By Matt Smith –
Mike DePetris might not have much experience on varsity, but he showed Friday night that he belongs.
“This was my second game starting,” the Springfield sophomore said.
Springfield’s Luke Valerio celebrates after rushing for a first down to put the game out of reach against Strath Haven in a 10-7 win Friday night. (Pete Bannan/MediaNews Group)
DePetris is the latest in a talented group of underclassmen making noise for the Cougars, joining classmates Sebastian Simone, Mason Becker and Tommy Griffin as key contributors, especially on defense. And there’s quarterback John Hopkins, who’s been the guy under center since Week 1.
DePetris made a major impact Friday, as Springfield topped Strath Haven, 10-7, to complete an undefeated regular season and win the Central League title outright.
He was all over the field on defense, but his biggest moment came on special teams. In the third quarter, with the Cougars trailing, DePetris broke through the line and got a hand on Caden Shuster’s punt. The ball tumbled forward nine yards, setting Springfield’s offense up with excellent field position.
