LANGHORNE: It was a beautiful night at Harry’s house and excitement was in the air for the first game of season 90. With the loss of some key players from 2016, we were all eager to see the fresh faces of the upcoming 2017 season.

Tonight we played host to widely respected Coach Murphy and his Cahilite team. Always a contender, Roman Catholic stayed true to its reputation for hard nosed football. Neshaminy, coming off a year that saw them finish up 11-1, wanted to show the crowd what they had.

Trying to shake off game 1, 1st quarter jitters, both teams got to work. Neshaminy’s QB, Brody “The Cowboy” McAndrew, a sophomore, played with poise. The ‘Skins first possesion featured a 21 yard pass to Junior #5 Oleh Manzyk and some hard running by Senior #22 Mike Crescenzo. From the 1 yard line, Mike punched it in for a TD and the ‘Skins were on the board. Matt Leonhauser’s kick was good and the news was 7-0 Neshaminy.

The second quarter started with a short and sweet throw to Oleh “Iceman” Manzyk who shook off his defender and took the ball down to the 7 yard line. However, the next pass was intercepted by Donathen McCants in the end zone. The Cahilites took advantage of the turnover and brought the ball from the end zone all the way down the field to the 1 yard line where QB Jeff Grosso punched it in. Kicker Ryan Flaherty added the extra point making the game even at 7 apiece. It was then back and forth until the 1st half ended.

This third quarter saw a lot of three and outs with both defenses working hard. Highlights included an interception by Junior #21 Marcus Griffin who promptly ran the ball in 25 yards for a TD. Matt Leonhauser kicked up the extra point and Neshaminy took the lead at 14-7. Mike Garlick also recovered a fumble at the 3 yard line but Neshaminy was unable to move the ball down the field.

Both teams were scoreless in the fourth. Twice the ‘Skins went three and out and the Cahilites, after moving the ball 27 yards, were stopped at the 31 yard line.

Game to ‘Skins

A great effort by the Redskins to start the season. It was a nice start to the year. Next Friday will see Jeff Hollenbach and his Pennridge Rams come to Langhorne. It should be a great night as the Rams have some terrific talent. So you better be at The Ridge early as this will be a good one with plenty of folks piling into Harry Franks Stadium

Captains: 5 Oleh Manzyk, 10 Mike Garlick, 22 Mike Crescenzo, 25 Cory Joyce and 74 Jacob Kelly

Good Night Mrs. B!

Photos courtesy of Jesse Garber

For more game photos go to Jesse Garber on Zenfolio

Intelligencer/Courier: Let’s Talk Football’ (8-25-17)

Philly.com: Marcus Griffin’s pick six lifts Neshaminy over Roman Catholic on opening night

Suburban One Sports: SOL Football Wrap (8-26-17)

WBCB: Live Stream