By David A. Willauer
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/23/10

Springfield-Delco coach Mike Friel knew he had to guard against a letdown when his Cougars played at Penncrest Thursday night, two days after an emotional 4-3 victory over Conestoga.

But Colin Keegan scored two goals and eight others scored once while goalie Austin Kaut made 14 saves in goal as Springfield-Delco (9-1) kept its grip on first place in the Central League with a key 10-6 win over the Lions (6-4, 3-3)

“After the game I told the kids that I expected an emotional letdown,” Friel said. “You play a team like Penncrest and they are well coached. I said to our squad at halftime to stop acting pretty just look for the ball and the good shots.”

The Cougars got balanced scoring as Jordan Demcher, Joe Venit, Josh Cavanaugh, Matt Gluck, Bobby Gildea, Billy McCullough and Joe Devinney each tallied once.

Friel said Devinney was a key on defense and Kaut was clutch in goal and added that Venit and McCullough as well as Jesse Martin were sparks on offense.

“If it’s an outside shot, Austin makes the save; that’s why he’s one of the best goalies in the state,” Friel said. “Penncrest made some nice cuts which led to goals.

“Joe Venit and Billy McCullough gave us a boost. They bring it to our squad every practice, every game and every play. And today Joe Devinney did a tremendous job on Andrew Caldwell. Against Conestoga he did a good job covering Ryan Lord.”

The Cougas face another major test Saturday when they meet Catholic League power St. Joseph’s Prep at the 10th Annual Katie Samson Lacrosse Festival at Radnor.

Vern Dreyer had a strong game in goal for Penncrest while Tom Kelly and Scott Shortall each scored twice. Caldwell and Craig Kashner also scored for the Lions, who host Sun Valley (6:30 p.m.) at the Laxapalooza Event Saturday.

Tags: Penncrest, Springfield-Delco