LANGHORNE: Tonight we welcomed Head Coach Jeff Hollenbach and his Pennridge Rams to Heartbreak Ridge. Coming off a huge win from week 1, the Rams were eager to go 2-0 and reverse the 2 losses they suffered at the Ridge in 2016. The ‘Skins were just as determined to hold off their opponent and end the night with a W. The weather cooperated and the ever faithful ‘Skins fans were there to support their boys.
Let’s begin by letting you all know that this game was just flat-out exciting. Not so much in scoring numbers, but in the way the team played. While week 1 was full of jitters, week 2 saw everyone calm down and play with passion and heart.
It took the team a possession each to get their wheels rolling. At 4:76 into the first quarter, Brody “The Cowboy” McAndrew threw his first TD pass to Cory Joyce. Matt Leonhauser’s kick was blocked and the ‘Skins were on the board with 6 points. The Rams answered right back with a 76 yard TD run by Josh Pinkney and a 2 point conversion.
Minutes into the 2nd quarter Marcus Griffin intercepted a pass from Rams’ QB Oliver Jarvis. McAndrew then threw a 17 yard pass to Oleh “The Iceman” Manzyk, setting up a Field goal and 3 more points from Leonhauser. Eight minutes and several turnovers later we were treated to a 72 yard reception to the “The Iceman” who shook off his first defender only to be brought down by the Rams’ Shawn Ackley. Next play McAndrew caught Joyce for a 25 yard completion and 6 points. Leonhauser iced the cake for another 1, bringing the score to 16-8 ‘Skins. On the Rams’ next possesion QB Jarvis found Joe Devine for a gain of 59 yards bringing the ball to the 5 yard line. A 5 YD TD run by Pinkney added 6 points to Pennridge but a big play by Mike Garlick stuffed the 2 point conversion attempt. Both teams went to the locker room with the ‘Skins leading 16-14.
Around three minutes into the third quarter a second interception by Marcus Griffin got the crowd going. After a few possessions, a pair of passes – 30 and 15 yards to Garlick – brought the ball down the field into the start of the 4th quarter. McAndrew ran a yard for a TD and Leonhauser hit the uprights for another 7 on the ‘Skins score. Score was then 23-14 and that is where it stayed until the clock ran out.
Hats off to the Rams who brought their A game. Hats off to the ‘Skins Defense – every single one of them – for controlling the Rams’ run game and coming up with the right plays at key times. We also got a glimpse of Brody “The Cowboy” McAndrew’s ball slinging capabilites, just how versatile Mike Garlick really is, that Mike C is really tough and how good Cory Joyce’s hands are. Of course Oleh “The Iceman” Manzyk thrilled us with his catches. If you are wondering why he is nickamed “The Iceman” it is because defenders slip and slide right off him and he is as tough as a block of ice.
Captains: 5 Oleh Manzyk, 10 Mike Garlick, 25 Cory Joyce and 74 Jacob Kelly
Next week we host Downingtown West at home. See you at the game.
Good night Mrs. B!
