Langhorne: Finishing up the 2014 season at The Ridge, Neshaminy played host to Pennsbury in the annual meeting of these two next-door neighbors. And as is well known, the Falcons are a longtime opponent that was first on the ‘Skins schedule in 1930 and are a tough out each year. And at 8-1 this year’s Orange & Black crew is cut in the mold of their greats. As to Neshaminy, coming in to this Halloween Night special at 4-5, it’s been a transition year which has featured some close calls that could easily have been wins. Still, the foundation has been put in place with a load of underclassmen forming the nucleus of a solid group that will no doubt be a juggernaut for years to come. So on a beautiful night at Harry’s House, lets get the game underway.

The Falcons won the coin toss and after electing to receive, the Dylan McDonald kickoff was brought out nicely by their return man. Setting up near their own 20, the Birds then proceeded to stitch together a methodical drive that not only chewed up half the first-quarter clock, it also saw them lined up at Neshaminy’s five-yard line and looking to score; however, on a stretch play a Falcon back lost the handle on the rock and after it bounded into the endzone, an alert ‘Hollywood Magdelinskas’ fell on it for a huge turnover.

As Neshaminy’s offense then started it up at their 20, it was immediately evident that there were a ton of new faces leading the charge including Joe Guise under center. But looking like veterans, and led by Hollywood who was a terror out of the upback slot, the Frederickmen drove down the field and got in close enough to allow a 15-yard field goal by McDonald to give the ‘Skins a 3-0 lead.

As Neshaminy then kicked the ball back to Pennsbury, the SOL members traded some exchanges that saw neither team do very much. Finally breaking the jam, it was the Falcons that put together a nice drive that set them up for a 27-yard field goal at three minutes into the second-quarter. From that point on, though, the two longtime rivals traded punches for the next nine minutes without any blows connecting. The deadlock was finally ended by the referee’s gun as the Lower Bucks neighbors trotted off the field for the break.

Soon enough on the field to begin the second half, it was Neshaminy receiving the kickoff. And as the Pennsbury kick just went out-of-bounds, the ‘Skins had a good spot to begin third-quarter play at their 35. But unable to get it in gear, Kevin Goetz was soon into punt. His foot had the Birds back on their side of the field but this possession saw a determined effort by the Falcons as they drove the distance for a touchdown. Following the down-the-middle PAT, Snyder’s charges had then grabbed a 10-3 lead. In a pattern, though, the game once again settled into a calm and as the third-quarter ended, Pennsbury was still up, 10-3.

Rolling into the fourth-session, and with Pennsbury moving the ball with authority, it was Cale Kitchenman coming up with a big strip, recovery and return of a loose ball as he gave the Redskins a huge first at the enemy 31. Looking to take advantage, the ‘Skins drive stayed alive on a clutch pass by Guise to Zach Tredway for a first at the 17. But then at the ten with a fourth-and-three showing, a rollout by Guise came up short as the ball went back to Pennsbury. Neshaminy’s defense then came in and showed its mettle as they pushed the Falcons to a fourth-and-two at their 18. Going for it, Pennsbury was stopped cold as Neshaminy took over in their redzone.

Working to tighten it up, two running plays netted Langhorne just a little before Guise stepped back to pass on third down. Under a strong rush and scramble, he lost control of the ball and Pennsbury dodged a bullet with the recovery.

From there the strong Falcon ground game proved too much for the game Blue & Red defenders as another Orange & Black TD put the score to 17-3. And although Neshaminy refused to quit as ‘Hollywood’ had the ‘Skins knocking on the door with his high-stepping antics, the clock soon hit zero to end the contest.

Wow – what a night of football at Heartbreak Ridge with a terrific showing by both teams. In that regard, we first thank Pennsbury for being the rival they are year-after-year. Then for our boys we salute you! In a year filled with obstacles and hurtles you showed up each week and left it all on the grass. Tonight was no different and we look forward to seeing more of you next year.

Next we thank Coach Frederick for coming back home and taking over as Neshaminy’s new Head Coach. You did a terrific job and well watch for more of the same in the coming seasons. And thank you as well to all the assistant coaches, administration and other personnel who helped Neshaminy stay the course during the 2014 campaign. In fact, after what we saw during the last ten weeks we can’t wait for 2015.

See you all next year!

Photos courtesy of Jesse Garber

For more game photos go to Jesse Garber on Zenfolio