Ridley Tops Springfield 13-7 to Win First Annual Alumni Rivalry Game

By: Jennifer Hoffman

Black Friday 2019 looked a little different for those from Springfield and Ridley Pa, instead of packing the shopping malls they packed Phil Marion Field at Ridley High School for the showdown of the century. 

The Ridley vs. Springfield First Annual Alumni Game. 

A heated rivalry with a common bond that is bigger than lacrosse; each team lost one of their own to cancer. Ridley’s Nick “HEAD” Colleluori and Springfield’s Nick “Nacho” Baratelle. 

Springfield opened the scoring when Steve Halko sinked one past Ridley’s goalie Tommy McDermott in the first quarter. Minutes later Ridley’s Cade Stratton answered right back and leveled the score at 1-1. 

Nick Fox gave Ridley the go ahead goal midway through the second quarter. 

Ridley ultimately pulled ahead and extended their lead to 6-3 by halftime. Springfield’s Kyle Sweeney cut their deficit in half, but Ridley brought the firing squad that the Cougars just couldn’t match as they had a hard time finding the back of the net. 

In a passionate and hard fought competitive game, the Green Raiders came out on top. 

Ridley won the first inaugural Alumni game with a final score of 13-7 and hoisted the Nick Trophy with pride.

The game may have been for bragging rights but it was also to lace up one more time in honor of their fallen teammates. 

Every player wore jerseys dawned with the #27 or #14 as a way to pay tribute to both Nick’s. 

HEADstrong Sports donated 100 sticks (50 boys & 50 girls) to True Lacrosse as a way to spread the game across the state.  

“Returning to the field where my Nick played the game he loved and seeing his former teammates and rivals come together to honor him and Nacho meant the world to us.  We look forward to seeing what next year’s event brings!” remarked HEADstrong President Cheryl Colleluori. 

The event raised over $28,000 for the HEADstrong Foundation which will go directly to families in need of services while they undergo life saving cancer treatment. It was truly more than just a game but a way to bring the community together for a bigger cause.