Football: Springfield takes to the ground to top O’Hara
MARPLE — If Friday was any indication, Springfield’s new-look offense will present many challenges for defenses this year.
Perhaps influenced by emeritus coach Steve Lennox, the Interboro legend famous for his ground-and-pound schemes, the Cougars rushed all over Cardinal O’Hara in a 27-0 victory on opening night.
Ty Gougler led the way with 124 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.
“The O-line and the fullbacks made a big hole for me and I just ran through it,” Gougler said.
Sophomore fullback Nate Romano posted 96 yards on eight carries, including a 63-yard scoring jaunt up the gut in the second quarter. Ethan Marshall added a one-yard TD run in the third quarter.
Springfield amassed 260 yards of total rushing. Senior left tackle Tyler Klambara was a standout on the offensive line.
“We really grinded over the summer, we ran and we conditioned,” Klambara said. “We put in all the effort and tonight we stepped up in the run game and didn’t pass as much as we did last year.”
Quarterback Jake Rama completed 6 of 12 passing attempts for 71 yards.
Mike O’Donnell and Mike Turner each had an interception for the Cougars. Romano was outstanding at linebacker. Gus Bryan and Mike Miller each recorded a sack.
Springfield couldn’t have asked for a more convincing victory on opening night.
“This win will boost our confidence a lot,” Gougler said. “We play at home next against Radnor and we will definitely have the confidence to win.”
It was a disappointing debut for first-year O’Hara head coach Mike Ewing. Exavier Torres ran for 59 yards, and quarterback John Welde threw for 59 yards as well. However, the Lions couldn’t sustain long drives, had trouble on the punt snap and defensively were no match for Springfield’s rushing attack. But the Lions are very young and rebuilding with an entirely new coaching staff.
“Our kids battled to the end, which I’m super proud of,” Ewing said. “We left a lot of meat on the bone out there. We had plays where our receivers were open and we had drops. Whether it’s a young mistake or inexperience. We gave them a touchdown on that one punt snap (that resulted in a turnover on downs at the O’Hara 9). We’ve got puppies, but we’ll be good. It’s a great game to have on tape, to learn from.”
One play Ewing wished he had back was a long touchdown pass from Welde to Xavier Tran on the first play of the game that was called back due to holding. Ewing wanted to start the game with a bang. Welde released the ball so fast, the Lions were left wondering where, exactly, was the penalty.
“The balloon popped,” Ewing said. “It was a one-step drop. He takes the ball…and let’s it go. That one hurt. Our offensive staff did a pretty good job of scheming it up, watching them on film and things like that. But it’s the first play of the game, you’ve got the whole game left, so no excuses.”
