Langhorne:Nothing better than a Homecoming Game at Harry’s house especially on a sunny, beautiful Saturday afternoon. The Neshaminy community was out in full force supporting their team and their school community. Even the 1997 Football team was there to celebrate their 20 year anniversary.
Labeled “The Game of the Week” by local papers, all were eager to see how new Head Coach Mike LaPalombara and his 4-0 speedy Tigers would fare. The Redskins’ D would need to bring their ‘A’ game to stop the Tigers’ top notch running game.
Neshaminy had 1st possession and did not waste any time putting up 6 points on a methodical march down the field where Joel Stills ran the ball in from the 10 yard line for a TD. The kick was blocked by the Tigers and the game was 6-0 ‘Skins.
Sill in the 1st quarter, Stills had a break-out run of 74 yards to put another 6 on the board but the 2 point conversion was a no-go. The Tigers showed their claws and with 1:03 left in the 1st they put up 7 points on a 33 yard TD run by Sayyid Saunders, followed with a kick by Kevin Buckland. The quarter ended with the score at 12-7 ‘Skins.
Some highlights of the 2nd quarter included a beautiful 77 yard TD pass from Brody The Cowboy McAndrew to Mike Garlick, followed by the smart play of Cory Joyce who recovered the blocked kick and ran it in for 2 points.
We also saw a 2 yard TD by Stills and a nice 37 yard kick for 3 points by Leonhauser. Score at halftime was 30-7 ‘Skins.
The 3rd quarter started with a big bang when only 1 minute in, Emmanuel Ampofo recovered a fumble on a Tiger’s punt return and ran 10 yards for a TD. Leonhauser split the uprights and the score was 37-7 ‘Skins. Credit to freshman Chris James for that great tackle.
Then 5 minutes later some nice running by Mike Crescenzo and Savion Hebron and a 41 yard rocket to Joyce brought the ‘Skins to the red zone where The Cowboy scampered home for another score. Leonhauser’s kick was good and the score was 44-7 ‘Skins.
With a group of fresh faces in, a running clock and with 1:09 left in the 3rd, James powered up 2 runs for 15 yards and a TD. Neshaminy did not attempt an extra point. Neshaminy’s Henry Hill showed off his wheels running 47 yards in several plays. QB Bill Clark rushed for 2 yards for the last TD of this meeting and the extra point was not attempted.
There was simply no stopping the ‘Skins today. Using a variety of running backs combined with stellar passes from McAndrew to multiple receivers, the offense moved right along. Effectively shutting down the Tigers potent running game, the defense proved they are the real deal.
Thanks to our neighbors, the Tigers for coming over to the Ridge and we wish them good luck for the remainder of the season. Coach Mike LaPalombara is doing great things for the team and the community.
Captains for tonight’s game: #5 Oleh Manzyk, #10 Mike Garlick, #25 Cory Joyce, #68 Giovanni Figueroa and #74 Jacob Kelly
Good Night Mrs. B!
