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Springfield wins another Overtime Thriller at home

Written by: Willie McGonigle on Monday, September 24th, 2012

SPRINGFIELD: The last time the Springfield Delco Cougars had a home game they battled back from 20 points down in the third quarter and one the game in overtime. Friday Night the Cougars again went overtime at home but it was after the Upper Darby Royals battled back from 28-7 deflicit and even took a 35-28 lead in the fourth quarter before the Cougars came back to claim a 41-38 victory.

The hero in this game as was the case two weeks ago was Sr Mike Dougherty who took a handoff on a fourth-and-goal handoff and followed lineman Nick Apostolu into the endzone. The score came after Cougars coach Tom Kline called a timeout. “I didn’t ask for a survery, I said we’re going for it”Kline told reporters after game. “I wanted (the ball)” Dougherty said adding “When we want that one extra yard its definitly going through me.” Dougherty also gave credit to his line for setting up the score.

While Dougherty played the role of hero It was senior Rob Murphy who missed most of the season with a back injury an year ago that was the star. All Murphy did was carry the ball eight times for 202 yards and two scores. Murphy said he didn’t mind not getting the chance to get to 203 saying he knew Dougherty was going to score.

The Royals struck first when Nii kotei Nikoi connected with Justin Vendetti for 23 yard touchdown. The Cougars responded with a 37 yard touchdown run by QB Cam Durham. That was only the start of things for the Cougars who exploded for 21 first quarter points. Murphy (46 yard touchdown) and Durham with a highlight reel 62 yard Punt return counted for the Cougars other touchdowns in the first.

In the second Murphy added to the highlight reel with a 57 yard touchdown. After Murphy’s touchdown the Royals offense exploded scoring three touchdowns in the second quarter. Two of which were Nikoi to Vendetti scores. The Nikoi did with legs with a 3 yard scamper that send an happy bunch Royals to the locker room tied at 282-28.

In the fourth quarter Chris Rossiter gave the Royals the lead with a 1 yard touchdown run. Murphy tied the game for the Cougars with a 72 yard touchdown.

In overtime the Royals recieved the ball first and were stuffed forcing Matt Rucci to kick a 22 yard field goal.

The Royals (1-3 Overal,1-2 Central League) will look to get back in the win column when the host the winless Lower Merion Aces. The Cougars(3-1,3-0) will travel to Garnet Valley for a Central League showdown with the undefeated Jaguars

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