Langhorne: A beautiful evening for our 2024 home opener and the excitement is in the air. We are starting the season with visiting Emmaus HS coming to Harry's House from the Lehigh Valley. This is the first time that Neshaminy has met Emmaus on the football field. Known as the Hornets, the head coach is Harold Fairclough and they are in the Skyline Division of District 11. The Hornets went 6-6 in 2023 and the 'Skins ended the 2023 season with a 4-6 record.
Carter Clee
Neshaminy was up first and, with some nice runs, Carter Clee reminded us of why he was so exciting to watch in 2023. Despite his hard work, the ‘Skins were forced to punt.
Ball to the Hornets who were then shut out after a 23 yard Reilly Bechtel run was called back for a holding penalty.
On the ensuing punt return, a hard run by Nick Sassano put the ‘Skins on their 36 yard line. The series resulted in a 3 and out and the ball went back to Emmaus.
Kaden Nicastro's punt sent the ball to the Hornets’ 22 where Bechtel ran it 41 yards on the 1st play, landing in Neshaminy territory. With a 0:02 left in the 1st quarter, Emmaus scored on a Bechtel 4 yard run and William Buck was good for the extra point. Score 'Skins 0 - Hornets 7
Kaden Nicastro Kicker and Jason Wilmot Holder
The ‘Skins started the second quarter on their own 20 and a few plays later, a defensive pass interference call gave Neshaminy the first down. With runs by QB Michael Eckart and a big 46 yard Nashir Moore run, the ‘Skins scored from the 3 yard line on another run by Moore. Watching Kaden Nicastro kick in that extra point was the icing on the cake. Note - we are big Nicastro fans here at nesahminyfootball.com. Score, with 7:33 left in quarter, is 'Skins 7 - Hornets 7.
Whiting Sack
Emmaus started their drive on their 28, and 2 plays in, QB Cooper was sacked by Shakir Whiting, forcing a 4th down and a punt to the ‘Skins. The punt was tipped due to intense pressure from Colbey Bracey and Neshaminy started their drive in great field position on the Hornets’ 48.
Nashir Moore
With 5:39 left in the first half, the “Skins got to work. Faced with a 4th and 1 situation, the ‘Skins decided to go for it and Lucas Stewart fought hard for the 1st down for Neshaminy. Tight End Connor Frederick then picked up 5 yards to the Hornet 33 yard line and just like that, Moore zipped past defenders to the 1, a gain of 32 yards. 'Skins’ quarterback Michael Eckert snuck in the end zone for the TD and Nicastro was perfect for the extra point. With 1:24 left in the opening half, and after a big sack by Shakir Whiting, the clock runs out and the teams go into the locker room with a score of ‘Skins 14 – Hornets 7.
The 2nd half quickly finds the Hornets in a 3rd and 24 situation,. Their punt to the Neshaminy 45 yard line puts with the ‘Skins in good field position once more. Unfortunately a penalty negated a beautiful 25 yard catch by Jason Gilardi and Neshaminy was forced to punt.
Blocked Emmaus kick - Tom Schoepfer
The Hornets then put together a set of plays that saw key Neshaminy defensive tacklers hold the Hornets back from scoring. Owen Swartz, Carson Schneider, Woodolf Moise and Colbey Bracey made key stops in the Hornets' drive. With 1:10 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, Emmaus kicker Buck attempted a field goal only to have it blocked by Neshminy’s special team player Tom Schoepfer.
The 4th quarter began with a 3 and out for the ‘Skins, and Emmaus started their drive from midfield. The Hornets stalled and attempted a long field goal, but it hit the uprights and the ball went back to the ‘Skins.
But after just a few plays, the Hornets got the ball right back as Eckart was blindsided with a hard hit and the ball was recovered by the Hornets on the ‘Skins 36. They took advantage and QB Cooper almost single-handedly ran the ball down to the field to score on a final 21 yard run. Score 'Skins 14 - Hornets 14.
The ‘Skins then put together a solid drive only to fumble, with Emmaus recovering on their own 8 yard line. With some fierce play, the Hornets quickly drove down the field and attempted a field goal, but the attempt was no good. With the score tied at 14 each, the clock ran out and we are now in overtime.
Each team gets 4 plays from the 10 yard line and the Hornets got first OT possession. Nick Sassano made a great solo tackle to keep Cooper from scoring a TD. The Hornets then attempted a field goal which was successful. Score 'Skins 14 - Hornets 17.
Chris Long on winning TD
But the Skins pulled a rabbit out of their hat when Eckart throw a lateral to Sassano, who then threw the ball to Chris Long in the end zone. Final score 'Skins 20 - Hornets 17. What an exciting finish, and a great start to the 2024 season. You can watch the game with color commentary at WBCB's YT channel here.
We wish Coach Fairclough and his Hornets the best of luck in the upcoming season! The Hornets played hard and were a fierce opponent. Hats off to QB Jerk Cooper and RB Reilly Bechtel for their outstanding plays.
See you back at the Ridge next Friday when we meet Council Rock.
Good night Mrs. B – we know you loved this one!
All photos by Jesse Garber.
Photos
Sterling Limo Players of the Week
Nahsir Moore, Neshaminy – As a back-up running back, the sophomore was pressed into duty in Neshaminy’s 20-17 overtime win over Emmaus when Carter Clee was lost for the game after dislocating his elbow. Moore picked up the slack in Clee’s absence, finishing with 110 yards on 14 carries.
2024_08_23_Nashir Moore RB_Photos by JS Garber_006
Shaakir Whiting, Neshaminy – The senior defensive end was a catalyst on defense in Neshaminy’s 20-17 overtime win over Emmaus, finishing with eight tackles and two huge sacks.
2024_08_23_Shakir Whiting_Photos by JS Garber_008