Ridley Park: On one of the first really cold and chilly game nights of the 2007 season, the end result of this contest certainly didn't help warm the 'Skins and their fans. For after having traveled south on Route 95 to take on perennial Delaware County power Ridley in a District One semi-final playoff tussle, Neshaminy saw a terrific season come to an end. And while the Tribe was obviously thinking of 4A gold, at the final gun it was all green as in the Green Raiders of Ridley.

But before we provide you with our usual recap, we'd like to make a few observations: First, it was a terrific effort by the Blue and Red against a program that is steeped in tradition and boasts one of the country's top all-time schoolboy winning records (and this year's edition is right in keeping). And with Neshaminy hip deep in 80 years of its own football exploits and accomplishments, it can surely be argued that this match-up featured two of the more storied high school grid clubs in the Philadelphia area.

Second, we'd also like to thank the community of Folsom and their fine people, their team, the students, cheerleaders and all of those who had a hand in extending a warm welcome to all of the visitors in attendance. What a fabulous night it truly was for southeastern PA fans of the sport - not only because of the game on the field but, additionally, because of those behind the scene folks who were involved in putting on this wonderful show. And now with the salutations and accolades on the record - let's play some football!

With the captains on the field making the call, it was the visitors who won the toss and took the option of receiving. With Gary Renson taking the kick, he returned it smartly to the 34. Mixing it up a bit on their first offensive opportunity, the 'Skins moved it out to mid-field before they stalled and were forced to punt. A poor snap was picked up by the punter, Chris Boland, who alertly threw a pass which was complete but short of the first at the Green Raider 47. From there it was Ridley punching, bobbing and weaving the ball down the field to a critical fourth and ten at Neshaminy's 25. Picking up the first down on a gutsy pass, the next play saw their big runner, Andrew Hodges, take it in for the touchdown. The PAT was good and the home team had the opening score and lead, 7-0.

With the Central League champs then kicking off to Neshaminy for the second time, it was Renson again taking it out to the 33. What followed was a Neshaminy drive that got in some trouble quickly but was rescued by a beautiful Justin Kinney run of 25 yards. A few more strong 'Skin rushes got the ball near the red zone and they looked set to make some noise and score some points. But it was not to be as they coughed it up and the Raiders recovered inside their 30. Then driving it right out of that hole, the Raiders went cruising down the field before finally being stopped close to the promised land. Deciding to try for just three points, the 30 yard attempt was wide and the Blue and Red took over.

Once again starting off strong, it was Jason Ulmer here and there who took it out to the 41 before the 'Skins fizzled out on that offensive effort. Punting away yet again, this time it was fair caught deep in Ridley territory where the Green took over. But looking just like they did on their previous possessions, they moved down the field easily and punched it in on a pass - only to see it brought back on a holding call. No problem for the Raiders, though, as the next play they hit the end zone again. With the PAT missing, the Folsom boys were then up 13-0.

With the Raiders putting their kickoff team on the field for the third time in the half, the 'Skins received and started on their side of the 50. A couple of plays looked good before a Kinney pass was picked off with Ridley then running out what little was left on the clock. Obviously happy to get a chance to regroup, Neshaminy no doubt headed to the locker room contemplating adjustments to their game plan

After the break, and taking the kickoff to start the second half, the Raiders looked like it was business as usual. Starting at their own 35, they once again mixed it up with passing and running plays that were working seamlessly. And when the dust had cleared on that drive, the Raiders had moved it down the field for the score and a 20-0 lead after the point after try was perfect. With the Green setting up for their fourth kickoff of the game, it was Renson who made the catch and returned it to the 40 providing Neshaminy with decent field position. Pulling out all the stops, the 'Skins rolled out some new looks and steamrolled their way down the field for a quick score on a 4-yard Kinney pass to Renson. Seth Jeffries did his part as he booted the PAT to make it 20-7 in favor of the Raiders with the 'Skins gaining some life.

Following the score, and with a little over a minute to go in the 3rd, Neshaminy kicked off to the Green. As the return was a short one, the hosts started on their own 18. Shaking off the poor field position, a 22-yarder by Hodges took the ball out to the 40 with another try putting it out to mid-field as the clock wound down on the third. With the teams changing directions, the Raiders got right back in stride as they started moving it down the field once again. Getting a bit jammed up by the Redskins defense, the Raiders found themselves facing a 4th and 3 at the 'Skins 24. Not to be denied, the Raiders went for it and gained a first and goal at the 10 followed by another score in short order. The PAT was true and the scoreboard rolled to 27-7 for Ridley.

Taking the ball back after another Ridley kickoff, the 'Skins began to employ their hurry up offense. With the Raiders playing loosely, Neshaminy managed to rumble down the field all the way to the red zone before their latest effort ended on a 4th down toss by Kinney that was intercepted. Then with just a few minutes left in the game, Ridley burned most of the time off the clock before punting it away with just seconds remaining. And as he had done all night, Renson took the ball and made a nice return to the Ridley 11. That final Redskin's try, though, saw Kinney get sacked as the gun sounded. Game and congratulations to Ridley.

So with another exciting campaign in the books, we'd like to thank the Neshaminy players and coaching staff for providing us with some terrific football as they turned in a fine 11-2 record for the 2007 season. We'll miss all the seniors who will be moving on while we'll also be looking forward to the sophomores and juniors that will be coming back in 2008 so we can once again enjoy hearing those wonderful words: Look to your left fans, here come your Redskins!

See you next year.

Photos courtesy of Jesse Garber

For more game photos go to Jesse Garber on Zenfolio

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