Springfield wins unbeatens battle

Springfield (Delco) first-year football coach Chris Britton is impressed by Adam Krauter's unselfishness just as much as his aggressive and rock-solid play at linebacker.

"He's a team player," Britton said. "He's not one of those guys infatuated with numbers. It's a 'we' thing for him."

In a battle of unbeatens Friday night in Delaware County, with Krauter putting forth another stellar effort in the middle, the senior-laden Cougars stayed perfect with a 21-12 triumph over Central League rival Conestoga.

"This is amazing," said Krauter, who recovered a second-quarter fumble. "But we have to get back to work and prepare for Thursday's game against Strath Haven. We can't take any days off."

In improving to 5-0 overall and 4-0 in Central League action, Krauter and company kept Conestoga (4-1, 3-1) scoreless in the first half and yielded only 55 yards rushing overall on 29 attempts. The unit is allowing only eight points per game.

"It's a mixture of everything," Krauter said of the stinginess. "We play as a team, and everybody does their job."

Springfield, trying for its first league championship since 1994, is tied atop the standings with defending titlist Garnet Valley (4-1, 4-0). The Cougars and Jaguars are scheduled to meet Oct. 17.

"It's great, but so many things can happen between now and then," Krauter said. "It would be foolish to focus on Garnet Valley at this point."

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Krauter, who doubles as a tight end, has a partial scholarship offer from Bryant. Army, Buffalo, Lehigh, New Hampshire, and Temple have expressed varying degrees of interest in the erstwhile baseball player.

Against Conestoga, Krauter was supported on defense by nose guard Brian Layden, end Dan Archibong, fellow inside linebacker Ricky Sterling, and backs Luc Spence, Mike Fleagle, and Pat Smyth.

Senior quarterback Brian Allen rushed 19 times for 129 yards and a score. Late in the second quarter, his 6-yard pass to wideout Quideer Wimes gave the hosts a 14-0 advantage. The tally was set up by Layden's recovery of a fumble caused by Archibong.

In the third quarter, after the Pioneers found the scoreboard on Martin Dorsey's 5-yard TD catch, Collin Braconnier's 3-yard run made it 21-6.

Springfield finished with 257 yards rushing on 56 attempts.

Conestoga 0 0 6 6 - 12

Springfield (D) 7 7 7 0 - 21

S: Brian Allen 3 run (Jack Coary kick)

S: Quideer Wimes 6 pass from Allen (Coary kick)

C: Martin Dorsey 5 pass from Miller (kick failed)

S: Collin Braconnier 3 run (Coary kick)

C: Dondre Ross 12 pass from Miller (pass failed)