Upper Dublin defeated Council Rock South in a Thursday night SOL football game. Photos provided courtesy of Shannon O’Sullivan. Check back for a gallery of photos: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/f129542182
SOL Continental Conference
UPPER DUBLIN 17, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 10
The Cardinals, according to coach Bret Strover, “grew up tonight.”
And their response to adversity in the first half of Thursday’s conference showdown suggests this year’s inexperienced squad has come a long way.
Both teams entered the game with 2-0 records in conference play, and early on, the Golden Hawks – with three straight wins under their belt – looked like they might well be heading to number four.
But the Cardinals – trailing 7-0 – turned a situation that could have rapidly spiraled downward into the tying touchdown instead. It happened in the second quarter after a forgettable Upper Dublin offensive possession that saw the ball punched out of Shyne Roberts’ hands.
Granted, the fumble was recovered by the Cardinals, but a 16-yard loss on the play brought a quick end to that possession. The Golden Hawks – after a UD punt – took over near midfield.
It was the perfect opportunity to add to their lead, but the UD defense rose to the occasion, forcing a punt. The Cards took over, and on the second play of their possession, Roberts raced 65 yards for the tying touchdown.
Disaster had not only been averted, but the Cardinals had momentum they would not lose.
“I really thought our defense played phenomenal,” Stover said. “Their one touchdown – (a perfectly thrown 32-yard touchdown pass to Jake Hemple on fourth-and-14) – was a great throw by their quarterback (Chase Ennis). You tip your hat to that one.
“But our defense in that situation – we went three-and-out, we punted, and they got the ball at midfield, and then we turned them over. We got off the field, and then the second play of that drive, Shyne rips one off, and all of a sudden, everybody settled in.
“Everybody believed – not that they didn’t believe, but I think everybody then really believed – ‘We’re good,’ and we played that way the rest of the game.”
With time winding down in the first half, the Cardinals had an opportunity to add to that lead, marching to the Golden Hawks’ 28-yard line, but an interception brought a halt to that drive.
“That was disappointing, but again, we went in at halftime, and we didn’t go in the tank,” Stover said. “We came back out, we made adjustments. Again, our defense really, really got us the ball.”
Early in the third quarter, the Cardinals took a lead they would not lose when Chris Kohlbrenner turned a Kevin Etkin pass into a 62-yard touchdown and a 14-7 lead.
“Chris Kohlbrenner – threw a ball to him in the flat,” Stover said. “His individual effort – there were three or four guys around him, and he went in and out, in and out three times, and he was up to top speed down the sidelines. It was like – how did that just happen? That’s the type of player Chris is.”
Leading by just one score, the Cards’ defense came up with yet another huge stop on fourth-and-one.
“We stuffed them on the 12- or 13-yard line,” Stover said. “Then we were able to get the field goal and breathe a little bit because that kid can throw it.
Matt Miller’s 31-yard field goal gave the Cardinals a 17-7 advantage. With time winding down, the Golden Hawks made it a 17-10 game when Francis Rafferty split the uprights on a 27-yard field goal. They would get no closer.
Stover acknowledged the superb play of his defense that included standout performances by Roberts, Kohlbrenner, Trey Relvas, Ron Shepherd and Justin Waugh
“I thought they all played really well,” the UD coach said. “And Martin Campbell – I think he’s played every snap in just about every game for us on both sides of the ball. He’s a warrior. He doesn’t come out. He’s down, he’s barely getting up, and he’s in on the tackle on the next play. He’s one of the few seniors out there.
“Trey Relvas has been playing really well for us at linebacker. He had a sack tonight, and he was around the ball a lot tonight. You’re happy to see your seniors make the plays.”
Ten points was the lowest point production of the season for the Hawks, who averaged over 23 points a game through their first five games.
“That offense has been putting up a whole lot of points,” Stover said. “This was a huge win for us. Obviously, we’ve got to still get better every week, so that’s our goal.
“We got better tonight, we made enough plays to get out of there with a ‘W’ – it makes for a nice weekend.”
Upper Dublin (5-2, 3-1 SOL) will host Harry S Truman next Friday, and Council Rock South (5-2, 2-1) will host Souderton next Friday.
Upper Dublin 0-7-7-3 17
Council Rock South 7-0-0-3 10
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