Penncrest Lions Shut Out by Cougars

The football team traveled to Springfield losing in a shutout, despite a few key drives and strong plays by Lions starting quarterback, Shane Donnelly. That puts Penncrest at 0-3, and Springfield is undefeated in the conference at 3-0.

1

2

3

4

Final

Penncrest (0-3)

0

0

0

0

0

Springfield (3-0)

7

7

6

14

34

IN SHORT

Donnelly, the junior who’s starting his second season as quarterback, came out fighting. At eight minutes into the game, he completed a pass to running back Dan Young, but the Lions couldn’t convert at fourth and third, so the Cougars took over at their own 13-yard line. Junior running back Rob Murphy had a 45-yard run, junior running back Barry Foster went for a 13-yard run, and Tyler Morrissey, a senior tight end, scored on second and goal to finish the drive.

In the second quarter, Penncrest picked off the Cougars, but again failed to score. Cougars’ senior quarterback Ryan Strain connected with Murphy for a touchdown.

Donnelly's pass to Young was picked off in the third quarter by Springfield’s Warren Allen at the 45-yard line. The Cougars drove down the field and Murphy scored, but it was called back with a 10-yard penalty. Nonplussed, Strain handed off to Murphy again, and he scored again.

Early in the fourth, Springfield’s junior running back Cameron Durham scored a touchdown, another so did junior wide receiver Aaron Coyne.  

LION OF THE GAME

Shane Donnelly: Number 18 came out strong and wanted to lead his team to its first win. Despite four scoreless quarters for the Lions, the junior quarterback never gave up.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES

Wide receivers Dan Young and Kevin Trusty, and running back Joe Gartland, were right on their game for several plays, but just weren’t able to score the points.

COACH’S TAKE

“It’s a tough season. They’ll do it next time.”—Head Coach Rick Stroup

UP NEXT: Penncrest at Conestoga on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.