WARMINSTER: Taking to the road for the opening game of regular season play, the 'Skins traveled to beautiful Claude Lodge Field to take on William Tennent. On the Blue & Red's schedule since 1945 (first as Southampton High School before a name change in the mid-50s), the Panthers are well known to Langhorne. Always tough and competitive, the Schmidtmen know not to take anything for granted when its William Tennent across the line. Plus with every game counting toward the National League championship from now on out, tonight's contest takes on extra importance.

Winning the toss, Neshaminy elected to receive and after the return they started up on their 21. Elected to keep it on the ground, Hugh Hart directed his troops down the field with Nate Hall chewing up some big yardage. Running into a snag in close, that opening effort ended in a Nick Tucci field goal as he drilled one from the 22-yard stripe as the 'Skins took a 3 point lead.

With the Panthers following drive ending on a Cole Creighton interception of a Tennent aerial, Neshaminy was back in business inside the enemy's 50. Banging around a bit, it was Hart ripping off on a nice run to highlight a quick drive that ended with Blake The 'Big Bull' Sullivan taking it over from the two. With Tucci hitting the PAT, it went to 10-0 for the 'Skins.

With another Panther drive coming up short, Neshaminy had the ball back after a short Tennent punt. Then heading right down the field, it was only a fumble by a Redskins back that stopped that drive just short of nirvana. Holding the hosts to a three and out, the ball was back to Neshaminy in a heartbeat. Starting up at mid-field, they drove down to the 20 before turning the ball over on downs. With less than two minutes remaining in the first-half, the Panthers weren't done, though, as they cobbled together a beautiful drive 80 yard drive to score just before the gun. The PAT was blocked by Don Palombara and Trokon Buesmaill, and the teams soon retired with the score at 10-6, Neshaminy.

Back out to start the second half, it was William Tennent receiving the kickoff. But with the 'Skins defense stiffening, the Panthers soon punted and it was Neshaminy with the ball. Returning the favor, Tennent refused to allow the 'Skins much offense and that set the tone for the third-quarter as the two teams traded punches with no decisive blows landed. Once again coming alive on a late drive it was the Panthers that showed some life as the quarter ended.

With the final period underway, Tennent opened with a first and goal at the one-yard line after a clutch fourth down catch to keep its effort working. A pass play took it across as Tennent went up 13-10 following the PAT. Beginning an important drive, Hart had his troops driving with Devon Brown making a nice run that had the ball to the enemy 18. Stalling out a Tucci kick missed from that spot as the ball went back to the Panthers.

Taking their duties seriously, the defense held Tennent to a three and out and after the punt the offense took over at its 43 with 2:43 on the clock. Nate Hall started it up with a nice six yard jaunt followed by Hart's pass to Denny Lord who picked up 25 big yards to the Panthers 29. Missing on the first two, on third down it was Hart finding Hall who took it to the 11 for a first down. From there it was Hart finding Lord who spun out of one tackle and then dragged another defender into the end zone. Tucci hit the PAT and it was Neshaminy back in front, 17-13.

Booting the ball to Tennent, the Panthers' offense came out swinging and found some serious ground before going to a fourth and ten at the Neshaminy 32 with 20 seconds on the clock. Almost sacked, Tennent's QB escaped to the 17 for a first. And with one second on the clock, he then found a receiver in the end zone. The PAT was good and the score went to 20-17 for the Warminster squad.

With the Panthers playing tough they earned a hard fought victory and congratulations and kudos are due. For the 'Skins, now at 2-2 on the year, it's still a ten game season and there is plenty of football to be played. We'll look for them to come back strong as they take to the road again next week when they visit the Harry Truman Tigers.

See you at the game.

Photos by RMD Creative Design

For more game photos go to RMD Creative Design

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