ABINGTON: With Neshaminy teeing it up in an unusual Monday night game, rescheduled after the torrential rain storms of the last week, the 'Skins traveled to Abington to take on the Abington Galloping Ghosts in an important SOL National Conference game. With both teams at 3-0, this contest not only saw both squads kicking off league play but also had each clearly out to establish itself as one of this season's teams to beat. So with the game already delayed three days, there's no reason to hold off on the action on the field any longer.

With the coin toss going their way, the 'Skins took the opening kickoff and set up on offense. And although looking strong on the ground, a deep pass play was picked off and the ball went to Abington on its 14 as the Ghosts took over at the eight minute mark. A three and out saw the hosts punting it away as Langhorne then started on its 47 after the Cole Creighton catch. What followed were some penalties and missteps and when all the dust had cleared, the Blue & Red fell short of a first at the home team's 42 and were forced to punt. Catching a break, though, the Abington deep man booted the catch and Neshaminy recovered at the 24.

Back on offense, a quick roll-out play saw the ball at the 14 for a 'Skins first and ten. Then a few plays later it was Sean Ulmer busting through a big hole on the right side to take it in from the eight-yard stripe. Nick Tucci then nailed the PAT to make it 7-0 for Redmen with two minutes remaining in the first period. Following the kickoff and a good return, it was Abington at their 47. Then despite a boatload of penalties against them, the Ghosts punched one in just before the first-quarter ended to make it 7-7.

After the kickoff Neshaminy never seemed to get its act together and a loose offensive ball after a sack rolled into the end zone where it was recovered by Abington. With the extra point good it was the Ghosts up 14-7 just a minute into the second period. With the Abington kickoff then bobbled by the Blue & Red, it was the Ghosts back in business at the Neshaminy 27. Going to a fourth and long the hosts went for it but it fell short as the 'Skins took over at the 24.

Starting it back up, it was Ulmer breaking one loose as he took the ball into the Abington side of the field. And then taking it down inside the 25, the 'Skins finally stalled out as the ball went back to the home team with under seven minutes in the quarter. But bobbing and weaving all the way down the field, it was Abington scoring again as it went to 21-7 with three minutes still on the first half clock.

Taking matters into his own hands, it was Denny Lord who took the kick and returned it to the Abington 33 where the 'Skins set up shop. Moving it down to the 20, Neshaminy then lost ten yards back to the 30 as it went to a fourth and seven at the 17 with 30 seconds on the clock. A nice try by Joe Bianchino came up just short as Abington held on to kill the drive. From there it was the Tim Sorber lead Ghosts grabbing a knee to burn the clock out.

Returning for the second-half of play, Neshaminy kicked off to start the final 24 minutes. A nice return saw the Ghosts at their own 40 for their first play. But they didn't linger there long as a beautiful 60-yard run saw Abington jump out in front, 28-7, after the touchdown and point after. Following the kick to Neshaminy, the 'Skins looked for real as they moved it out well before they ran out of steam. Forced to punt, a nice kick left the Ghosts deep into their end of the field. And then seemingly taking forever, but going nowhere, Abington finally punted with Neshaminy taking over on their 31 with three minutes left in the third-period. And this time it was Ulmer venting his frustration as he ripped off a 55-yard scamper to make it 28-14 following the PAT.

Kicking it off to Abington, Neshaminy refused to roll over as a loose Ghosts ball was picked up by a 'Skin to give them a first and ten at the 23. On the first play it was Ulmer out of the Wildcat as he took it to the five. From there it was number four again as he lugged it in to make it 28-21 as Tucci hit the extra point with the clock showing 11:31 remaining in the final period. With the ball then booted deep, it was Abington starting at its 15 after the short return. But moving it well, the Ghosts had it out to Neshaminy's side of the field and then down into the end zone to end a nice drive. With the kick good, it went to 35-21 with 5:33 left in the fourth.

After the kick it was Neshaminy starting at its 30. Punching and fighting from there, the 'Skins moved it down to the Abington eight yard marker with 2:50 on the clock. And although Justin Andrews scored on an end around, it came back on a holding call. Finally going to fourth and 23, Bianchino was sacked to end that last attempt to put it in by the Tribe. From there it was the Ghosts controlling the ball until the final gun sounded.

First off, we offer our congratulations to a terrific Abington squad that showed they're a team to be watched this season. And secondly, as for the Redskins, at 3-1 the season is hardly over as there is still plenty of football to be played in 2011. Fortunately for us fans, the next contest is just four days off and it's back home in Langhorne at 'the Ridge'. So let's show the boys we're behind them 100% and make sure we're out in force to cheer them on as the take on the Bensalem Owls.

See you at the game.

Photos by Jesse Garber

For more game photos go to Jesse Garber on Zenfolio

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The_Philadelphia_Inquirer_Fri__Sep_23__2011_Abington Game Article