LANGHORNE: It’s here once again, folks – the “Big One”. And that’s as in the “Big One” of scholastic football in Lower Bucks; the one that usually earns the winner an SOL championship, top-shelf District One playoff positioning and, most importantly, bragging rights for a year. Of course, that can mean only one thing and that is it’s the annual season-ending showdown featuring Neshaminy versus Pennsbury. Always a treat when these two line up on the gridiron this one looks to be no different with Neshaminy looking to cap off a perfect regular season and Pennsbury out for the win to keep its playoff hopes alive.

And with the jam-packed house watching the coin flip, it was Pennsbury that won the choice and elected to defer. And perhaps a bit of second guessing then followed on the Falcons’ side of the field as Neshaminy motored straight down the field before Mason Jones hit Zach Tredway with a three-yard jump ball toss for the score. Then no doubt feeling good about that quick strike, and following a short series and punt by the Falcons, Langhorne banked another TD on a 51-yard throw from Jones to Oleh Manzyk. Dylan McDonald’s two PATs then had it 14-0 ‘Skins as the first-quarter ended

Perhaps a bit tuckered out from all the running up and down the field the first 12 minutes, the two teams spent most of the second-quarter trading punts. But then with time almost up Tredway returned a Falcons punt to inside their 20 as the Wilmotmen finally snapped out of it. But they had to hurry, though, as the 19 seconds remaining saw the clock reading 00:00 before Jones found Manzyk for the score. McDonald’s toe then gave Neshaminy a 21-0 lead as the squads broke for halftime.

Cashing in on its deferral, Pennsbury received the kick to start the second half and showing they came to play they reached Neshaminy’s 30 before they stalled and turned the ball over on downs. Looking a little stale, though, the ‘Skins also stalled with some more punts exchanged before Tredway took another one to Pennsbury’s 30. From there it was Will Dogba chewing up the yards that set up Jones’ 5-yard ground jaunt for the next Neshaminy touchdown. With the McDonald point after kick good it then widened the gap to 28-0

As the fourth-quarter soon rolled around Jones then orchestrated another Langhorne march that saw big yards gained on passes to Corey Joyce and Mike Garlick as the ‘Skins reached the enemy 15. Then going up top once more he located Manzyk for six more points for Neshaminy. McDonald then punched the kick through the uprights to make it 35-0 and with the running clock underway from that point on the back-ups controlled the action during the remaining minutes of the game.

Okay then, here it is: Congratulations to the team and their perfect 10-0 regular season! Putting themselves in rarified air they have now joined a special group of Neshaminy teams that heretofore was made up of just four squads which included the 1954, 1971, 1988 and 2001 Redskins. Now expanded to five, the 2016 ‘Skins can also claim that very special distinction. Then on top of that they have also earned the right to wear the 2016 SOL National Conference crown. Way to go guys and way to go coaches! Then finally, a special salute and thanks to the seniors who were honored tonight (and a shout out to the Falcons too for being a worthy opponent as always).

Then before everyone gets too giddy with this win, let’s all keep in mind that as the regular season is now done it’s time for the playoffs aka “The Second Season”. Starting next Friday, the first game for Neshaminy will be at home and so long as they keep up the winning efforts they’ll get a total of three in “Harry’s House” before they have to hit the road. So to the fans and the team – it’s okay to celebrate the rest of the night but then it’s back to work tomorrow.

On a last note, a huge shout out and salute to Mason Jones and his record breaking performance as his four touchdown passes tonight established a new single-season record of 28 (and counting) as he snapped Pete Cordelli’s 45-year old record of 24 thrown during the 1971 season. And some of you may have seen Pete at the game as he flew in from Memphis and then picked up his Dad so they could come see the fireworks. We also had a chance to say hello to him and he was beaming when he said: “Tell Mason it was a great job by both him and the team tonight – and let him know I’d like to see him keep throwing a bunch more in the playoffs!”

Way to go Mason (and thanks Pete). And if anyone is interested (we know you are) here’s a link to a write-up of the night in 1971 that Mr. Cordelli broke the then 23-year old Lower Bucks record of 21 TDs in a season.

See you all next Friday night!!

Good night Mrs. B!

Photos courtesy of Jesse Garber

For more game photos go to Jesse Garber on Zenfolio

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