Football: Springfield goes Long, takes control of Central League race

CONCORD >> Kyle Long made his Springfield teammates and coaches very happy when he decided to unretire from football this season. One of the top lacrosse recruits in the nation, Long has been excellent as a wide receiver and safety. Friday night, he had arguably his finest all-around performance. What makes Long such a phenomenal high school athlete is his natural instincts. In lacrosse, he can make a behind-the-back pass look effortless. The same could be said about his exploits as a defensive player. He simply has a nose for the big play.

So when the Cougars needed someone to stop Garnet Valley’s fourth-down attempt with two minutes to play in the fourth quarter Friday night, Long came to the rescue. He pinched in and sprinted toward Matt Lassik, who was stopped in his tracks at the line of scrimmage. Long was the first one to hit him. Long’s tackle sealed Springfield’s 14-7 victory. In a battle of Delaware County’s last two undefeated squads, the Cougars clinched at least a share of the Central League championship for the second year in a row. They can win the title outright with a victory at 8-1 Haverford next Friday.

“I came up from the safety spot. When you watch film, you know that when they come out like that, it’s a quick pitch and they’re trying to get their guy out in space,” said Long, who finished with 10 tackles. Linebacker Pat Clemens led the way with 17 tackles. “I just came out and made a play. (Garnet Valley) made a decision to go with that play and it’s worked for them all year. We were able to make a better play.”

Garnet Valley (8-1, 7-1) and Springfield (9-0, 8-0) entered ranked first and second, respectively, in Delaware County. This is the second straight season that the Cougars have gone into hostile territory to knock off the No. 1 team in the county. Last year, it was Ridley.

The Cougars proved again Friday night that they are the team to beat. Springfield would prefer to keep the Central title to itself. Last year it split the crown three ways with Marple Newtown and Ridley.

“It’s good, but sharing it … I’m a little selfish with that aspect,” Long said. “I want to win the whole thing.”

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Springfield’s Kyle Long hauls in a pass to get Springfield out of the hole in the third quarter. Long had eight catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, and delivered a big tackle on fourth down to help seal the Cougars’ victory over Garnet Valley. (Pete Bannan – Digital First Media)