Several hundred fans turned out on a beautiful summer evening to see the Electric City Chargers honor a local gridiron hero.
Former Honesdale High School and Urisinus College star Ted Wallingford was tragically killed in an accident on the Owego Turnpike back in May.
Wallingford had been Electric City’s quarterback for the past two seasons. His untimely death left a huge void on the team.. .one that’s nearly impossible to fill.
“We’ll never forget him,” Coach Mike Arcure said of Wallingford just moments before Saturday’s opening kick-off. “Teddy was a great guy and a really good quarterback. Honoring him like this is the least we can do for him and his family.”
The Wallingfords were on hand for a pre-game ceremony in which #12 was forever retired. Electric City officials presented the framed uniform to Candice, Ted’s mother.
“Thank you so much,” she whispered to Matty Williams.
Williams, a 280-pound fullback, had been a teammate of Ted’s since their Stinger days. They’d also played together at Honesdale, for the Scranton Eagles and for the Chargers.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about him,” Matt said afterward. “It was really strange being out there on the field without him.”
The entire Electric City team then gathered around Candice and her two remaining children: Sarah and Christopher. All were visibly moved by the ceremony and fan turnout.
Win One for Teddy
Electric City’s offense started off slowly in the first half against the Conshohocken Steelers.
However, the Chargers’ defense and special teams more than compensated.
Conshohocken received the opening kick-off, but was forced to punt...a theme that would repeat itself all evening long.
Electric City picked up a first down on its initial drive, but then handed the ball back to the Steelers.
The sparks began to fly late in the first period.
Craig Heywood blocked a a pair of Conshocken punts, the second of which teammate Malcolm Singleton scooped up and returned 13 yards for the game’s first touchdown.
Quarterback Earl Chaptman extended the Chargers lead to 12-0 when he rolled around right end for an 8-yard TD.
Electric City didn’t allow Conshohocken across midfield the entire first half en route to an eventual 19-0 shutout.
Chaptman closed out the Chargers’ scoring early in the fourth quarter, hitting wideout Alfonso McCormick with a 14-yard touchdown strike.
Williams led the ground game, opening huge holes through which tailback Damon Saxon scurried for a total of 86 yards.
“I love blocking,” Matty said with a laugh. “There’s no better feeling in football than knocking a guy on his butt and then helping him up after the play.”
Williams added that he was very happy to earn a win in Wallingford’s memory.
Score by Quarters...
SCR (3-2) 6 6 0 7 - 19
CON (2-3) 0 0 0 0 - 0
