Langhorne: Homecoming! Does it get any better? That's hard to imagine especially when the party is being held at Heartbreak Ridge and its the Redskins starring in the show. Plus with Harry S. Truman lining up on the other side of the ball, it only adds to the fun. In fact, as the Tigers predecessor schools were first on Neshaminy's schedule in 53 and 59 (as Delhaas and Woodrow Wilson), and then the Black & Gold since 1982, theres a long history between these teams. And knowing there have been some titanic clashes over the years, tonight's contest should be a good one. So with the fans in place, and the weather just perfect, here we go!
The visitors won the toss and took the kickoff. Stitching together a nice drive, which took almost five minutes, the Tiger's first effort finally fizzled at the Neshaminy 30. With the Blue & Red offense then coming on the field, it was only a minute later before it was 6-0 after D'Andre Pollard earned almost all the yards on the lightning quick drive (including the last seven for the score). Dylan McDonald then made it 7-0 on the PAT.
Following the home team kickoff, and a short offensive effort by Truman that went nowhere, the Creek Kid's offense had the ball once again. And it wasn't long before it was 13-0 following a couple of Tyler Wombaugh passes to Hamiid Pack; a few handoffs to Pollard; and a nice Denny Lord ramble for a 22-yard gain which had the ball at the Truman five. Pollard then took it in from there as he posted his second TD of the night. McDonald's PAT was good, as usual, and it was 14-0, Neshaminy. Following the Redskins kickoff, the first-quarter ended in short order and the teams switched sides..
Following a pattern, the Schmidtmen soon had the ball again after another Truman three-and-out. With the 'Skins mixing it up a bit, Devon Brown came in on O and ripped off a nice run to the enemy 30. Wombaugh then found Pollard on a sweet pitch-and-catch down to the one-yard stripe giving Neshaminy a first and goal. Lord did the honors from there as he pummeled his way through the scrum for the six-pointer. Mr. Automatic nailed the PAT and it was 21-0 for Langhorne with eight minutes to go in the second-session. From there the two teams traded some opportunities without cashing in their chips as the pace slowed considerably before the refs finally signaled halftime had arrived.
Back from the break, and after the Homecoming crowd had been wowed by the band and the other festivities including Luke Carrezola being crowned King, it was Neshaminy taking the kick. And talk about mixing it up, it was Pack who made the catch at the 25 and then showed everyone what a six-gear transmission looks like as he blew by defenders and covered the distance to The Promised Land. McDonald trotted in for the extra point and it was suddenly 28-0 just a few seconds into the third.
Flipping responsibilities, it was then Neshaminy kicking it back to the Tigers for the visitor's first possession of the second-half. Try as they might, Truman gave the ball back over to the Old Lincoln Highway crew in no time. And speaking of no time, that's how long it was before Mason Jones, in at QB, handed off to Pollard who then raced 44 yards for his third score of the ballgame. McDonald's PAT was good (ho-hum) and the score bumped to 35-0. The clock also started running with the 35 point lead (at just under three minutes into the second-half) and with The Rule controlling time thereafter, the fourth-period rolled around in a hurry with the score unchanged.
As the fourth got underway, backup 'Skins were covering the turf as they carried the flag not only for the team but also the Homecoming alumni, current students and fans packing Neshaminy's side of the field; however, with the youngsters getting a little excited under the lights, the Tigers caught them napping and were finally able to push one across. With the kick good, it was then 35-7 with eight minutes remaining in the final period. From there, though, the subs that both clubs had on the grass couldn't get another one in before the gun sounded it was over. And we all know what that means:
Game to Skins!
As always, a Tip o' The Hat to a great opponent in the Truman Tigers. Thank you for helping Langhorne alumni enjoy a great game at The Ridge. As to the Creek Kids, not much to say other than they're looking solid. But before they get ahead of themselves we're betting Coach Schmidt will remind them they there is a lot of ball still to play. And next week they hit the road as they travel to Newtown to tangle with an always tough Council Rock North club. Going all the way back to that first game in 1928, whenever its Langhorne versus Newtown, its exciting so get there early as Walt Snyder Stadium will be packed!
See you at the game.
