakeem Bacon scoring pass that covered 27 yards 1:38 before halftime, but Interboro had time to respond with a 75-yard drive on which Moore got off a 34-yard run and Tim Convery grabbed a 39-yard pass from Dellipriscolli to put the ball three yards from the goal line.
“I separated my shoulder when we played Penn Wood and had to miss last week’s game,” Convery said. “That wasn’t fun having to stand there and watch. On the pass I caught, I ran a post-corner and Jared threw a great ball.”
Moore picked up his second TD 34 seconds before halftime, coasting through a big opening provided by his offensive line.
“He’ll get his name in the paper for that,” Galanaugh (6-1, 260) said. “If that happens, then we know we did our jobs on the line.”
Dellipriscolli’s scoring pass to James Udowenko midway through the third quarter capped a 12-play Bucs scoring drive that began after Zane’s second interception.
“The defensive line was putting on the pressure,” Zane said. “I moved back, and I could see by the way the quarterback was looking where he wanted to go.”
Chester closed out the scoring when Jakai Boegertey stole the ball and ran 70 yards for a touchdown with 1:37 to play.