PLYMOUTH MEETING: On the road to take on Plymouth-Whitemarsh, the SOL American Conference champs, the 'Skins began their 2012 playoff season. And with the Colonials finishing their year at 9-1, and seeded fourth in the District One 16-team playoff set-up, looking past this squad would not be a good idea for Neshaminy. Plus with the weather and crowd cooperating, and since were sure both clubs will be leaving it all on the field tonight, were expecting this one to be a twelve-rounder. So let's get to it.
Neshaminy won the toss and after the return of the kickoff, they had the ball on their 30. With a three and out to open the game, a punt followed and Plymouth-Whitemarsh then took over on their 25. And although the Colonials looked as if they had some traction on offense, they soon punted too and it was the 'Skins once again at their 30 with the ball.
The Creek Kids couldn't get going and with the Colonials pouring in on Zach Miller, the kick was blocked. Recovering it at the 15, the hosts had great field position. Grabbing a first in close, the 'Skins made it tough before P-W pushed it in. With the PAT good, it went to 7-0 with three minutes remaining in the first-period.
After the kick Neshaminy set up on their 32 as Steve Olenski snagged the dribbler at that spot. This time a couple of Redskin carries had a first at the 45. From there it was Blake 'Big Bull' Sullivan who had the ball at the Colonial 30 on back-to-back calls up the middle. Going to a third and long, Denny Lord then banged it forward to the 14 for a fresh set of downs. Three shots took it to the three yard stripe for a first and goal. From that spot it was Nate Hall taking it across. Nick Tucci didn't miss on the PAT and it went to 7-7 with ten minutes on the second-quarter clock.
With Neshaminy kicking it back, it was the Colonials at their 33 after a nice return. Not picking up a first, it was P-W punting it back to the Moleskinners and after the roll they had it at their 38. Starting it off with a pass, the ball bounced off a 'Skin's receiver and was intercepted. Following the return the Colonials had a first at Neshaminy's 40. Four shots came up short, though, and the Schmidtmen took it over at their 35.
With the offense back on the field, Devon Brown lined up in the Wildcat, took the snap and moved the sticks ten yards for a first at the 45. Another carry had it at the 50 and then Sullivan busted one up the gut and down to the 25. Hall found a crease for eight to the 17 and then took another one down to the three. A couple of handoffs later it was Hall taking it in. Tucci didn't miss and it went to 14-7 for the Redskins with two minutes in the half.
As the 'Skins kicked it back to the Colonials, they set up at their 25 after the short return. Going three and out, P-W punted and Cole Creighton had it at mid-field giving Langhorne another shot. Lord took the first handoff and had it at the 40. Hugh Hart then hit Luke Carrezola for another first at the 27. Hall took it inside the 20 and then Hart nailed Justin Andrews at the four. A delay of game pushed the ball back to the nine. Hart wasn't fazed at all as he then nailed Creighton in the endzone for another Redskin score. Tucci was on the money as the scoreboard rolled to 21-7 with 17 seconds on the clock. After the kick it was the Colonials taking a knee to burn the clock and send the teams to the lockers for the break.
Neshaminy opened the second-half by booting it to P-W and after the return, the Colonials set up at their 23. Two carries had it out to the 38 as the P-W backs looked rested and ready for the second-half. Going to a fourth down and half-a-yard, the Colonials went for it and made it by a whisker. Going to another fourth and five on the following series, this time the attempt came up short and the 'Skins took over at mid-field.
Hart came back out to lead the troops with half the third-period in the books. A run grabbed a few and then very pretty Hart pass to Carrezola had it to the 30. Two plays later Hall exploded for 28 yards and another score. Tucci's kick was good and it went to 28-7 for Neshaminy.
Set up at the 30 after the kickoff, the Colonials' QB scrambled loose for a first with a big hit by Olenski ending that run. The next play saw Tosh Thompson drill the P-W running back hard enough to separate the rock with Mike Palmer grabbing the loose ball. After the scrum cleared it was the 'Skins with a first on the enemy 39. A few plays later saw Hall and Andrews moving it down to the 15. Hall next rolled it to the five and then took it in from there for his fourth score of the game. The Tucci PAT was good and the scoreboard read 35-7 with two minutes and change in the third.
Following the Neshaminy kickoff and P-W return, and a 15-yard penalty on the 'Skins, the Colonials had it at their 45. A couple of plays, and a nice pass, saw it at Neshaminy's 35 and then down to the 25 for another Colonial first. A pass went for ten to the 15 and then a couple more had it in for the TD. The PAT was good and the Colonials had tightened it to 35-14 with 11 minutes to play.
Sensing the momentum change, P-W went for an onsides kick and grabbed it for another shot as they set up at mid-field. A few passes, and another Redskins penalty, saw P-W score again. The PAT was true and the crowd was back on its feet as the lights went to 35-21. This time the Colonials pooched the kickoff and Hall picked it up at the 25. Sullivan then took it to the 37 as D'Andre Pollard immediately ripped one off to the Colonial 35. Lord took it down to the 24 as the clock continued to run. Mixing it up, the 'Skins worked it to the 7 for a first and goal with seven minutes to play. Going to fourth and an inch, Lord jumped up and over on the final assignment to earn the six. Tucci was on the mark and it went to 42-21 with less than four minutes on the clock.
After the Langhorne kick, it was P-W on O at their 35. Going to a fourth and long with two minutes to play the Colonials pass came up short and Neshaminy took over with 1:37 remaining. Joe Falkowski then came in to direct the waning moments of the game as the clock ran down. And here it comes:
Game to 'Skins!
First, a Tip 'o The Hat to the Colonials for their great season and strong effort all night long. And good game by the Skins to earn a W in the opener of the D1 playoffs as the Second Season is now underway. Plus with the win tonight, Neshaminy will move on to a quarter-final game next week against a tough Central Bucks South Titans squad. So lets gas up the station wagon and pile em in as we expect plenty of Redskin fans cheering the team on next weekend!
See you at the game.
