Langhorne: Tonight we welcomed Terence Tolbert and his Panthers to the 2025 home opener at The Ridge for non-conference game 3. The Panthers come in with a 0-2 record and Neshaminy with 2-0. The home fans were out in force to support the players.
Cheltenham won the toss and elected to defer. They struck first with an Andrew St. John field goal. Score ‘Skins 0 – Panthers 3. They scored again on a 5 yard TD pass to Isaiah Jackson and St. John PAT attempt is good for the extra point. . Score ‘Skins 0 – Panther 10 at the end of the 1st quarter.
Defense | Photos by JS Garber_005
Cheltenham opened the 2nd quarter with a quick drive down the field but two sacks by Neshaminy’s defense pushed them back and then shut them down on the ‘Skins’ 34.
The next Panther’s possession saw a 32 yard field goal kick by St. John and the score went to ‘Skins 0 – Panthers 13 with 4:32 left in the first half.
Mike Sassano_Photos by JS Garber_023
Neshaminy put together a productive drive due to solid runs by Michael Eckart and Carter Clee. The “Skins scored on an 11 yard pass Eckart to Mike Sassano but the PAT was blocked. Score moved to ‘Skins 6 – Panthers 13.
On the ensuing kick return, Cheltenham returned the ball for a TD adding only 6 to the scoreboard as their kick was no good. The clock ran out on the half with the score at ‘Skins 6 – Panthers 19.
The Panthers started up the 2nd half and got all way down to ‘Skins territory at the 17 when Mike Sassano recovered a Panthers’ fumble. But the Panthers got it right back with an interception for a TD and scored the extra point. Score ‘Skins 6 – Panthers 26.
Neshaminy answered with a 5 yard Clee running TD and Eckart easily scored on a 2 point QB keeper conversion. Score ‘Skins 14 – Panthers 26.
The ‘Skins then forced a quick 3 and out and the Panthers had to punt. Owen Swartz contributed to the ‘Skins’ strong defensive stand with an impressive sack.
Carter Clee_Photos by JS Garber_017
The Panther punt fell short and gave the ‘Skins great field position on the Panthers’ 30. Clee ripped out some solid runs but the Panthers’ defense stopped the ‘Skins on a 4th down turnover on their 7. They moved the ball to their 32 when the 3rd quarter wrapped.
Twenty seconds into the 4th and a sack by Swartz and Corey Keenoy-Webb put a stop to the Panthers’ drive.
Nick Sassano_Photos by JS Garber_022
Nick Sassano ran the punt back to the Panthers’34 giving the ‘Skins excellent field position. A few plays later, Mike Sassano caught an Eckart pass and ran it in for a TD. Rivera kicked the extra point and the score was ‘Skins 21 – Panthers 26.
In a 4th and 9 situation, the Panthers boldly went for it at Neshaminy’s 33 and scored a TD to add 6 while St. John missed the PAT. Score ‘Skins 21 - Panthers 32.
Michael Eckart_Photos by JS Garber_015
Never giving up, the ‘Skins got the ball back and scored on a QB keeper 21 yard Eckart run and a throw to Brock Williams in the end zone was good for the two point conversion. Score ‘Skins 29 – Panthers 32.
But the Panthers scored a TD on a James Smith run adding 6 to the scoreboard, but St, John missed the PAT. The clock ran out with the final score of ;Skins 29 – Panthers 38.
What was truly impressive was the grit and determination Neshaminy players showed in their 2nd half fight when they scored 23 points. We are looking forward settling into the upcoming conference games with this group of talented players.
Captains for tonight's game - #1 Michael Eckart, #9 Carson Schneider, #52 Owen Swartz and #54 Milo Makes
You can re-watch the game here.
Congratulations to Coach Felus who celebrated his birthday today. Neshaminyfootball.com wishes you a very Happy Birthday!
We will see you next Friday in Harry's House for our game against North Penn! Don't miss it as it’s a big one!
Good night Mrs. B!
BOXSCORE
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Game 3
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
F
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neshaminy | 0 | 6 | 8 | 15 | 29 |
| Cheltenham | 10 | 9 | 7 | 12 | 38 |
| Team | Qtr | Time | Description | NHS | OPP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH | 1 | 6:15 | Andrew St. John field goal | 0 | 3 |
| CH | 1 | 2:14 | 5 Yard TD pass Kendall Jackson to Ahsaiah Upchurch and St. John PAT is good | 0 | 10 |
| CH | 2 | 4:37 | 32 yard field goal St. John | 0 | 13 |
| N | 2 | 0:23 | 11 yard pass Michael Eckart to Mike Sassano and Tristan Rogers PAT is blocked | 6 | 13 |
| CH | 2 | 0:09 | TD on kick return and St. John PAT is no good | 6 | 19 |
| CH | 3 | 6:31 | 20 yard Pick-6 TD and St. John kick is good | 6 | 26 |
| N | 3 | 4:38 | 12 yard TD run Clee and 2 point conversion on an Eckart QB keeper | 14 | 26 |
| N | 4 | 9:32 | 23 yard catch and run TD Mike Sassano and Rivera kick is good | 21 | 26 |
| CH | 4 | 4:56 | 33 yard TD pass and St. John kick is no good | 21 | 32 |
| N | 4 | 2:54 | 21 yard TD run QB Eckart and throw to Brock Williams in end zone is good for 2 points | 29 | 32 |
| CH | 4 | 1:39 | 20 yard TD run James Smith and kick is no good | 29 | 38 |
Photos
Photos courtesy of Jesse Garber
For more game photos go to Jesse Garber on Zenfolio
VIDEO
Video by Nate Hall '13 | Nathaniel Hall Portfolio
Hudl Recap courtesy of Statistician Nick Rapciewicz
ARTICLES
PA Football News - PFN’s Willie is Cookin’ In Philly Week of September 3
Suburban One Sports Pregame - SOL Football Forecast (9-4-25)
*Philly Burbs - Which Bucks County high school football teams will win 2025 Week 3 games? Here's our picks
Suburban One Sports - ntelligencer/Bucks County Courier: Let's Talk Football (9-4-25)
Suburban One Sports - SOL Football Wrap (9-6-25)
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