New Hope’s Steve Ratigan tries to thwart interception by Sterling Williams (Photo: Kim Hildebrandt)
The stands were filled with cheering alumni, parents and students at New Hope–Solebury High School Friday night, but all that spirit could not stop the Delaware County Christian Knights, as the Lions suffered a tough homecoming loss, falling 38-6.
Delaware County moved the ball on the ground for a touchdown on their first possession behind a deceptive attack led by senior quarterback Sterling Williams, and the score was quickly 8-0.
New Hope-Solebury seemed poised to come back with a fast response, but a deep, wide-open pass by New Hope quaterback Nick Garritano was dropped, forcing the Lions to punt. On the ensuing possession, Delaware County rolled right down the field and made the score 16-0, behind the running of Williams, Nazim Wells and Zeph Ellis.
New Hope’s Brendan Shadle eludes DC defense with help from lineman Marcus Hems (Photo: Kim Hildebrandt)
Coach Jim DiTulio’s young Lions were stymied all night by Delaware County’s over-sized offensive and defensive lines. Williams also had an interception. The remainder of the game featured the Delaware County Knights’ formidable rushing attack scoring again in the first half and bagging two second-half touchdowns.
A controversial situation erupted as Delaware County’s Head Coach Drew Pearson called for onside kicks following touchdowns that gave his team 24-0, 31-0, and 38-0 leads. Pearson was also purportedly overheard requesting penalties from the referees late in the game against an already-beaten New Hope team.
New Hope’s Blake Hildebrandt wraps up DC’s Sterling Williams (Photo: Kim Hildebrandt)
New Hope’s Nick Garritano did manage to connect with receiver Blake Hildebrandt for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
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