"They had a chance still, and we took it out of their hands," Ridley's Shane Dougherty, a senior middle linebacker, said of the fumble recovery.
"We definitely think our defense can win us games, and that showed tonight."
The game was a battle of field position and tough defensive lines, as both squads squashed their opponent's offensive efforts from the opening kickoff.
"We did what we were supposed to do," Dougherty said. "They didn't score any touchdowns."
Until Friday's four-point game, Ridley's closest win this season had been an eight-point victory over Haverford High in Week 2.
In the first half, both teams combined for 162 yards and six punts. In six offensive possessions, the Cougars garnered only 59 yards of offense. The Green Raiders had 103, with one possession ending on an interception thrown deep down the field.
Both teams relied heavily on the run, as the Cougars got the majority of their yardage from the three-headed attack of seniors Isaac Peyton, Rob Murphy, and Mike Dougherty.
Sophomore Darren Washington led the offense for the Green Raiders, gaining 52 first-half yards on nine carries and 30 yards on six second-half carries.
Quarterback Collin Wright completed passes when he needed, connecting on two first-down passes that went for more than 10 yards. He had four second-half completions for 62 yards.
Wright, a junior, also converted a crucial third down with his legs with just one minute remaining in the game. He took the ball 22 yards, enabling the Green Raiders to kneel and let the clock run out.
Before the battle against the Cougars (6-2 overall, 6-1 in league), Ridley had scored 211 points in six games.
The loss snapped the Cougars' six-game winning streak.
Springfield (Delco) 0 3 0 0 – 3
Ridley 7 0 0 0 – 7
R: Rich Coia 21 run (Kelton Heverly kick)
S: FG Brad Lord 23
Contact Kate Harman at rallysports@phillynews.com.
