Springfield (D) rolls Ridley behind Ja'Den McKenzie's five touchdowns

Good things happen for Springfield Delco when Ja'Den McKenzie touches the football.

Of the 13 times he touched the ball Thursday night against visiting Ridley, McKenzie scored five times in the Cougars' 42-7 romp.

If McKenzie had his druthers, however, that ratio would be even more efficient.

"Every time we're on the field," McKenzie said, "I'm trying to take that jawn to the house."

The dynamic senior finished with 247 yards and three touchdowns on just 11 carries. That's 22 yard per attempt. He also added a 16-yard receiving touchdown, and then topped his night with about a 28-yard interception return.

"We were working so hard," he said. "My lineman are the reason why I had a big game because they block so well. Day in, day out, they go out and get it and work hard in practice."

His touchdown runs came from 72, 57 and 79 yards out. Springfield also took a 14-0 edge into intermission before blowing the game open in the third quarter.

McKenzie ended that frame with the 79-yard score and then began the fourth with the interception return for another score.

Despite McKenzie's dangerous presence in the backfield, the Cougars (6-0) struggled early and often in the passing game. Phil Shovlin, also a senior, added a late, 58-yard rushing score.

Defensively, junior Patrick Clemens had an interception and was a major disruptor throughout the night. His late interception thwarted Ridley's attempt to rally.

Ridley (2-4) mustered just 109 total yards. Nick Layden's lone score for the Raiders was set up by a 65-kickoff return by Kamal Richardson.

Springfield       0  14  14  14  42
Ridley               0   0    7    0  7

SP: Ja'Den McKenzie 72 run. Jack Coary kick.

SP: McKenzie 16 pass from Jack Psenicska. Coary kick.

SP: McKenzie 57 run. Kick failed.

R: Nick Layden 3 run. Baker kick.

SP: McKenzie 79 run. Coary kick.

SP: McKenzie 28 interception. Chris Finizio run.

SP: Shovlin 58 run. Coary kick.