Byrd flies high in sweet homecoming win for Radnor

RADNOR — A tricky play helped Amir Byrd return a pooched kickoff 73 yards for a touchdown and Radnor defeated Penncrest, 28-26, for its first victory on its rebuilt Prevost Field Friday.

Byrd’s return came after a quick pitch from Sean O’Donnell in the first quarter helping the Raptors (3-6, 2-6 Central League) snap a two-game losing streak.

Nico Tozzi rushed for three touchdowns for the Lions (1-9, 1-7), who saw their losing streak reach six. Tozzi scored on runs of 12, three and 13 yards and finished with 171 yards on 22 carries.

Matt Ferry added 97 rushing yards on 23 carries for Penncrest, which outgained Radnor, 304 yards to 161, and won a 19-7 advantage in first downs. But on its final two possessions, Penncrest was stopped on downs at the Radnor 11 and the Radnor 20, that time with 1:23 to play.

The Raptors took advantage of an early opportunity, taking over at the Penncrest one after an errant punt snap. Quarterback Tucker Graham made it pay with a 1-yard scoring plunge.

Tozzi answered with his 12-yard TD early in the second before Byrd answered with his kickoff return.

Tommy DeShan and Bryce Cohen rushed for Radnor scores. O’Donnell scored on a one-yard quarterback keeper for the Lions.

Radnor prevailed despite not completing a pass.