Wissahickon: While Maple Point played against Cheltenham in 1982, Neshaminy is meeting the Cheltenham Panthers for the first time in our history. Led by head coach Tony Gore, the Panthers are 0-2 on the season and the 'Skins at 2-0. Rain is in the forecast so let's hope it holds off until the game is over.

Neshaminy wins the toss and promptly went 3 and out and after several punt attempts due to penalties, the Panthers started with great field position on the ‘Skins 30 where Brock Williams intercepted the ball.

Unfortunately, the ‘Skins were not able to capitalize on that interception and both teams went back and forth until Cheltenham’s QB Kendall Jackson snuck 2 yards to score. Andrew St John’s extra point kick was blocked by some action from Tom Schoepfer and Devon Miranda. Score ‘Skins 0 – Panthers 6.

Several penalties put the ‘Skins in a 3rd and 24 and punt situation.

Cheltenham has the ball on their 35 when Pharoah Brooks ran 59 yards into ‘Skins territory, only to have it called back on a penalty. The clock runs out on the 1st quarter after another Panthers’ penalty. Truth be told, it has been a while since we saw so many flags flying in one quarter (not really - we were just frustrated by the officiating).

A rain squall and fierce wind ushers in the 2nd quarter. Cheltenham scored on a 5 yard TD run by Shamar Barksdale. Jared Higginbotham added 2 points on a 3 yard run and score is now ‘Skins 0 – Panthers 14.

On the ensuing punt, Michael Sassano recovered a fumble. Pulled back due to a penalty, Nicastro has to re-punts and it’s like déjà vu as Neshaminy again recovers the fumble on the Cheltenham 40. QB Michael Eckart then throws on a run to Connor Frederick for a 35 yard TD but Nicastro’s extra point kick was blocked.

Cheltenham’s running back fumbled the ball and Miranda picked it up and ran it down to the Panthers’ 15. 'Skins were then hit with a 15 yard penalty and frankly, we have just thrown our hands up in the air and have given up counting the penalty yards.

And just like that we have another penalty flag just as the heavens open and the rain begins to fall hard. Eckart then completes a short pass to Nick Sassano, who in turn throws a laser to Chris Long at the Panthers’ 10. Brock Williams punches it in for a TD and Eckart then added 2 points. The half ends with an even score of 14 each.

The second half sees better skies with the rain and wind moving out of the area. Confusion erupted over a 3rd | 4th down call and Neshaminy takes over on downs on their own 19. Fighting down the field amongst the yellow flags, and in a gutsy play on 4th down, Eckart throws a beauty of a pass to Michael Sassano into Panthers' territory at the 3 and Nashir Moore ran it in for TD. However, this was called back on a penalty. The ‘Skins kept up the drive until Eckart scampered into the end zone and Nicastro kicked the extra point. Score is ‘Skins 21 – Panthers 14.

With 2 minutes left in the 3rd, Cheltenham took over. The Neshaminy defense rushed QB Kendall Jenner and Michael Sassano intercepted the ball putting the ‘Skins at midfield. However, the drive stalls and the clock runs out on the 3rd quarter.

The 4th quarter starts with the Panthers on their own 25 and they put together a nice drive into ‘Skins’ territory. They pushed hard to get to the 5 yard line only to fumble 1 yard short of a touchdown. All the while the flags kept flying (in fact, over the course of the contest, the refs littered the field with 25 penalty markers).

The ‘Skins get the ball back but the drive stalls, Nicastro punts and the Panthers take over on the ‘Skins’ 40. There are 4 minutes left in the game and some ‘Skins’ fans are biting their nails, but the defense, featuring Luke Howell, Carson Schneider and the defensive line, pushed the Panthers all the way back to a 4th and 18. With 2 minutes left on the clock, the Panthers go for it only but a QB sack by Jason Cunningham ends the drive. Neshaminy gets the last possession and runs the clock out. Final score is Skins 21- Panthers 14.

Captains for today’s game: #1 Michael Eckart, #8 Connor Frederick, 90 Woodolf Moise, #95 Owen Swartz.

The 'Skins are now 3-0 and the last time this happened was in 2016. That year the team won 11 straight games before losing in the playoffs to Garnet Valley.

We wish the best for Tony Gore and his Panthers in their upcoming games. They played very hard today up to the final moments of this game.

See you in Lansdale next Friday when we meet North Penn.

Good afternoon Mrs. B.

Video by Nate Hall '13

For more of his work go to Nathaniel Hall Sports Portfolio

Sterling Limo Honor Roll:

Carson Schneider & Luke Howell, Neshaminy – “The two linebackers were difference makers on defense in Neshaminy’s 21-14 win over Cheltenham. Schneider, a junior had nine tackle – three tackles for loss – and one fumble recovery. Howell, a sophomore, also had nine tackles – two TFLs - and a fumble recovery.

Video courtesy of Statistician Nick Rapciewicz

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