Football: Mellet, defense come through for Upper Darby in shutout

MIDDLETOWN >> Upper Darby’s Scott Mellet had a pass deflection that led to one entertaining interception return. Mellet also recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown and scored on a 10-yard run. The linebacker/fullback had a big hand in the Royals’ 34-0 Central League victory over Penncrest Friday night at cold and rainy Louis Scott Stadium.

“Eventually they gave me my shot,” Mellet said with a smile. “I’ve fumbled a lot on the other carries that I got and I knew I had to redeem myself.”

Before he scored on offense, Mellet chased after Penncrest quarterback Manny Ruffin and got his hand in the air as Ruffin tried to swing the ball into the flat. The tipped pass dropped in the big arms of defensive tackle James King, who gave his best deer-in-the-headlights look. The 6-4, 260-pound junior froze for a second and then started running toward the Upper Darby sideline. Eventually he hooked left and headed toward the end zone. Alas, King was tripped up 13 yards of the goal line.

“It’s like that movie — what’s it called? — ‘The Replacements’” UD coach Richie Gentile said. “You know, when the big guy catches the ball and goes, ‘Oh ****, what now?’ That’s what it was like.”

Click HERE to read the full article.