6. Haverford 14, Upper Darby 13
Upper Darby’s Shawn McCullough dives for the pylon and scores on a 16-yard touchdown catch despite the defensive effort of Haverford’s Justin Burgess. (Eric Hartline – File Photo)
Haverford’s C.J. Weh first interception at any level of organized football came at an opportune time as his pick sealed the fate of a late-game gamble from Upper Darby in the two team’s annual Thanksgiving Day tilt.
Upper Darby had just scored a touchdown with 12 seconds remaining on a one-yard plunge by quarterback Kevin Kerwood. Ever the gambler, coach Rich Gentile decided to go for two and the win rather than kick an extra point and head to overtime.
The play Gentile called was a good one. Kerwood rolled to his left and just before he reached the sideline threw back to the middle of the end zone where receiver Shawn McCullough was wide open.
Thing is, no one expected Weh to flash into that open area. Not even Weh’s coach.
“That’s an unbelievable play by C.J.,” Haverford coach Joe Gallagher said. “It’s a perfect example of our team mantra. We talk about everyone holding on to the same rope and doing what needs to be done to help the team. C.J. was definitely holding the rope there. That’s a great play by a great kid.”
And it wasn’t just any old interception. Weh made a lunging, one-handed grab, to stave off Upper Darby’s big victory.
