Close Homecoming turns into CHA rout

by TIM MCMANUS

Amidst the homecoming revelry at Landreth Field, which included face painting, a barbeque and a kid’s carnival, it was easy to forget that an important Independence League contest was being played. But promising sophomore running back Mike Flannery never lost his concentration, thrilling the capacity crowd by carrying 15 times for 147 yards and one backbreaking touchdown, as Chestnut Hill Academy (3-2, 3-0) beat rival and traditional powerhouse Springfield 35-14 to remain perfect in league play.

Spartans quarterback Mike Malizia quieted the raucous crowd with a one-yard touchdown run to open the scoring, but the extra point was blocked. The touchdown was the only lead for the Spartans (3-2, 2-1).

CHA’s Phillip Roberts, again stellar on offense and defense, put the Blue Devils on top with a 12-yard run. Roberts, who has not yet committed to a college program, also nailed the Spartans on defense by contributing four sacks and eight solo tackles from his outside linebacker position.

The second quarter turned into a feeding frenzy for the Blue Devils, as they scored two touchdowns in under two minutes to pull away. Quarterback Scott Dziengelski started the sequence with a 17-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Anthony Comis, who was untouched on the play.

After the ensuing kickoff pinned the Spartans in their own territory, Nasir Yard intercepted Malizia on the right sideline. Yard never broke stride, galloping 41 yards into the Spartan end zone to put the Blue Devils up 21-6.

The electrifying return, which set off wild celebrations, sparked a disturbance in the crowd. Someone in the CHA student section flung an object, possibly a can, into Springfield’s vocal rooting section. A shouting match ensued, and the public address announcer had to make the first of several statements warning fans to behave.

The game Spartans responded before the half ended. Mike Malizia scored on his second sneak of the game, and after a two-point conversion pass, the halftime score was 21-14. But the Spartans never scored again.

After a surprisingly scoreless third quarter in which both defenses finally gained some traction, CHA wore down the Spartans with a pounding running attack led by Flannery and Roberts. Flannery, showing an incredible burst of speed, took a handoff 40 yards for a score to erase any thoughts of a Springfield comeback.Captain Chris McInerney added a late eight-yard run to set the final score.

The convincing win makes CHA an early contender in the Independence League. Coming off the emotional victory, and with a date against potent Bristol looming two weeks away, CHA will have to avoid the trap of looking ahead as they travel to play a weak Lower Moreland team this Saturday.