Coatesville’s Ferguson sparks Valor Bowl win for Team Allison

May 25, 2023

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DOWNINGTOWN >> With a playoff baseball game looming the following day, Spencer Ferguson couldn’t resist donning his Coatesville football helmet one last time.

At the Believe and Achieve Valor Bowl at Kottmeyer Stadium Thursday night, Ferguson made his decision worthwhile.

The senior Red Raider ran for two touchdowns and was named the James G. “Chunky” Klunk Most Valuable Player, helping Team Allison to a 21-13 win over Team Carroll.

“I’m enjoying my last couple plays for football and getting fired up for (Friday),” Ferguson said. “Getting the win and going into tomorrow with that same attitude.”

Team Allison’s Spencer Ferguson was named the game’s MVP with two touchdown runs. (Nate Heckenberger – For MediaNews Group)

The sixth-seeded Red Raiders face Central Bucks West in the District 1-6A quarterfinals, Friday, but Ferguson, who split time in Coatesville’s backfield during the season, scored Team Allison’s first and last TDs of the game.

“It’s always fun to score touchdowns,” Ferguson said. “I was feeling good and it was one last ride with the guys.”

Team Carroll’s Peter Costigan scrambles for a first-quarter touchdown. (Nate Heckenberger – For MediaNews Group)

Team Carroll got on the board first when Conestoga’s Peter Costigan ran it in from seven yards out. In the third quarter, Costigan found teammate Jeremy Friend for a 23-yard score, but the point after attempt was blocked, keeping Team Allison on top, 14-13.

“It was amazing,” Costigan said. “It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It was great to be able to help the community and yeah, it was awesome.”

Team Carroll’s Jeremy Friend catches a touchdown pass from Peter Costigan. (Nate Heckenberger – For MediaNews Group)

While the game is the showcase event, the cause behind it is a fundraiser through the Believe and Achieve Foundation, which focuses on helping the youth in the community, especially those most vulnerable.

Prior to the game, the Valor Bowl players are introduced with Special Needs Athletes, many whom each other met the night prior at the Valor Bowl pep rally.

“It was a lot of fun,” Team Allison and Avon Grove coach Joe Coffey Said. “I said from the beginning that it’s way bigger than just a game and I think they took that to heart. We saw it at the pep rally and had a great representation and they had a lot of fun and it’s for a great cause.”