Owen J. Roberts clips Upper Merion

BUCKTOWN » Playing in a Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division known for prolific offenses, Owen J. Roberts is going the other direction — establishing a stout defense as their program’s calling card.

The Wildcats picked off Upper Merion quarterback Dale Clayton on the first drive of the game and did all of their damage in the first quarter, eventually shutting out Upper Merion, 21-0.

It was the first shutout of 2018 for a defense that recorded four a year ago.

The Wildcats aren’t lacking offensively though — quite the opposite in fact, as quarterback Cooper Chamberlain accounted for 200 total yards (167 pass, 33 rush) and all three TDs (two passing, one rushing) on the evening to lead OJR (3-1). Marcus Martin added another 183 total yards and a receiving touchdown in the winning effort.

But it was the relentless defensive line who kept pressure on Clayton all night and limited Upper Merion to 112 yards of offense. OJR enjoyed good field position all night, starting inside UM territory on three of their five first-half possessions.

“Our defense, we give up a play here and there, but they always bounce back,” said OJR coach Rich Kolka. “That’s a big credit to our coaching staff.

“Hopefully, we’ll continue to play strong defense and do enoughonoffensetowingames.”

After three straight road contests to open the 2018 campaign, Owen J. Roberts finally got to play host on Friday night.

It didn’t take them long to get comfortable, as Dante DeNardo picked off a pass in the opening minute and returned it to the Upper Merion 13-yard line, setting up Cooper Chamberlain for the opening score.

“All week we stressed not getting beaten deep,” said DeNardo, a sophomore playing his first varsity game at home. “So I played a little off the receiver, and the throw was wide. I just stepped up and made the play.”

After a quick three-andout, the Wildcats took over inside Upper Merion territory and made quick work of their second possession, as Chamberlain found Marcus Martin on a slip screen. Martin did the rest, outracing two Vikings defenders 41 yards to the end zone for a 14-0 advantage.

For Digital First Media