'SKINTILLATING WIN: Neshaminy holds off Cumberland Valley in Eastern Championship

DENNY DYROFF, Staff Writer December 02, 2001

HERSHEY, Pa. -- The game film of Neshaminy's 25-19 win over Cumberland Valley in yesterday's PIAA Class AAAA Football Eastern Championship has at least as many twists, turns, subplots and major scene shifts as any David Lynch or Alfred Hitchcock movie -- the biggest being a Swope swipe with just over one minute remaining in the game.

With Neshaminy ahead by six points (25-19), an interception by Cumberland Valley free safety Aaron Swift at the 2:20 mark gave the Eagles a first down at the midfield stripe. On third-and-four with 1:34 left, CV quarterback Corey Biscof completed a 17-yard pass to Adam Cook, who was running from right to left.

'Skins free safety Devon Swope jumped on Cook's back and rode him for a number of strides as the Eagle receiver moved laterally across the field at Hersheypark Stadium.

Swope wasn't just getting in the Hersheypark spirit by going for a ride. He was wrestling the ball loose from Cook's grip. The ball flew free before Cook hit the ground and Neshaminy's Jamar Brittingham alertly covered the loose ball. Neshaminy then ran out the clock.

"I saw him (Cook) coming across the middle on a drag," said Swope. "I didn't want to go for the interception and take the chance of being called for pass interference. When I tackled him, I had my hand on the ball for a few seconds and then just ripped it loose. I was just happy one of our guys got it."

Brittingham said, "I jammed my guy and then turned to look at the play. I saw Swope's hand on the ball and then saw the ball coming out. I ran into my teammate -- Erik Pederson -- trying to get the ball."

Neshaminy's team was two different teams yesterday--the team that played the first seven minutes of the game and the final 24 minutes and the team that was on the field for the final 17 minutes of the first half.

The 'Skins kicked off and then forced the Eagles to punt after no first downs. Neshaminy's offense then marched 65 yards only to have the drive screech to a halt with a CV interception at the goal line.

The Eagles owned the rest of the first half. They started with a 17-play, 91-yard drive that took 6:25 and concluded with a one-yard TD run by Dan Lawlor with 0:48 left in the second quarter.

The 'Skins then turned the ball over on downs after only five plays. Cumberland Valley responded with an 18-play, 82-yard scoring drive that consumed over seven minutes.

Once again, it was Lawlor with a one-yard TD run. On both touchdowns, the Eagles failed to convert two-point attempts so the score at halftime was 12-0.

After intermission, the 'Skins played inspired football. On the opening series, they started on their own 36 and moved to a fourth-and-10 at CV's 30. Neshaminy wide receiver Keith Ennis flew down the right side and quarterback Jason Waiter found him with a perfect pass.

The result--first-and-goal at the one. On the next play, Geoff Donahue put the 'Skins on the board with a one-yard TD run and Kevin Kelly kicked the PAT to make it 12-7 with 8:25 left in the third quarter. The 'Skins held the Eagles to three-and-punt and then started a drive at their own 15.

Fueled by a 17-yard run by Jay Collins, an 18-yard scamper by Brittingham and a 14-yard Waiter-to-Brittingham connection, Neshaminy quickly moved into scoring position.

Brittingham broke a run wide to the left and sped in for an apparent 22-yard TD -- but it was nullified by a holding penalty. Brittingham responded with a 27-yard gain on a draw up the middle on the very next play and a five-yard TD burst up the middle on the play after that.

With 1:47 left in the third quarter, the 'Skins had their first lead of the game -- but a bobbled snap and a low kick kept the score at 13-12. The Eagles came roaring back -- determined to regain the lead and the momentum.

Starting at their own 26, they quickly moved the ball to midfield but soon faced a fourth-and-four. CV used a fake punt play to produce a 28-yard pass play from Swift to Cook. But a penalty for an illegal receiver downfield gave the District Three champions at fourth and-nine at their own 39 instead of a first down at Neshaminy's 28.

It got worse for the Eagles. A delay penalty made it fourth-and-14 at the 34 and eliminated any plans for another fake. CV's Matt Pavelic attempted to punt only to have it blocked by Pederson. The ball flew in the air and was quickly collected by Mike Loveland who sprinted in untouched for a 17-yard touchdown.

"I saw the ball in the air and just dove for it," said Loveland. "I was just thinking -- it's my ball. It was a nice block. It's what we're supposed to do. When I got the ball, I didn't see anything or hear anything. I just thought that the ball was mine and I like that end zone."

The 'Skins' kick attempt failed and the score stayed at 19-12 with 10:53 left in the game. The Eagles kept showing great resiliency and they came right back with a seven-play, 73-yard scoring drive capped by a 41-yard scoring run by Casey Milligan. Pavelic made his kick to knot the score at 19-19 with 8:09 remaining.

"There were a lot of big plays--a lot of turning points," said Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt, whose 14-0 team now faces a state-title showdown next Saturday at the same location against 14-0 Woodland Hills. "If you've seen us play before, that's us all season. We've been a sideshow. We've definitely had some wild rides so our guys are used to it. It was a bigger facility today but the same old story."

The Trentonian 2001

Weather, injuries down Woodland Hills in state title game

By Brian Knavish, Sports editor December 12, 2001

HERSHEY, Pa. - Woodland Hills junior Ryan Mundy stood outside his team's locker room Saturday night with his hood pulled tightly over his head and tears in his eyes. His team had just fallen to Neshaminy, 21-7, in the PIAA Class AAAA Championship Game. "We worked so hard all year," he said. "For it to end like this hurts really bad."

Woodland Hills played the game amid an all-day downpour that left the field at Hersheypark Stadium a pit of mud. Speed is Woodland Hills' biggest weapon, and the muddy conditions clearly slowed down the Wolverines' attack.

"Weather is a great equalizer for speed," said Woodland Hills coach George Novak. "Our defense is predicated on speed, and we couldn't do what we normally do because the speed wasn't there."

Furthering the hardships for Woodland Hills was an ankle injury to star quarterback Steve Breaston that put him on the sideline for much of the the game. Both of Breaston's ankles have been injured at times this season, and those injuries seemed to linger.

His absence further hindered the Wolverines' attack and damaged the team's psyche.

"He's been the engine behind us," said Woodland Hills lineman Brian Borgoyn. "It took the air out of us when we didn't have him."

Breaston scored the lone Woodland Hills touchdown and gained 76 yards on 16 carries, an especially low output for the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year. He left the game in the second quarter after twisting his ankle on a run. He returned after halftime, but left again with 11:34 left in the fourth quarter and never returned.

Breaston wanted to continue playing, but the team's trainers wouldn't allow it. "It's the last game of my high school career," he said. "I wanted to go back in, but I had two ankles messed up and couldn't."

Breaston finished the season with 1,718 yards rushing on 151 carries, an average of 11.4 yards per carry. He rushed for 24 touchdowns and returned two punts for touchdowns. He also completed 33 of 69 passes for 590 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

Neshaminy is a power running team, and their effectiveness wasn't much affected by the mud. Running back Jamar Brittingham churned out 157 yards on 30 carries to give him 2,575 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns this season.

He scored two touchdowns, including a 45 -yard burst in the fourth quarter. He caught four passes for 106 yards and even completed one pass for 32 yards.

The rainy conditions also caused Woodland Hills to fumble seven times. Although they didn't lose any of them, the fumbles continually put Woodland Hills in long-yardage situations. (Neshaminy Webmaster note: the same rainy conditions did not cause Neshaminy to fumble at all).

Running back Kareem Dutrieuille gained 86 yards on 20 carries to finish the season with 1,640 yards.

After Rochester, Washington and West Allegheny each won earlier in the weekend, the Woodland Hills loss prevented the first-ever WPIAL sweep at the PIAA Championships.

"When the coaches told us we had a chance (to create a WPIAL sweep), it put pressure on us, but it shouldn't have made a difference. We've had pressure on us all year," said Borgoyn."

Despite the obvious disadvantages, Novak and his team refuses to use the mud or Breaston's injury as an excuse.

"We would have liked to play in Miami in the sun with Steve healthy," said Woodland Hills coach George Novak. "But I give them credit. They've got a good football team."

The players were equally as humble. "We knew (the mud) would affect us a little, but Neshaminy played a great game," said Borgoyn. "They had a great game play. The just beat us."
Breaston was visibly upset with the loss but also refused feel sorry for himself. "They played on the same field we did,' he said. "You can't make excuses."

Woodland Hills Progress Star 2001

PIAA Class AAAA playoffs

Neshaminy 28, Conestoga 12

LANGHORNE - The Redskins dominated the first half, outscoring Conestoga 21-0 and held off a fourth quarter rally by the Pioneers to win the District One and state subregional championship. It was the first such title for any area school.

Neshaminy will next face the winner of Saturday's battle between Bethlehem Catholic and Cumberland Valley, the District 11 and District 3 champions, respectively. The state semifinal game will be played at a site and time to be determined.

Senior running back Jamar Brittingham was the workhorse, carrying 29 times for 178 yards and a touchdown. Brittingham also threw for a score on an option pass to receiver Keith Ennis.

Brittingham went down awkwardly late in the game and was helped off the field. He said later that he twisted his knee slightly but he does not expect to miss his team's next game.

The senior runner wasn't the only offensive starter to miss time last night. Quarterback Jason Wiater sat out two series in the second half after banging his throwing shoulder. He returned midway through the fourth quarter to help the Redskins close out the victory.

Wiater totaled 87 yards passing on seven completions and 11 attempts. His 16 yard touchdown pass to Mark Beck was the first score of the game.

Fullback Jay Collins accounted for the other Redskins touchdown, a one yard run early in the second quarter.

The Neshaminy offense wasn't the only story of the game. On defense, the Redskins had a shutout going until eight minutes remained in the game.

Although Conestoga quarterback John D'Agostini threw for 221 yards, all but 84 of those yards came in the fourth quarter with the outcome already decided.

Neshaminy's Pat Carroll and Devon Swope each intercepted passes. The Redskins also recovered a fumble, their seventh takeaway of the postseason against zero turnovers.

 

 

'Skins state champions
Neshaminy 21, Woodland Hills 7

 

 

 

Neshaminy defends East honor | PIAA FOOTBALL

Redskins finish 15-0 season with 1st title
Neshaminy 21, Woodland Hills 7

Sunday, December 09, 2001
By Rod Frisco of The Patriot-News

It all went right for Neshaminy High School last night.

The weather. The injuries. The penalties. And, most of all, Jamar Brittingham.

After tight-roping through much of last night's PIAA Class AAAA football championship game with Woodland Hills, Neshaminy pulled the trigger in a big way in the second half to subdue the Wolverines 21-7.

With a 15-0 record and the PIAA championship trophy, Neshaminy not only did itself a big favor by claiming its first state championship but spared the East the dreaded West sweep.

After WPIAL teams had won the first three games of championship weekend, nationally ranked Woodland Hills (14-1) appeared poised to make it the first western sweep in the 14-year history of the state playoffs and give the WPIAL its first Class AAAA title since 1995.

But Neshaminy had a few things going for it.

First was the weather. A day-long, soaking rain that started with snow flurries flooded Hersheypark Stadium, considerably slowing the fast track that Woodland Hills craved.

Then, with 4:03 left in the first half, Woodland Hills quarterback Steve Breaston sprained an ankle that had been injured before. Although he returned for the second half, Breaston left for good early in the fourth quarter, a warrior carried off on his shield.

At that, Woodland Hills, clearly a tremendous team, was very much in this game.

Leading 7-6 at the half, the Wolverines used a pair of spectacular completions from Breaston to first Brian Coleman for 31 yards and next Ryan Mundy for 19 yards to set up at the Neshaminy 19.

On third-and-1 at the 10, the Wolverines were hit for an illegal shift, wiping out Kareem Dutrieuille's scoring run. It was huge.

Breaston made the yardage with a 5-yard run back to the 10. On fourth-and-1, the Wolverines went back to Dutrieuille but the Neshaminy defensive front swallowed him up for no gain.

Even more huge.

"It could have been 14-6, and we would have had all of the momentum," Woodland Hills head coach George Novak said.

"Sure, I'd have to [call that the game's turning point]," Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt said.

Now enter Mr. Brittingham.

Brittingham, who would finish with 157 yards rushing and two touchdowns and become the only runner in the championship weekend to crack 100 yards, turned the game around with his arm.

On the first playing following his team's stop of Woodland Hills, Schmidt ordered Brittingham to throw a halfback pass from just beyond his own goal line.

A thing of beauty it was not. Brittingham's lefty throw lipped off of his wet gloves but made it to a held-up Keith Ennis for 32 yards.

Given breathing room, the Redskins executed a superb drive that included two snappy throws from quarterback Jason Wiater to tight end Scott Mullin for 17 and to Brittingham for 13 on a screen. Brittingham then slid in from the 4 with 2:58 left in the quarter to give Neshaminy the permanent lead at 14-7.

Still Woodland Hills wasn't through. With Breaston running sweeps on his gimpy ankle, the Wolverines charged into Neshaminy territory only to lose momentum and Breaston for the game when the latter was trapped on an option.

That was the last play of Breaston's high school career. Neshaminy would drive and miss a 32-yard field goal by freshman kicker Kevin Kelly with 6:26 left, but with Breaston out Neshaminy sealed the game with interceptions by Justin Edwards and Erik Pederson.

Edwards' pick at the Woodland Hills 45 was followed by Brittingham's 45-yard explosion up the gut for the final score with 5:54 to play.

"Brittingham? He's the best back in the [darn] state," Schmidt said. "You can write that any way you want to, but he's the best."

After last night, so too was Neshaminy.

Rod Frisco may be reached at 255-8122 or rfrisco@patriot-news.com

Neshaminy continues its league's dominance

Wednesday, December 12, 2001
By Rod Frisco Of The Patriot-News

We promise.

No more yap about blistering rainstorms, swampy playing fields, twisted ankles, what-ifs, maybes and shoulda-couldas.

You have your 2001 PIAA football champions, and they are to be congratulated. So we shall.

Neshaminy especially comes in for unrestrained applause, not just because it took out highly regarded Woodland Hills on Saturday night, but the way the Redskins did it.

Neshaminy bombed that team. And that wasn't supposed to happen, according to the state scholastic football intelligentsia, such as it is.

The talk was Woodland Hills speed, then its speed, then a little more about its speed. And while the mushy track at Hersheypark Stadium did have an effect on Woodland Hills (oops, we weren't going to mention that), it was Neshaminy en toto that had the greatest effect.

Consider that Neshaminy snapped the ball 39 of 51 times (not including penalties or kicks) in Woodland Hills territory. The only thing that kept it from being a rout was Neshaminy's own failures in scoring position.

That game, far more than CB West's string of three consecutive Class AAAA titles from 1997-99, tells to ignore bluster from the western half of the state about their powerhouses until they actually perform.

A WPIAL Class AAAA team hasn't won a championship since Penn Hills whacked Lower Dauphin in 1995, and only one western team, Erie Prep's all-star outfit last year, has won in the interim.

And it confirms again that the Suburban National One Conference in suburban Philly is the king of Pennsylvania high school football. There is no other possible conclusion.

Oh, yes, we're well aware of the WPIAL championships in the other three classes: West Allegheny in AAA, Washington in AA and Rochester in A.

The same thing that can be said about Neshaminy and its league in Class AAAA can be said about Rochester and its league in Class A. It has been simply dominant in the state playoffs, and we have adjusted our rankings to reflect that.

Possibly we should have done the same in AAAA, elevating the likes of CB West, CB East, Pennridge and North Penn into the top 10. If they had just not beaten up each other so much.

In Class AAA, serious plaudits are due West Allegheny quarterback Tyler Palko, the likely choice for The Associated Press Big School Player of the Year.

Executing his father and head coach Bob Palko's game plan to near precision, Palko showed why he was one of the "wow" players in Pennsylvania this year. Lucky Pitt, eh?

In Class AA, Pen Argyl head coach Roy Cortez, who probably should be the Small School Coach of the Year, but will likely yield to Washington's Guy Montecalvo, came up with the line of the weekend.

When asked about Washington's blurry backfield, most of whom combined to set a WPIAL record in the 400-meter relay last year (with Montecalvo as track coach, by the way), Cortez snorted.

"They're not running in lanes out there, you know," he said. "People get in the way on a football field."

There's a lot to like about Cortez, a former Easton assistant who has brought a no-excuses approach to the little town in the Slate Belt.

When we called him to chat about the state title game, we casually mentioned how the Mountain Valley Conference, comprised of the Lehigh Valley's biggest schools, tended to overshadow Pen Argyl and its Colonial League counterparts.

Without hesitation, Cortez spat out, "The Mediocre Valley Conference, you mean."

Now we know why Pen Argyl has run to the top of Class AA football in this state.

Rod Frisco may be reached at 255-8122 or rfrisco@patriot-news.com

EASTERN REGION FINAL: NESHAMINY 25, CUMBERLAND VALLEY 19
One more win!

Never-say-die Neshaminy rallied from a 12-0 halftime deficit to outslug Cumberland Valley and advance to next Saturday's PIAA AAAA state championship game.

By WILLIAM KENNY of the Courier Times

HERSHEY - If the Neshaminy Redskins were ever to doubt their own talents, question their intestinal fortitude or give up on their collective dream to be the best high school football team in Pennsylvania, yesterday was the day for it.

Cumberland Valley High School brought its punishingly abusive power running game to Hersheypark Stadium and pounded the Redskins in the first half of the PIAA Class AAAA state playoff semifinal.

The Eagles of Mechanicsburg, champions of District Three, owned the football for the first two quarters and went into intermission with a two-touchdown lead, courtesy of a 16-play scoring drive, followed immediately by a 17-play march.

But Neshaminy, the District One titlist, a group punched and prodded down the field for the better part of 24 minutes, had no quit in it. Instead, the Redskins played "Rocky" again - climbing off of the deck for the umpteenth time in this, their charmed season.

The Redskins eventually outslugged and outlasted the Eagles, 25-19, to win the state's Eastern Region title and earn a berth in next Saturday's state championship game here at 5 p.m., opposite District Seven's Woodland Hills of Pittsburgh. Woodland Hills (14-0) defeated Altoona, 34-0,in the Western Region final yesterday afternoon.

Neshaminy (14-0) will become the first area football team ever to compete in a state championship contest. Pennsylvania adopted a playoff format in 1988.

The Redskins overcame the relentless Cumberland Valley running attack with countless big plays. Running back Jamar Brittingham was the guy with the most of them. The all-state candidate ran 27 times for a game-high 155 yards and two second-half touchdowns.

Jamar Brittingham outruns Cumberland Valley defenders.

At halftime, with the Redskins trailing, 12-0, coach Mark Schmidt called upon his star ball carrier to change the momentum of the game. The senior did exactly that.

"I looked at him and said, 'Hey Bud, we're going to win or lose this thing with you,' " Schmidt told reporters after the game. "He's a special young man. He got it cranked up a bit."

Brittingham actually reached the end zone three times, but a holding penalty nullified his first would-be TD, a nifty 23-yard run late in the third quarter.

Undaunted, Brittingham went 27 yards to the Eagles' 5 on the very next snap. The 6-foot-1, 194-pounder finished off his inspired gallop by dropping a damage-wreaking shoulder pad onto an undersized Eagles' safety. The thousands of Redskin supporters in attendance roared with approval.

"In the first half, he was taking me down (by) the legs," Brittingham said of the defender. "In the second half, I had it in my mind to go low and run over him." Brittingham's 5-yard run on the next play put Neshaminy on top for the first time, 13-12.

The two-way standout also contributed on defense, recovering a fumble forced by safety Devon Swope with 1:25 left in the game. The strip came at the end of a 17-yard pass completion that would have given Cumberland Valley a first down in Neshaminy territory.

Brittingham wasn't the only Redskin to make good use of the big play, however. All-purpose back/receiver Keith Ennis did not finish with eye-popping statistics (28 yards rushing and 44 receiving), but every time he touched the football, he produced in a key situation.

His 28-yard catch on fourth-and-10 from the Eagles' 29 saved Neshaminy's hopes early in the third quarter. Fullback Geoff Donahue's ensuing one-yard scoring run, plus the extra point, made it 12-7.

"I was calling for (the ball). I knew I could beat him," Ennis said of the Cumberland Valley cornerback whom he outleaped to snare the crucial pass. "Jay (Wiater) threw a great ball to the outside. I just went up and caught it."

The senior also returned kickoffs for 44 and 67 yards. The longer one occurred with six minutes to go in the game, just after Cumberland Valley had tied it, 19-19, on a 41-yard touchdown run by Casey Milligan.

Thanks to Ennis' big runback, however, Neshaminy took over at the Eagles' 20. Four plays later, on fourth-and-two, Brittingham broke free for what would become the winning score, a 12-yarder.

Mike Loveland celebrates with teammates after scoring on a blocked punt.

During their sustained second-half rally, the Redskins also made things happen on special teams.

In the second minute of the fourth quarter, junior Erik Pederson, a back-up quarterback and linebacker, blocked a Cumberland Valley punt. Mike Loveland, a senior receiver, snared the ball out of mid-air at the Eagles' 19 and raced into the end zone.

The score was Neshaminy's third in less than 14 minutes, making it 19-12. Still, the game was far from decided.

But Loveland, one of a long list of veterans on the team, had a feeling the Redskins would finish off the memorable victory. He felt the same way at intermission, even with Cumberland Valley holding a two-score lead and outgaining the Redskins 181-92 in the first half. Neshaminy went on to even the statistics in the second half and surpass the Eagles in the most important category, points.

"We knew we would do it somehow," Loveland said. "You've just got to concentrate, stay in the game and calm down. A lot of times, people get all worried and make mistakes."

"Ah, we've been (behind) before. These guys know what that's about," Schmidt said, almost shrugging off the clutch comeback as an everyday occurrence. "It was a bigger crowd, a bigger facility, but it's the same old story. "Everybody just did their job, shook off the bad and tried to keep working the good."

NESHAMINY 25, CUMBERLAND VALLEY 19

• Player of the game: Senior RB Jamar Brittingham, 27 carries for 155 yards and two TDs; two catches for 17 yards; fumble recovery.
• Play of the game: Senior WR Keith Ennis' 28-yard catch on fourth-and-10 from the CV 29 in the third quarter, with Neshaminy trailing, 12-0.
• Stats of the game: CV ran 31 times for 153 yards in the first half, but just 16 times for 100 yards in the second half (41 on one play). The Eagles had just four first downs after intermission.

Sunday, December 2, 2001

PIAA AAAA CHAMPIONSHIP
Hail to the Redskins!

Neshaminy completes its fantastic 15-0 season, knocking off favored Woodland Hills to claim the area's first state football title.

By ANTHONY STITT of The Courier Times

HERSHEY - In the rainy December chill, on the slop of a football field, among the mud and muck and gunk, it happened.

Amazing.

Delirium.

Destiny.

It's over.

They're the champs! Neshaminy players and coach Mark Schmidt celebrate their 21-7 Class AAAA title victory over Woodland Hills yesterday in Hershey. The win gives Neshaminy its first state football championship.The Redskins (15-0) pulled off the soggy victory in the fashion they have so often this year - coming from behind with two second-half touchdowns.
(Photos: Bill Johnson/Courier Times)

It's the Neshaminy Redskins - the best in the state, the PIAA Class AAAA football champions - yes, champions.

"You can't describe it," said Neshaminy linebacker Pat Carroll, his smile nearly aglow, his body encrusted with mud. "I don't think I'll ever feel like this again."

Who will?

Like war-torn gladiators, caked in dirt and sweat, emblazoned with determination and dreams, the Redskins soared into history yesterday, beating Woodland Hills, 21-7, in the glorious Mud Bowl.

The Redskins are the first-ever area football team to bring back a AAAA title to Lower Bucks.

"It was the greatest game," said Neshaminy quarterback Jay Wiater.

It wasn't easy, though.

It was brutal.

Sure, the score has Neshaminy by two touchdowns, but the anxiety was thick and heavy for most of the evening.

In the beginning, Neshaminy beckoned its star running back Jamar Brittingham.

It was Brittingham and only Brittingham. It was like Schmidt declared: "Try and stop our man" - the guy who entered the day with 28 touchdowns and 2,418 rushing yards.

On the opening drive, Brittingham rumbled for 48 yards on seven carries and even nabbed a 5-yard pass. He was involved in all eight plays of the Redskins' first drive. And even though, the Redskins failed to score - they missed a 32-yard field goal - it was a portent of play calls to come.

Steve Brett (77) and Brian Burke, right, of Neshaminy have plenty to cheer about following the Redskins� victory over a devastated Woodland Hills' team.

For most of the evening, Brittingham slipped and slid, rumbled and rolled and splashed on the swamp of a playing surface. He ran the ball 30 times for 157 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 96 yards.

"It was hard out there. It was hard running because it was so wet," Brittingham said. "I just ran for power. If I happened to break a tackle, then I'd break free. The game plan was power."

All Schmidt had to do was mix it up a little bit.

And he did just that - perfectly.

Note the second drive of the game: The Redskins started on the 32-yard-line of Woodland Hills - beautiful field position.

And they took advantage.

The offense diversified its attack and spread the ball around.

First, Wiater hit tight end Geoff Donahue with a 9-yard pass, then Brittingham skated 9 more yards. Then, it was fullback Jay Collins' moment.

Collins pounded through the line for four yards, and then polished off the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. The Redskins botched the point-after, with kicker Kevin Kelly attempting a pass.

Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt prays for a win - and gets it.

Still, it all looked so wonderful - as wonderful as could be, considering the sloppy environs, with the Redskins winning, 6-0, heading into the second quarter.

"We knew we had to run the football," Schmidt said.

But, wait...

Oh, the football gods have a way of decreeing an event of trepidation whenever the Redskins play.

Remember, this is Neshaminy - a team which routinely strolls the razor's edge, a squad of heart-stoppers, who rallied from a 12-0 halftime hole last week to beat Cumberland Valley.

So, of course, Woodland Hills battled back when quarterback Steve Breaston scored a one-yard touchdown.

Yes, 7-6, Woodland Hills.

It would stay that way heading into the half. It looked as if Neshaminy had encountered an equal, as Woodland Hills seemed to have the size and speed the Redskins' other postseason opponents didn't have.

Schmidt remained unflappable.

He actually was as gutsy as ever.

On Neshaminy's first play of the second half, Schmidt made the call: Halfback option, Brittingham to pass.

Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt signals #1 as he walks off the field after his team's 21-7 victory over Woodland Hills for the state championship football title.

Brittingham faked a dash to the left, then coiled his southpaw arm, and winged a bomb to wide receiver Keith Ennis - a 31-yard completion.

Sound familiar?

Well, yes. During the season, Brittingham completed 5 of 7 passes for two touchdowns on similar plays.

It was the Brittingham pass which ignited the fuse yesterday. He would end up scoring a 4-yard touchdown to cap off the drive he initiated with his throwing arm. And deep into the fourth quarter, he'd zip for 45 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.

Offensively, Brittingham did it again, as if he were playing on stone-dry turf, as he scored touchdowns 29 and 30, an area record.

Yesterday, it was also the tenacity of linebacker Pat Carroll, who racked up 14 tackles, the most in the game.

It was also the savvy of Wiater, who hit a variety of targets for 150 yards. Somehow, he gripped the slick ball and completed 9 of 11 passes, completing throws to four different receivers.

NESHAMINY 21, WOODLAND HILLS 7

• Player of the game: Jamar Brittingham, 30 carries for 157 yards and 2TDS. He also caught 4 passes for 96 yards.
• Play of the game: Neshaminy's big defensive stop of Woodland Hills on a fourth-and-two at the Redskins' 10 in the third quarter.
• Stat of the game: Neshaminy linebacker Pat Carroll racked up 14 tackles.

Sunday, December 9, 2001

Neshaminy has grand homecoming

A convoy of fire engines and rescue vehicles greeted the state champs after the Redskins' 21-7 win over Woodland Hills on Saturday.

By MARK SCHIELE | Courier Times

A well wisher waves to the buses returning from Hershey as Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt proudly holds up his team's trophy. (Photos: Joe Dixon/Courier Times)

LANGHORNE - They came home to a reception fit for heroes. Which, in reality, is what the members of the Neshaminy High football team have become after capturing the PIAA Class AAAA championship by defeating Woodland Hills Saturday night in Hershey.

Even before the Redskins finished celebrating their 21-7 victory and had packed their 15-0 record on buses for the two-hour-plus ride home, they were already the talk of the town.

And the town was waiting for their champions.

When the buses carrying the players pulled off the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Exit 28, they were greeted by a horde of fire engines and rescue vehicles from the Parkland Fire Co., Trevose Fire Co. and the Penndel Fire Co.

As the buses rolled through the toll booths, lights flashed, sirens blared and horns blew as the champions were welcomed home in grand fashion.

What followed was a loud and flashing escort from the emergency crews back to the Neshaminy High campus, where a crowd of 500 well-wishers had braved rain and chilly temperatures to salute their gridiron warriors.

It was a magical end to a magical day for a magical team. A team that, once again, battled from behind to post yet another thrilling victory.

One of those waiting to salute Neshaminy's first football state championship team was Alan Ash, a 1979 graduate of the school. He was one of several fans who wanted to share in the big moment, arriving more than an hour before the team came home.

"I listened to the game on the radio," Ash said. "I was bummed I couldn't go, but wanted to be here when they came back."

Even before that, talk of the stirring and sweet victory in Hershey was making news throughout the area. At the Irish Rover Inn in Penndel, manager Shawn McIntrye, a 1996 Neshaminy graduate, was celebrating with several customers - also Neshaminy alumni.

"I wish I could have been there, but I had to work," McIntrye said. "Everyone that comes in here is a Neshaminy grad. Even the coaches come in some nights.

"We're making a banner for them that we're going to hang in here. It's gonna say: 'Neshaminy High, 2001 State Champions, 15-0.' We're going to get it made next week."

Mike Carson, a 1990 Neshaminy graduate, was also saluting the champions. That, after a frustrating day of not being able to find the game on television.

"I couldn't get it on my cable TV [system]," Carson said. "I had to listen to it on the radio, but it was great. Neshaminy's No. 1."

Gary Bowman, the superintendent of the Neshaminy School District, hustled home from Hershey in time to see the victory parade pull into the school parking lot. It mark the end of a long, wet and exciting day.

"It was worth every drop [of rain] we sat in and stood in [at the school]," he said. "I met them here at 10 a.m. and gave them all Neshaminy pins.

"We had a good feeling [in the morning]. We knew our kids would find a way to win, just like they have in every game."

The state title will hold a special place in Bowman's heart, especially since he's retiring this year and the team dedicated the season to him in August.

"It's probably one of the finest experiences I've had in 38 years working in education," he said. "These kids brought our community together. They have an awful lot to be proud of."

Neshaminy Redskin Keith Ennis smiles in his high school gym after returning home from Hershey.

When the buses finally make their way into the parking lot, the championship trophy was prominently displayed in the windshield. Minutes later, Neshaminy head coach Mark Schmidt led the charge off the bus, holding up the hardware for any and all to see.

"It doesn't get any better than that," Schmidt said of the fire engine escort back to the school. "It was awesome. I got goose bumps."

Parkland Fire Co. assistant chief Bill Davis, who spent the better part of two hours planning the convoy and keeping tabs on how close the buses were to home, knew he was witnessing a special moment.

"This is one of my highlights for the community and I'm glad I got to be involved in it," he said. "I hope we get to do it a couple more times in the next few years. It's just great the way the community has supported these kids."

Monday, December 10, 2001

A season to be cherished forever

All season long, they never tread too loudly. They never boasted. They never pumped arms of defiance. They simply worked. They won and worked - and dreamed.

HERSHEY - Just before they belly-flopped into the mud pools like joyous children, just before they kissed and hugged their parents and friends, these young men - the conquering heroes from Neshaminy High - had one last on-field meeting with the pugnacious coach Mark Schmidt.

As the players swarmed Schmidt in a barrage of hoots and grins, the coach bellowed: "All I have for you is two words!"

Silence; then, Schmidt bellowed again, in a hoarse-voiced holler that could curdle milk:

"STATE TITLE!"

All season long, they never tread too loudly. They never boasted. They never pumped arms of defiance.

They simply worked.

They won and worked - and dreamed.

For four months, they won game after game, battle after battle. They knocked off titans. They strolled into a world of anxiety, preferring the come-from-behind-win to the blowout triumph.

And yes, the Neshaminy Redskins did it yesterday, beating No. 1 ranked Woodland Hills, 21-7, climbing out of a 7-6 halftime hole. They polished off the implausible assignment: perfection, 15 wins, zero losses, winning the PIAA Class AAAA title.

They cried, too, joyous tears from tough, young men.

Fullback Jay Collins, who ran for a touchdown two hours earlier, wrapped his arms around his coaches, mud-juice trickling down his pink cheeks, the tears of eternal youth mixing with the mud.

Neshaminy teammates celebrates their state title.
(Photos: Bill Johnson/Courier Times)

"A whole bunch of fun emotions," Collins said, his eyes still moist 20 minutes after the win. "I'm so happy. I'm just thanking God and my mother and my dad who's up in heaven. I know he's watching and he's proud."

The players hoisted the PIAA trophy, a grand emblem of superiority, one with a giant gold football, and held it high.

It was a monolith, rising above the ground, hoisted above everyone, carried in the muddy paws of the best football players in the state.

"It doesn't feel like it should be over," said senior quarterback Jay Wiater, who was 9 for 11 for 150 yards yesterday. "We played 15 weeks and we won every game. My stomach feels weird. There is no feeling like this."

"It's been a long season," said star running back Jamar Brittingham, who had perhaps the greatest season ever for an area back, amassing 30 touchdowns and 2,575 rushing yards.

Afterwards, Coach Schmidt's voice crackled. His eyes fluttered about, rapidly trying to process the whirlwind of happenings.

A moment later, Schmidt embraced the golden football, clutching the trophy in one hand, and held his 4-year-old daughter Erica in the other arm - a glorious coach in a glorious moment, looking like he'd just might live forever.

It is his team - the team he assumed duty seven years ago, the team which finished 1-10 in his first season, a team he has led to the Promise Land.

Just after the final seconds ticked off the clock, the Redskins splashed through the mud. Thousands and thousands of their faithful roared. The Redskins engulfed Schmidt as he rallied for one a final motivational message.

Schmidt bellowed: "Are you satisfied?"

"YEAH!" the players screamed.

"If you said, 'Yeah,' give me a 'Hell, yeah!'" Schmidt bellowed again.

"HELL, YEAH!"

And we are, too. We are satisfied.

Thank you, Redskins.

But wait, before the newspaper clippings turn yellow, before the memories fade, before the young Redskins traipse into adulthood, hark back 50 years when legendary Neshaminy football coach Harry Franks penned the words: "Time will never dim the glory of the Neshaminy Redskins."

It's true, Redskins.

Neshaminy Superintendent Gary Bowman congratulates head coach Mark Schmidt after the football team's victory.

It's true, particularly this year.

Redskins, please heed the words of Harry Franks.

You see, Redskins, you played a lone season, an unbelievable season of eternal youth, of 15 wins, of zero losses, of hope and hugs, of dramatic triumphs - of joyous tears.

You played a lone season, a four-month long odyssey which led to the mountain top, where thousands of your faithful packed the stands to cheer you to praise you - to love you.

You played a lone season, and yet, so quickly it is over.

You played a lone season, but you'll walk together forever - for time will never dim the glory of you.

Champions!

CHAMPIONS!

Sunday, December 9, 2001

The finest hour for Brittingham

Despite all Woodland Hills press and pomp, Jamar Brittingham had definite plans for his last high school game. And none of them included subservience. Or defeat.

By JOHN GONZALEZ
Courier Times

Jamar Brittingham is on the loose for a long gain in the second quarter yesterday.
(Photos: Bill Johnson/Courier Times)

HERSHEY - The game was decided, but he paced the sideline anyway. He was as combustible as usual, but also eager to shed his favored disposition for a smile and a few hundred hugs.

Neshaminy head coach Mark Schmidt is nothing if not thorough, however, so he refrained from hooting and hollering with the rest of the legions until the clock had completely exhausted itself. Besides, there was another play to run and an attendant decision to be made.

Someone suggested handing the ball off to one of the backups. It was a suggestion that made Schmidt glare, hard and pointed and telling.

"I'm going with our guy," he grumbled. "He's the one who got us here."

Indeed. While the Redskins have undoubtedly been a product of their parts this season, Jamar Brittingham, more than any other, was the most significant contributor. More than any other, he was the one who pushed and carried them to an undefeated season. And, more than any other, he was the one who got them to yesterday's Class AAAA state final against Woodland Hills at Hershey Stadium.

And so he was granted a final carry, the final carry, in the 21-7 victory. It was as much Brittingham's last duty as a Redskin as it was a tacit thank you from Schmidt.

"He's the best back in the state," said Schmidt beaming after the win, and soaked equally from a relentless rain and the celebratory Gatorade shower. "Put that in the paper anyway you want it. He's the best back in the state."

Quarterback Jason Wiater hands off to Jamar Brittinham.

It certainly seemed that way against Woodland Hills, which entered the contest highly touted and was picked by masses of pundits to run roughshod over Neshaminy. Consider, the Wolverines, like the Redskins, went into the game undefeated at 14-0, but they also carried with them an astounding margin of victory - an average of nearly 24 points.

Despite all Woodland Hills press and pomp, Brittingham had definite plans for his last high school game. And none of them included subservience. Or defeat.

The senior controlled the contest's pace, running strong and with determination. While Woodland Hills had difficulty with the wet, cold weather - the Wolverines fumbled, and recovered, seven times - Brittingham mucked through the dirt and slim for what was perhaps his finest hour.

"Man, I don't even like the rain," laughed Brittingham, who rushed 30 times for 157 yards and two touchdowns. "I just knew that this was our biggest game and our biggest opponent, and I had to come with that something extra."

He did. Most unquestionably, he did.

Brittingham danced as he often does - left and right, and then left and right again. And he flexed as he often does - bowling over unsuspecting and under prepared Wolverines defenders who were frequently left face down in a thick mud.

Jamar Brittingham runs for daylight.

But that wasn't all. The show didn't end there, and he didn't charge any more for that "something extra" he talked about, either.

In the third quarter, after a huge defensive stop by Neshaminy, the Redskins damned the elements and called a halfback option. Brittingham, never shy, took the ball around the left end and let fly to wideout, and chief mate, Keith Ennis, who hauled in the pass for 32 yards and a first down. It was a momentous play for the Redskins, who fought forward from that point toward their first state title.

After the win, Brittingham was ushered under the stadium to deal with media types and adoring fans. While his teammates revealed in their extraordinary achievement, he nodded and talked politely with all those demanding his attention.

It looked like an incredible nuisance, but Brittingham didn't seem to mind.

"I can't even explain to you how good this feels," he said evenly. "There are a lot of people who made this happen. It's just...it's just the best feeling in the world."

Courier Times - Sunday, December 9, 2001

One final tribute to the Redskins

The Neshaminy Redskins won the AAAA football state title a month ago. Last night, several hundred people celebrated the triumph once again.

By ANTHONY STITT
Courier Times

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP - The glow has yet to fade.

The glory is still growing.

It's the Neshaminy Redskins and their magical football season, and it's still their time - a time to remember.

Last night, the Redskins became a team once again, everyone together one last moment for Neshaminy's 61st annual football banquet at King's Caterers, an event sponsored by the Langhorne Lions Club.

But last night's gathering had a deeper meaning than the previous ones. This was one final tribute to the ultimate - the PIAA state AAAA title, which the Redskins won last month.

A crowd of 300 people, friends and family mostly, celebrated the season last night. There were hugs and kisses, video tributes and awards.

And gold rings, too.

Superintendent Gary Bowman said local businesses have donated $12,500 to buy each player a personalized championship ring.

Meanwhile, Bowman couldn't stop praising the team and coaches.

"Thank you, young men," Bowman said.

The PIAA trophy - the giant gold football - sat in the middle of the room as a reminder to the team's glory.

Coach Mark Schmidt, a loquacious man whose words motivate, took to the microphone.

"Nobody this side of Pittsburgh is having a banquet," Schmidt said. "That's pretty stinking cool."

Time has passed and thoughts have settled since the Redskins won the state title on Dec. 8, beating Woodland Hills, 21-7. Neshaminy became the first team in area history to win the AAAA title, going undefeated (15-0) this season.

"Finally, everything has sunk in," said senior quarterback Jay Wiater. "It already seems like it happened a long time ago, but it will live with us forever."

Senior fullback Jay Collins can relate, saying the accomplishment seems bigger now than it did when it happened. He's been approached by children in stores, asking for his autograph.

"It's pretty cool going places or going into stores and people know who you are, and they know your name. They want to congratulate you," Collins said. "It just make me feel proud."

No matter how much time passes, senior lineman Steve Brett said the magnitude of the team's achievement is still beyond comprehension.

And he also said celebrations, such as last night's, are always welcome.

"It's never going to get old," Brett said. "I don't think we've realized what we've done. I never thought I'd be put in that situation."

Last night was full of awards.

Here is the list of winners:

• Achievement Award: Jamar Brittingham and Kevin  Kelly
• Most Improved Player (offense): Ryan Contento
• Most Improved Player (defense): Miguel Lebron
• Unsung Hero (offense): Scott Mullin
• Unsung Hero (defense): Ryan van der Brand
• Mr. Defensive Line: Chuck Koch
• Mr. Offensive Line: Steve Brett
• Iron Man: Geoff Donahue
• Mr. Back: Keith Ennis
• Dick Bedesem Award: Austin Jones
• Coaches Award: Neck Feszko
• MVP Defense: Pat Carroll
• MVP Offense: Jay Wiater
• 3-D Award: Jay Collins
• N-Club Award: Kevin Kelly.

Tuesday, January 15, 2002

Neshaminy set for big football 'rumble'

Students, teachers, players pack gymnasium for pep rally. 'This game is personal,' shouts the football coach on eve of state championship game.

By WINSLOW MASON JR.
Courier Times

Neshaminy High School football players are ready for a rumble.

At a pep-rally yesterday in Gym 3 on the school's south campus, more than 2,500 excited students and teachers packed bleachers and then roared when Neshaminy Football Coach Mark Schmidt issued the rallying cry.

"You hear everybody saying Woodland Hills is going to kick our butts," Schmidt said, his hoarse voice barely making it over the screaming students, cheerleaders and the school's drumming band.

"That's what they said about six other teams we played this year," he shouted, boasting his football team's 14-0 record.

"This team has got what it takes, which is heart. This game is personal and we're going to win.

Schmidt and the rest of Neshaminy High School are getting ready for Saturday's PIAA state championship football game between the Neshaminy Redskins and the Woodland Hills Woolverines, who are also 14-0 for the season. The two teams will meet in Hershey with a kick off set for 5 p.m.

Cheerleaders in blue and white skirt-dresses stood in the middle of the gym, kicking and jump-starting the school's fighting spirit while the high school band play "Go Skins" fight songs to set the mood.

'Skins stars Erik Pederson, Jamar Brittingham, and Keith Ennis joke around during a pep rally at Neshaminy High School before their state championship game.

Neshaminy Jim, an alumnus and the school's booster, ran around the gymnasium, flapping his arms to roar of the crowd before doing a belly flop and spin on the gym floor.

"We are - Neshaminy! We are - Neshaminy!" students and teachers yelled as Neshaminy Jim led the cheer. Football players took turns speaking.

"We're going to take Pittsburgh and turn it upside down," said linebacker Jay Collins, who stood in the middle of the gym wearing the team's Red and white football jersey. Collins is the son of Neshaminy Principal Mark Collins. The Woolverines are from Pittsburgh.

"Without these guys on this football team and you the students, we wouldn't be here," Jay said as the crowd roared.

Lindsay Heayn cheers for the Redskins

Neshaminy is the first Lower Bucks football team to go to the state PIAA championship. Principal Collins said Neshaminy alumni from as far back as the class of 1971 sent faxes and letters saying they're going to the game.

Everywhere around the school, the fight theme was the same.

Prior to the rally, the school's band practiced songs, playing hits such as "Maria," "Tonight, Tonight, and "Somewhere" from the musical "West Side Story." The music sparked memories of the famous battle scene in the musical between rival street-gangs the "Sharks" and the "Jets."

Everyone said they're going to the game.

"It's going to be a battle, a rumble," said 10th grader Adam Volcskai, 17.

His friend, Duane Contendo, agreed.

"It's going to be a tough game, but I think we can win."

Coaches transform players into champions

The state title wasn't won on sheer talent alone, and it wasn't won solely at the behest of head coach Mark Schmidt, either.

LANGHORNE - They went undefeated, and people took notice. A lot of them, the players, were regulars in the newspaper, radio or television. They were, and are, minor celebrities.

And yet the Neshaminy Redskins, to a man, would tell you they didn't do it on their own. The state title wasn't won on sheer talent alone, and it wasn't won solely at the behest of head coach Mark Schmidt, either.

They all had help. No question about that.

"You're the Coach of the Year when two things happen," said Schmidt, the Courier Times' choice for that honor. "First, your players have to be outstanding. Second, you have to have a good staff. This was the best staff I've ever had. They did a lot with these kids, and it was more than just football. I'm talking quality stuff. They're a really good group."

There was John Chaump, who worked with the defense, and Reed Nichols who molded the linebackers. There was Steve Wilmot and Ray Jones forging the offensive line and Don Wiater countering them on the defensive line.

"The position coaches did a great job," said senior running back Jamar Brittingham.

"They're really smart guys who showed us a lot. And they're lots of fun, too."

There was John Tezik pushing the wideouts and Ryan O'Neal guiding the running backs and Jay Weidenbaugh kicking the defensive backs. Joe Foster pitched in as an administrative assistant, and Joe Chamberlain helped as the game day coordinator.

They all had a role, each as important as the next, and none overlooked by the Redskins.

"They taught us the fundamentals, and then coach Schmidt polished them," said senior linebacker Jay Collins.

"We owe them a lot."

Thursday, December 13, 2001

Dream comes true for Redskins

The Neshaminy seniors said they knew two years ago that the team would be good this season. Little did they know how good.

By JOHN GONZALEZ
Courier Times

LANGHORNE - It was a long road, somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 weeks. From summer conditioning to the preseason to league games to the playoffs.

To state champions. You can't forget that - PIAA Class AAAA state champions.

It has a pleasant ring to it, and the Neshaminy Redskins don't mind hearing it. A lot went into securing that title, and so they are entitled to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

"It was a long season," said wideout Keith Ennis, "but it went quick. It's crazy that it's over."

Crazy, but not unexpected.

Now don't go thinking that the Redskins (15-0) bragged pre-fact about winning it all. They would never be so crass, and they surely wouldn't tempt fate with that kind of abandon.

But they did entertain the idea. And they did discuss it.

You may have heard that quarterback Jay Wiater and running back Jamar Brittingham and some of the other seniors got together and talked about what they wanted from this season before it began. That was true. You may also have heard that they set their goals high, that they wanted to win all 10 regular-season games and that they believed mightily in their chances to go undefeated. Also true.

What you probably don't know, though, is that the planning, or at least the dreaming, to this state championship business goes back farther than a few weeks. Or even a few months.

In truth, for the seniors, it dates back two years, to when they were sophomores.

Mostly, they were a raggedy group back then. Talented, naturally, but also unpolished and largely unknown.

Not that any of that stopped them from looking to the future.

"Oh yeah, we talked about it a lot," said senior defensive and offensive lineman Steve Brett, a hulk of a teen who was instrumental this year's success. "We knew back then that we were going to be good when our senior year came around."

Perhaps he was blowing it out of proportion and they simply touched on the topic. Or perhaps he spoke the truth and he and his mates were a horde of visionaries given to prescient predictions.

Who knows? The records on that forecast are spotty at best.

Either way, and more importantly, they achieved their goal and now all that's left is for them to delight in its grandeur.

For many of them, there were supreme sacrifices made - weekends, summers, holidays, all spent on the field or in the gym without question or grumble. They'll tell you it was all worth it, the blood and the sweat, because it got them where they wanted to go.

"They did everything we asked," head coach Mark Schmidt said time and again this season. "I know there are a lot of teams that work hard, and some of them probably work just as hard as we do, but no one works harder."

It has been said that the victors pen the history books, so that could be true. For now, and for the foreseeable future, they are content in knowing that they gave an incredible performance. Unbeaten. Untouched.

And where lesser athletes must fabricate their fish stories, the Redskins will never have to be so dishonest. They actually caught the big one, and gutted it, and they will be sustained on it for a long time.

Maybe forever.

"I'm never going to forget this," said Brittingham. "Never."

Thursday, December 13, 2001

Local Sports

On a dry field, Wolverines would be state champs

By Brian Knavish, Sports Editor December 12, 2001

HERSHEY, Pa. - The state championship game is supposed to involve a thick, brown liquid: Chocolate. After all, the game is played in Hershey. But it was a different thick, brown liquid - mud - that was the difference in Saturday's PIAA Class AAAA Championship game in which Woodland Hills fell to Neshaminy, 21-7. Football players and coaches aren't supposed to play the "what if" game.
But sports writers are. That's how we make our living.

Therefore, you can't help wonder what would have happened if the game had been played on a dry field instead of in a rain-soaked quagmire.

You also can't help but wonder what would have happened if all-everything player Steve Breaston hadn't missed much of the game with an ankle injury.

Chances are, if either of those things hadn't happened, Woodland Hills would have prevailed and would now be the state champions. Woodland Hills is a team that thrives on speed. Rain and mud are notorious for slowing down speed.
The mud took away the Wolverines speed and, in essence, neutralized the weapon that had made Woodland Hills an undefeated team entering the game.

Neshaminy, on the other hand, is basically a power running team. Behind a big offensive line and standout back Jamar Brittingham, Neshaminy also entered the game 14-0. The mud was not a factor for the power-oriented Neshaminy rushing attack as Brittingham gained 157 yards, caught four passes for 106 yards and scored two touchdowns.

"Weather is a great equalizer for speed," said Woodland Hills coach George Novak. "Our defense is predicated on speed, and we couldn't do what we normally do because the speed wasn't there."
Breaston's injury may have been an even bigger factor in the loss.

Breaston has been the best player in the state of Pennsylvania all season. While he's had nagging ankle injuries all season, he badly twisted an ankle late in the first half. He limped back onto the field in the second half but was removed by trainers in the fourth quarter. "It's the last game of my high school career," he said. "I want to go back in, but I had two ankles messed up and couldn't (because of the trainers)." Without Breaston, the constant big-play threat of the Woodland Hills offense was gone. Neshaminy just loaded the line and stopped running back Kareem Dutrieuille.

The loss in the mud prompted some to question whether the state championship game should be played on natural grass. Of course it should. Football is meant to be played on grass. Weather conditions and mud are just part of the game.
"You have to play the game," said Novak.

But Woodland Hills has nothing to be ashamed of. The team went 14-1 this year, outscoring its opponents 479-137.

The Wolverines did what hundreds of other schools across the state didn't do, they made it to the state championship game. On a different day with different luck, they'd probably be state champions.

Unfortunately there are now thousands of fans who saw Woodland Hills play for the first time on TV Saturday and came away a bit disappointed. To these people, I assure you, you did not see the real Woodland Hills.

Breaston was hindered with an ankle injury that prevented him from truly displaying his ability. Normally, he's the best player on the he field hands down. His physical ability has never been questioned, but the fact he came back out despite the obvious pain showed what Breaston's made of on the inside: true guts. Most players would have never even attempted to come back out in his condition. While Breaston and his senior teammates are gone, Woodland Hills will be back.

The team already looks strong for next season. Wide receiver/defensive back Ryan Mundy is only a junior and figures to be one of the top players in the entire WPIAL next season. Starting tackle Phil Hall is 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds. He, too, returns and will be a force on the offensive line. Antawn Coleman or Matt Yezovich will take over at quarterback. They are relatively unknown at this point, but so was Breaston at the beginning of last season.

Running backs Ken Benzo and Joe McDaniel got plenty of seasoning backing up Dutrieuille this season. Fullback Y'Hoshua Murray also looked impressive filling in for Doug Connor. Linebacker Mark Yezovich was a co-starter this season and returns to the defense next year.

There are a ton of long faces at Woodland Hills right now, and understandably so. But the players, coaches, fans and parents should be proud.

The Woodland Hills program has firmly entrenched itself as one of the best in the state. Actually, one of the best in the the country.

Sports editor Brian Knavish can be reached via e-mail at brianknavish@yahoo.com.

Woodland Hills Progress Star 2001

Hershey not worst field ever

Monday, December 10, 2001
By Rod Frisco
Of The Patriot-News

There's no avoiding the issue after Saturday: Field conditions at Hersheypark Stadium became major news when the all-day rain made the middle of the field a soupy mess for the PIAA Class AAAA football championship game.

After receiving rave reviews for the past three years, the field suddenly became as much of a topic of discussion as Neshaminy's 21-7 triumph over Woodland Hills.

There is little doubt that field conditions played into the Class AA game somewhat and the Class AAAA game especially. Nearly an inch of rain fell in the Hershey area on Saturday, and the result on a grass field was inevitable: mud.

But hold on. Before knees start jerking wildly in the direction of Altoona or Pittsburgh or Moosic or some other venue favored by the anti-Hershey crowd who count some legislators among them, consider that virtually any other grass venue would certainly have been far worse at this time of year.

And although the field was muddy and sticky in the middle, players were not hitting the deck with feet flying out from underneath them on a consistent basis. It was slippery, but not as unplayable as it was when Bishop McDevitt and Lansdale Catholic played their gloppy Class AA East Championship game there in 1995.

That was before Hershey poured millions into the field and stadium renovation that landed the football games.

The problem is that the Hersheypark Stadium playing surface, designed primarily as a world-class soccer pitch, is flat. With as much wear and tear as it gets -- at least 18 high school football games, numerous soccer games and other events since late August -- its overall durability is unquestioned.

But all of that stress, especially the football, has made it maybe a little less than flat in the middle.

Rain water did pool in the middle, and this resulted in the worst conditions for games in the four years since they returned from Altoona.

The timing was certainly not good for Hershey. Its two-year contract with the PIAA expired at the end of Saturday's game, which will be the last image PIAA board members and thousands of fans will have when the bids for the next three-year contract go out next month.

The final decision on the next host site for football will probably be made by the executive staff in April, pending board approval.

Several board members hinted to The Patriot-News this weekend that they will support a return to Hershey, primarily on an economic basis, but that was before the muddy mess on Saturday night.

This weekend's weather will likely increase the call for the state football finals to be placed on an artificial surface -- District 7 alone has 18 high school fields with the fake stuff, as opposed to none at all in District 3 -- or to be rotated.

But knee-jerk reactions won't get it done. Hershey wants the games, and management there will take any steps it can to correct any midfield drainage problems. Hershey has a track record of such action and expense.

Saturday night was unfortunate, but it's not a reason to chop off Hersheypark Stadium at the knees.

In praise of Neshaminy:

One group who sure didn't mind the pouring rain that attacked Hershey two days ago was the Neshaminy football team.

Head coach Mark Schmidt acknowledged following his team's 21-7 triumph over Woodland Hills that "Mother Nature did us a favor."

Woodland Hills head coach George Novak refused to make weather and field conditions a scapegoat, but anyone who saw Wolverine quarterback Steve Breaston bobble six snaps, then re-injure a mildly sprained ankle wishes he had a dry track on which to perform.

Still, it is worth pointing out that neither Neshaminy quarterback Jason Wiater nor any of his teammates fumbled once in the same goop until late in the game. In addition, Wiater completed 9 of 11 passes for 150 yards, only 40 yards less than the Class AAAA championship game record of 198 by North Hills QB Eric Kasperowicz in 1993.

Neshaminy's triumph saved the East from a western sweep that had been projected by many on the other side of the Alleghenies.

Most disappointing among the East's three losses was Southern Columbia's shutout loss to title game nemesis Rochester.

The Tigers' offense hardly put up a fight against the deadly quick Rochester defense.

Unaided by their bottled-blond hair and war-like mascara, the Tigers were a team that came dressed to play, but Rochester was a team that came to play.

Period.

Rod Frisco may be reached at 255-8122 or rfrisco@patriot-news.com

WPIAL sweep slips away

By Kevin Gorman
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, December 10, 2001

The WPIAL coaches greeted each other after each PIAA championship game, exchanging a congratulations on a state title victory or wishing good luck on an upcoming game. Three times it worked, from Rochester's Gene Matsook to West Allegheny's Bob Palko to Washington's Guy Montecalvo.

Three games, three PIAA championships.

It was no wonder Woodland Hills coach George Novak made a point of finding Montecalvo outside the Little Prexies' locker room prior to the Class AAAA final, offering congratulations and getting his hands on the magic that was spreading from one western Pennsylvania school to the next in Hershey.

"We're passing it on," Montecalvo said.

The talk of a possible WPIAL sweep of the PIAA championships was growing. Only three times since the state playoffs began - 1990, '93 and '98 - had the WPIAL sent representatives in every title game. Never had more than two WPIAL teams won state titles in those years. No district had ever swept the finals.

Yet, here was the WPIAL, one game away from doing just that.

As Novak walked away, Montecalvo assured those surrounding him that Woodland Hills would bring a fourth state title home. Such was the confidence that the WPIAL would sweep. The Wolverines, after all, were ranked nationally and had rolled through the playoffs with relative ease. And they had an electrifying quarterback in Steve Breaston, the Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year, to boot.

Then, it rained on the WPIAL's championship parade.

A steady drizzle had turned the field at Hersheypark Stadium into a mud pit. The field was a mess for the Quad-A final, negating the speed and elusiveness Woodland Hills had used to dominate its opponents.

"The weather is the great equalizer with speed," Novak said. "Our defense is predicated on speed. Our defense is quick. We're not as quick in the mud."

Breaston had trouble handling the slick ball, fumbling at least a half dozen times. Breaston was spectacular at times, however, but he was bothered by recurring ankle injures and was forced to leave the game. Neshaminy's Jamar Brittingham, who had rushed for 2,418 yards and 28 touchdowns, was as good as advertised. He ran for 157 yards, caught four passes for 96 yards and threw a 32-yard pass on a halfback option.

The dream season came to an end, as Neshaminy stunned the Wolverines, 21-7.

And the WPIAL put away its brooms.

"We worked so hard all year," Woodland Hills junior safety Ryan Mundy said. "For it to go down like this, it just hurts so bad. There's nothing you can say to explain how disappointing it is."

The results in Hershey were as unpredictable as the weather. Woodland Hills and Washington, who played Saturday, were overwhelming favorites to win state titles but had to play in cold, rainy and muddy conditions. Rochester and West Allegheny, who played Friday, were underdogs in nice weather.

"Sometimes, you learn a lot more from a loss than you do a win," said Novak, whose Wolverines also lost in the '96 state final. "It's tough to end on a losing note."

All four WPIAL representatives had been to the PIAA finals before, but only Rochester had won. The Rams had entered the WPIAL playoffs as the 11th seed, but they ended up beating Southern Columbia for the third time in four years. Javonn Bradley intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown on the opening drive to spark a 16-0 victory that made Rochester the first Class A team to claim three PIAA crowns.

"We came into the season with a bull's eye on our backs," Rochester coach Gene Matsook said. "Our kids kept believing. They knew where they wanted to go. They kept their eyes on the prize."

That victory set the tone for West Allegheny, which was playing its nemesis, Strath Haven, for the third consecutive year in the PIAA finals. The Indians, led by All-America quarterback Tyler Palko, were consumed with the thought of winning a state championship. To do so, they would have to beat a Strath Haven team that had a 44-game winning streak and had beaten them on a last-second field goal last year.

"Losing in these big games teaches you," Tyler Palko said. "It teaches you to be humble. Things don't come easy. A lot of teams could go in the tank after losing two big games. That wasn't the case. It makes you hungry for it. Having those sour tastes in your mouths after those losses, it makes you work harder."

Like Rochester, West Allegheny started the game with an interception that Mike Craig returned 34 yards for a touchdown. Joe Slappy exorcised his demons, shutting down Panthers receiver Josh Hannum, a Notre Dame recruit who had torched him for 170 yards on four catches last year. Palko passed for 202 yards and a touchdown. The defense played superbly. And West Allegheny won, 28-13.

Bob and Tyler Palko celebrated with a hug at midfield, the father telling his son to spread his wings.

Tyler Palko finished his career with 5,553 yards passing, 1,681 rushing and a 48-7 career record. More importanly, he had captured that elusive state championship and ended his career on a winning note.

"This is as high as you can go in high school football," Tyler said. "This is better than any individual award, because we did it as a team."

Next up was Washington, which had lost to Dallas, 31-7, in its only PIAA finals appearance in '93. The Little Prexies were poised to become the first school from Washington County to win a state title, and Montecalvo told them that this was their chance to become folk legends.

At halftime, he told Wash High players this would be his last game. It inspired the Prexies, who overcame a 12-6 deficit for a 19-12 victory over Pen Argyl. Just before the game ended, Montecalvo informed his players that his halftime speech was used only as a source of motivation and that he wasn't leaving after all.

By then, the WPIAL already had convinced its doubters.

"Hopefully, a lot more people have respect for the WPIAL," Washington quarterback Justin Gregula said. "Western Pa. is no joke. We have a lot of good football players. Not to say anything bad about the East, but we're pretty good. There's no other feeling like this. I'll remember this for the rest of my life."

Kevin Gorman can be reached at kgorman@tribweb.com or (412) 320-7812

Neshaminy back wins rival's respect

By Don Beideman
INQUIRER SUBURBAN STAFF

Woodland Hills football coach George Novak was joking. He said he would ask officials if his team could put 12 players on the field against Neshaminy on Saturday when his squad meets the Redskins at HersheyPark Stadium for the PIAA Class AAAA championship.

After all, that way, Woodland Hills would have a better chance of containing Jamar Brittingham, the dangerous running back who has rushed for 2,415 yards and 29 touchdowns this season.

He also has 250 yards receiving, with two touchdowns.

But Novak wasn't joking when he said Saturday's game game was just what a championship game should be, a meeting between the "two best teams in the state."

Woodland Hills advanced to the title game Saturday with a 34-0 victory over Altoona. Neshaminy clinched its spot with a 25-19 win over Cumberland Valley.

The Wolverines (14-0) have posted three straight undefeated regular seasons. In the last three seasons, the WPIAL AAAA champions are 39-2. The Pittsburgh-area school is also making its second visit to the Class AAAA championship game. The Wolverines lost to Downingtown in 1996.

Woodland Hills is led by 6-foot-2, 170-pound quarterback Steve Breaston, the recipient of more than 20 Division I scholarship offers. He directs the Wolverines' option offense. In the victory over Altoona, he ran for two touchdowns and threw for another.

Breaston ran for 90 yards on 15 carries. His scoring runs came from 18 and 10 yards out.

Michigan, Notre Dame, Pitt and Syracuse are among the schools pursuing Breaston.

"He hasn't even decided on his visits," Novak said. Breaston is considered a strong all-around athlete. "He's played basketball, baseball and run track," Novak said.

Breaston has rushed for 1,642 yards on 135 carries (12.2 yards per carry) this season, including 10 games in which he managed 100 yards or more.

The two-year starter has completed 31 passes for 550 yards and eight touchdowns. He's also caught 11 passes for 200 yards.

"He can also play on defense wherever we need him, and he returns kicks for us," Novak said. "He doesn't kick off for us - not yet."

Breaston's primary targets are wide receivers Ryan Mundy, a 6-2, 200-pounder who doubles in the defensive backfield, and Brian Coleman, a 6-0, 156-pounder. Mundy has caught 11 passes for 200 yards and Coleman five for 99 yards.

Tailback Kareem Dutrieuille is the team's other top ballcarrier. He has rushed for 1,566 yards on 215 carries, an average of 7.3 yards per carry. Dutrieuille led all rushers with 103 yards on 13 carries Saturday. He also scored a TD.

Novak sees a lot of similarities in the two teams, although he said he did not know a lot about Neshaminy, only what he had read on the Internet and in the newspapers. The Wolverines watched the Redskins (14-0) on film this week.

"Neshaminy likes to play aggressive defense like we do," Novak said. "They have a great athlete in Brittingham. He can go inside or outside with his breakaway speed.

"He reminds me of a kid, Gerald Thompson, we had here in the early '90s. And their fullbacks do a great job for him. Our quarterback is more of a runner while their quarterback [Jason Wiater] is more of a passer."

Novak called the 6-1, 190-pound Brittingham the best back his team has seen this season.

Because the two teams didn't have a common opponent this season, Novak said he wasn't sure what to expect.

Woodland Hills may have a slight size advantage on offense with Brian Borgoyn (6-5, 290), Josh Bannister (6-0, 281), J.P. Diroll (6-2, 270) and Phil Hall (6-3, 290) along the offensive line. Miguel Lebron is the Redskins' only starting defensive lineman listed over 240.

"Neshaminy does a lot of good things," Novak said. "You know what they say: Defense wins championships. We have a no-name defense that plays well together. On offense, we'll just have to watch the turnovers."

Brittingham lives up to coach's billing

By Matt Townsend
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, December 9, 2001

HERSHEY - Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt wanted to make it perfectly clear what he thinks of star running back Jamar Brittingham.

"Jamar is the best running back in the state," Schmidt said. "Write it down. Put it in the headlines. Do whatever you want with it."

Woodland Hills might have a hard time disagreeing with that endorsement after Brittingham rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns in undefeated Neshaminy's 21-7 victory over the Wolverines (14-1) in the PIAA Class AAAA championship game Saturday night at Hersheypark Stadium.

"He's a great running back," Woodland Hills coach George Novak said. "I thought we did a good job containing him, to be honest. He broke a couple, but I thought we did a nice job on him."

Those couple of plays made the difference in a game that wasn't decided until Brittingham (6-foot-1, 194 pounds) busted a 55-yard touchdown run off of right tackle with 5:54 to play to give the Redskins a two-touchdown lead.

"The play was called lead, and it was wide open," Brittingham said. "I knew after that, all we needed was a stop on defense and the game was over."

Brittingham's career is far from over. The senior said he is being recruited by West Virginia, Boston College, James Madison, Maryland and Connecticut. Saturday's performance only should bolster his demand with college recruiters.

"It should help," said Brittingham, who helped turn a 6-4 team that didn't make the playoffs in 2000 into a state champion. "Maybe I'll get some more interest."

The hype entering this game surrounded the Wolverines with their top ranking in the state and No. 7 spot in the USA Today.

"There was all the talk about Woodland Hills, and we came to the state championship and showed who was better (Saturday)," Brittingham said.

The Wolverines also had senior quarterback Steve Breaston, the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year.

"It motivated us," Brittingham said. "We played against great quarterbacks in our league, but not like him."

Neshaminy's defense limited Breaston, who twisted his ankle in the first half and did not play most of the fourth quarter, to 76 yards rushing and 50 yards passing.

Meanwhile, Brittingham accounted for 214 total yards. He also caught four passes for 96 yards and completed a halfback pass for 31 yards.

"He's been a gamer all year long," Schmidt said. "He's the whole package."

Brittingham ends this season with 2,565 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns. And most of those yards came after eluding at least one tackler.

"He always makes the first kid miss and maybe the next two or three," senior fullback Jay Collins said. "He's phenomenal."

Brittingham nearly scored a touchdown on Neshaminy's second play from scrimmage. He took a handoff off of left tackle and broke through the Woodland Hills defense. Mark Nesby saved a touchdown when he clipped Brittingham's feet for a 31-yard gain.

That drive ended in missed field goal, but Brittingham would make sure the Redskins would score in the third quarter. The lefty completed a 32-yard pass to Keith Ennis with 7:29 in third quarter to make him 5 for 6 passing in his career.

"I threw the ball and let him go up and get it," said Brittingham, who started at receiver as a sophomore.

Later in the drive, Brittingham caught a swing-pass, side-stepped a defender and gained 13 yards on a third-and-7 from the 17. Brittingham finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run to push the Redskins' lead to 14-6.

"He's a player," Collins said. "I'll enjoy watching him in college and in the pros."

Matt Townsend can be reached at mtownsend@tribweb.com or (412) 320-7937

Woodland Hills falls short

By Kevin Gorman
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, December 9, 2001

HERSHEY - Woodland Hills players, their lips quivering, bodies shivering and white uniforms covered in mud, watched in disbelief as Neshaminy celebrated this stunning end to the football season.

As the Wolverines trudged off the field, one last player limped slowly toward the sidelines. That's where Steve Breaston, the dynamic senior quarterback, had finished the game after a pair of injured ankles forced him to leave.

Breaston was supposed to provide the spectacular presence in the PIAA Class AAAA final. Instead, it was Jamar Brittingham who accounted for 284 yards total offense to lead Neshaminy to a 21-7 victory over Woodland Hills on Saturday night.

A continual downpour wreaked havoc on the field, thereby eliminating the Wolverines' speed advantage and serving as the great equalizer.

"You've got to play the game," Woodland Hills coach George Novak said. "It's tough. We would have liked to play in Miami in the sun with Steve healthy, but I give them all the credit. They've got a good football team."

Woodland Hills was the prohibitive favorite. The Wolverines were ranked No. 1 in the state, No. 7 nationally by USA Today and had bullied their way through the WPIAL. After victories by Rochester, West Allegheny and Washington, there was talk of a first-ever WPIAL sweep of the PIAA championship games.

"You come this far, 15 weeks without losing," Woodland Hills tackle Brian Borgoyn said, "and you'd like to get that win."

Neshaminy, conversely, went 6-4 last season and didn't qualify for the playoffs. The Redskins had promised to continue surprising the state and said they were going to turn Pittsburgh upside down in the PIAA title game.

"We've been the underdogs all year," Brittingham said. "No one expected us to win this game, no one in the East, no one in the West. We came in, got the job done and showed who the best team in the state is."

The 6-foot-1, 194-pound senior entered the game with impressive numbers - 2,418 yards and 28 touchdowns - but without Breaston's reputation. Brittingham rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries, caught four passes for 96 yards and threw one for 31 on a halfback option that set up the go-ahead touchdown.

Neshaminy had only one hope for stopping Breaston.

"Keep him off the field," Redkins coach Mark Schmidt said. "Mother Nature helped us, too."

Breaston was aggravated by both the muddy conditions at Hersheypark Stadium and the bothersome ankle injures that flared up in the second quarter and forced him to leave. He returned to play the third quarter, and finished with 76 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries and completed two passes for 50 yards.

"He gave us his heart and soul all year," Novak said. "Steve wanted to go back in. We wouldn't let him."

Neshaminy turned to Brittingham from the outset, giving him the ball on its first nine plays before Kevin Kelly missed a 32-yard field-goal attempt. The Redskins started their next drive at the Woodland Hills 31, and Jay Collins scored on a 3-yard run for a 6-0 lead with 2:24 left in the first quarter. The snap on the extra-point attempt went over Kelly's head and his pass attempt fell incomplete.

Breaston had trouble handling the ball, and fumbled either the snap or handoff seven times in the first half. He flashed his electrifying big-play ability, breaking a 52-yard run that set up his 1-yard scoring run for a 7-6 lead with 11:09 left in the first half.

The Wolverines had a chance to extend their lead after driving 48 yards and converting a fourth-and-5 on a fake punt direct-snap to Mike Nesby for an 11-yard gain. But Breaston was injured on a third-and-6 at the 8, and Austin Novak's 26-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left with 3:50 remaining in the half.

Breaston returned in the third quarter, and guided Woodland Hills downfield once again. Kareem Dutrieuille scored on a 10-yard touchdown run, but it was called back by an illegal shift penalty. Neshaminy stuffed Dutrieuille on fourth-and-1.

The Redskins then pitched it to the left-handed Brittingham, who rolled left and threw 32 yards to Keith Ennis. It was a risky play with a high payoff. "It's a gamble, but we're giving our best two players the ball," Schmidt said. "You can't argue with that."

Brittingham scored on a 4-yard run for a 14-7 lead.

Breaston was dropped for a 10-yard loss on the next series and never returned. It was a major blow to the Wolverines. Woodland Hills survived a near blow when Kelly missed a 37-yard field-goal attempt wide right, but could not overcome a seven-point deficit without their star player.

"Him being off the field hurt us," Woodland Hills safety Ryan Mundy said. "Just his presence on the field boosted everyone's level of play."

Added Borgoyn: "He's been the engine behind us. It took the air out of us when we didn't have him on the last few drives."

Breaston's backup, senior Tony Carr, threw an interception on the second play of the Wolverines' next possession.

"We didn't have much time left," Novak said. "We had to do something."

Brittingham broke a 45-yarder for a 21-7 lead with 5:54 remaining. Carr's next pass was also intercepted.

There was nothing Breaston could do but sit on the sideline and watch.

"It's the last game of your high school career, but I've got two ankles messed up," he said quietly. "What else can I say? I'm at a loss for words right now."

When it came to Woodland Hills' finish, he wasn't the only one.

Kevin Gorman can be reached at kgorman@tribweb.com or (412) 320-7812

NESHAMINY FOOTBALL
Center of attention

What's it like to be one of the greatest running backs in area history before the biggest football game of your life? Hang out with Jamar Brittingham as he walks the hallways of Neshaminy High School.

By ANTHONY STITT
Courier Times

LANGHORNE - Jamar Brittingham is alone. Not common happenstance in the hallways of Neshaminy High School, something that'll usually last for 2.4 seconds. If that.

"Where'd you get those shoes?" a passing assistant football coach asks, pointing to Brittingham's shiny, nearly glowing, red sneakers.

"Down in Philly last night," Brittingham says. "They look nice and crazy."

So, Brittingham moves down the narrow hallway, past the principal's office, with the easy gait of a cattle wrangler. He stops; leans against a locker, just the precise spot, a busy enough thoroughfare for Brittingham. "I'll be chilling right here. This is A-hall," he says. "This is where everything's at, all the ruckus."

Soon, the throng will arrive - Brittingham's throng. The once-tranquil hallway has quickly turned boisterous and packed with baggy jeans and hip-huggers, hair gel and retro-afros and ever-so-slight midriffs.

"Yo, J.B.!" a voice booms. Jamar waves, smiles, then accepts a spate of handshakes. "Some people call me J.B. But most people just call me Jamar," he says.

One by one, a crowd of baggy jeans forms around Brittingham, more like builds around him, like side dishes augmenting an entre. This is his epoch before the finale of the Jamar Brittingham Era. One game remains in a magical career (including an area-record 2,418 rushing yards this season), in the most magical season (14-0), and a lone win from the glory - the PIAA Class AAAA championship Saturday at Hershey.

And these are Brittingham's people.

"Who's the deadliest rapper in Neshaminy?" says one baggy-jean newcomer.

Brittingham giggles. He's encircled by a half-dozen or so baggy pants and, yes, a couple girls.

"What's the dilly-yo?" one asks Brittingham.

"How was gym without me?" a girl asks.

"Yo, Jamar," another baggy jeans asks, slipping a cool handshake.

"Hey, Jamar," another intervenes, "I heard you're 21. Make sure you tell the Courier Times that."

"Get outta here," Brittingham says, laughing.

Neshaminy's #2 Jamar Brittingham tries to get away from Conestoga's #26 Terrance Smith.
(Photo: Joe Dixon/Courier Times)

Brittingham remains still, as the action moves around him. He keeps propped against the lockers, in his black untucked shirt and baggy blue jeans (of course) setting the mood for his crazy sneakers.

Here comes wide receiver Keith Ennis, Brittingham's best friend. The only thing faster than Ennis' feet is his mouth. Ennis loves to talk. Brittingham loves to listen to Ennis talk.

Ennis works the hallways with a politician's verve. He could run for office. No, just give him an office. He smiles at everyone. Gabs with everyone. Hugs girls. One even plants a smooch on his cheek.

Jamar refrains from staring, but you know he's observing the whirlwind which is Ennis. But then the impossible happens: Something freezes the ubiquitous Ennis. A girl hugs Brittingham and struts right past Ennis.

"He can get a hug, but I can't," Ennis says.

Brittingham laughs.

A girl sidles up to Brittingham, hugging him.

Brittingham, you see, is the quiet one, amid this beloved ruckus, the commotion of baggy pants jostling and joking. You could even say he's shy, preferring Ennis to entertain.

"He's not like me, not outgoing," Ennis says. "I'm only here because I gotta keep people off him."

But Brittingham is the crowd, the centerpiece, just as he is on the field, as when Brittingham moves, everything moves (or chases) around him.

He's been here long enough. Time to hit the cafeteria. He eases off the lockers, adjust the bagginess in his baggy jeans.

"Gonna roll out," Brittingham says.

And they all roll out, with Brittingham in the middle, in his crazy red sneakers as they drift into the lunchroom.

Thursday, December 6, 2001

Woodland Hills has too many weapons

Woodland Hills is the top-ranked team in the state and among the top 10 in the nation for a lot of good reasons.

By RYAN BUNCHER
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Woodland Hills is the top-ranked team in the state and among the top 10 in the nation for a lot of good reasons.

Most should be on display when the Wolverines (14-0) play Neshaminy (14-0) for the PIAA Class AAAA championship at 5 p.m. tomorrow at Hersheypark Stadium.

Both teams can score a lot of points. Neshaminy has the running of Jamar Brittingham and an explosive receiver in Keith Ennis, but Woodland Hills has the weapons to match.

Quarterback Steve Breaston is one of the top players in the state, a dazzling runner with 1,644 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. He averages 12.6 yards per carry.

Woodland Hills also has an NCAA Division I prospect in tailback Kareem Dutrieuille, a powerful runner who has 1,566 yards and 19 touchdowns. He runs behind an offensive line anchored by another big-time recruit, left tackle Brian Borgoyn.

Breaston doesn't have the passing numbers of Jason Wiater, but he has thrown for 546 yards and nine touchdowns. Ryan Mundy is a big-play threat at receiver. His numbers are held down mostly by the fact that Woodland Hills doesn't have to throw much.

"They don't have many weaknesses, or any for that matter," Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt said. "They can get you about four different ways on offense. The quarterback is tremendous. The tailback is very good. The wide receivers are good. The offensive line is big, strong and fast."

The real difference between these teams is on defense. Both started with inexperienced units that had a lot of growing to do during the season. Neshaminy is solid, giving up 14.9 points per game.

Woodland Hills has been dominant. The Wolverines surrendered only 8.2 points per game, but that number has dropped to 3.8 per contest in the playoffs.

The last two weeks, they have shut down 1,500-yard rusher Andrew Johnson of Pittsburgh Central Catholic and Altoona's balanced rushing attack.

The Central Catholic game was particularly impressive because that was a team that also featured a strong passing attack.

The Wolverines have a pressure defense backed up by a secondary with tremendous speed.

"The defense has had a heck of a year for us," Woodland Hills coach Austin Novak said. "As the year wore on, they got a lot better. That is a key factor Saturday, to contain their running attack. We have got to stop Ennis and Brittingham from making big plays. They are two very dangerous receivers. It's a big challenge for our defense."

Just like the tests the Wolverines have been passing all year.

Prediction: Woodland Hills 28, Neshaminy 14

Ryan Buncher covers high school football for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Friday, December 7, 2001

Team scores

Neshaminy and Woodland game scores throughout the season.

NESHAMINY (14-0)
Father Judge W: 28-27
Bensalem W: Forfeit
Pennridge W: 28-22
North Penn W: 23-14
Central Bucks West W: 21-19
Central Bucks East W: 15-14
Harry S Truman W: 33-6
Abington W: 42-21
Council Rock W: 35-0
Pennsbury W: 28-21
Central Bucks East W: 24-14
Downingtown W: 37-20
Conestoga W: 28-12
Cumberland Valley W: 25-19

WOODLAND HILLS (14-0)
North Allegheny W: 25-0
Gateway W: 47-0
McKeesport W: 34-16
Pittsburgh Central Catholic W: 31-28
Baldwin W: 28-13
Seneca Valley W: 35-7
Hempfield W: 39-12
Connellsville W: 14-0
Penn Hills W: 42-19
Canon-McMillan W: 33-7
North Hills W: 29-0
McKeesport W: 40-7
Pittsburgh Central Catholic W: 41-6
Altoona W: 34-0

How they compare

Neshaminy and Woodland Hills team statistics.
TEAM STATISTICS
N - Neshaminy | WH - Woodland Hills
First downs N: 212 | WH: 196
Yards rushing N: 3,055 | WH: 4,129
Yards passing N: 1,437 | WH: 698
Total yards N: 4,492 | WH: 4,827
Passes-comp-int N: 178-102-6 | WH:107-43-4
Punts-avg. N: 32/29.3 | WH:26/25.3
Fumbles-lost N: 17-8 | WH:26-14
Penalties-yards N: 67/590 | WH:73/542

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

NESHAMINY

Rushing: Jamar Brittingham, 343-2,418, 28 TDs
Passing: Jason Wiater, 99-172-5, 1,359 yards, 7 TDs
Receiving: Keith Ennis, 47-726, 5 TDs

(Note: Neshaminy's total statistics for 13 games. Other win was a forfeit.)

WOODLAND HILLS

Rushing: Steve Breaston, 130-1,644, 21 TDs; Kareem Dutrieuille, 215-1,566, 19 TDs.
Passing: Breaston, 31-77-3, 546 yards, 9 TDs
Receiving: Ryan Mundy, 10-177, 3 TDs; Dutrieulle 5-50; Mike Yesovich 4-46.

(Note: Woodland Hills' totals for 14 games.)

Friday, December 7, 2001

Pettine: Teamwork wins championships

Who better than former Central Bucks West head coach Mike Pettine to break down tomorrow's PIAA Class AAAA championship between Neshaminy and Woodland Hills?

By MARK SCHIELE
Courier Times

Who better than former Central Bucks West head coach Mike Pettine to break down tomorrow's PIAA Class AAAA championship between Neshaminy and Woodland Hills?

After all, Pettine has coached five teams to the championship game and won four state titles.

When it comes to knowing what it takes to win the Big One, Pettine has plenty of insight.

How do you prepare? How do you handle the pressure? What goes through the mind of a coach leading up to the biggest game of the year?

"Each team you coach is different," said Pettine, adding that only the coach has a feel for the approach his squad needs to take. "At this time of the year, sometimes you lighten up your practices because it's been a long season. I know Neshaminy's a little banged up, so that might be what (Redskins head coach Mark Schmidt) is thinking.

"It's a balancing act. You want to limit the wear and tear, physically. But you also don't want to get away from your routine too much. You have to get the pulse of your team."

Pettine said he usually preferred to work the team as a unit heading into state title games. Instead of the different positions working independently, he liked to make sure the team was working and thinking as one.

"This time of the year, we always spent a little more time with the teamwork," he said. "You want to get the collective team together and work that way. You want to work on execution."

As for pressure, Pettine has felt it from both sides.

"The first time there is different," he said. "It's new. It's exciting. There's pressure."

Oh, but the legendary coach said the pressure doesn't lessen the second time, or third, or fourth, or fifth.

"There's maybe less pressure (the first time) than if you've been there before," he said. "Especially if you've been there before and lost, like Woodland Hills has been."

Pettine has seen plenty of film of Woodland Hills this season. And years of experience has made him quite familiar with Neshaminy.

"I think Woodland Hills has something like seven Division I players, which is remarkable in this day and age," he said. "They're one of the best teams to come out of the WPIAL in years."

But, as good as Woodland Hills is, Pettine said he likes Neshaminy to win tomorrow's game. A big reason, he said, is that the Redskins are battle-tested from surviving the weekly battles in the Suburban One League's National Conference.

"Neshaminy, having had some close games, I think that will help them," he said. "Woodland Hills has played only one close game all year. And look at the league (schedule) Neshaminy has played. The track record (of success) is there."

The difference, Pettine believes, will be Neshaminy's defense. He says the Redskins are ready for the challenge, even one as daunting as keeping the Woodland Hills offense in check.

"What impresses me is Neshaminy's defense is improving," he said. "There were some questions early in the year, but they've been able to turn that around. I saw the game last week, and in the second half they just about pitched a shutout against Cumberland Valley. I liked what I saw."

KEYS TO VICTORY

Former Central Bucks West football coach Mike Pettine, who led teams to five PIAA Class AAAA championship games and won four state titles, said he thinks the keys to victory for Neshaminy against Woodland Hills are:

• Defense: "This defense has to play one of the best games it has played all year. Any success they have is going to have to start with the play of the defense."
• Special teams: "Neshaminy's special teams were the difference against Cumberland Valley. They have to make big plays. Special teams can turn around a game."
• Turnovers: "No matter who you are, you can't turn the ball over - especially against a team like Woodland Hills."
• Ball control: "The best way to defense Woodland Hills is to not let them get the ball. But they not only have to take time off the clock, they have to put together long drives and end up scoring."
• Pettine's pick: "In a one-game shot, I like Neshaminy's momentum right now. I may be showing my Suburban One bias, but I'm picking the Redskins to win."

Friday, December 7, 2001

Calm, cool & collected

Neshaminy football players say they aren't the least bit nervous about playing for the state championship tomorrow.

By JOHN GONZALEZ
Courier Times

Neshaminy running back Jamar Brittingham has rushed for an area record 2,418 yards and 28 touchdowns this season.

Jay Wiater sat in the coaches room. A videotape of last week's win over Cumberland Valley played behind him over his left shoulder, but the quarterback wasn't really paying attention. He was preoccupied. Busy munching away at a soft pretzel slathered in yellow mustard.

Practice had recently ended, and Wiater already had changed into more comfortable clothing - a knit cap and a T-shirt and some ratty, dark sweatpants. He talked a little with assistant coach John Tezik, but mostly he just ate away at that pretzel.

Wiater, a senior quarterback, is as cool as they come, so his laid-back attitude wasn't really a surprise. Or at least it wouldn't have been on any other week or before any other game.

But, considering what's to come, considering Wiater and the Neshaminy Redskins are at the precipice of a state championship with no topographical map to guide them, you'd think he'd be a little nervous.

Some jitters. A twitch.

Anything. Something.

"Nah," he said confidently, "I'm not nervous. I don't think any of us are nervous. I'd say we're more excited than nervous."

That is the way they are - calm in a manner that belies their years. All season long they have been even-tempered. Collectively, they are a yawn of a group, as unemotional as possible until the game is at hand and there is work to be done.

Still, you'd think this week would have been different. Sure, they've faced some good opponents and been charged with unenviable, almost insurmountable tasks countless times this season, but, truly, what's happened in the past pales in comparison to the obstacle awaiting them tomorrow in Hershey.

Woodland Hills (14-0), which Neshaminy (14-0) will meet at 5 p.m. for the PIAA Class AAAA championship, is an impressive, formidable bunch. As much, or more so, than either of the Central Bucks teams. Or Downingtown. Or Conestoga. Or anyone they've played, for that matter.

The Wolverines are that good, and that revered.

And yet for all the commotion surrounding Woodland Hills, the 'Skins remained brazenly unfazed. Oh, it's not that Neshaminy doesn't respect Woodland Hills. On the contrary, the Redskins are acutely aware of the Wolverines' talent. But they aren't in awe or afraid of Woodland Hills, either.

"It's really been business as usual," said Tezik, who is the wideouts coach. "With the weather being warm lately, you'd think this is the middle of October and we're just getting ready for another game. You'd never know we're playing for a state title with the way [the players] have acted."

And so they went about their routine unfettered. There was a lot to do this week, and even more to worry about.

Woodland Hills has a powerful defense that has surrendered a paltry 8.2 points per game. Conversely, and more frightening, the Wolverines offense is scoring at a 33.7 clip.

The key there is unquestionably slippery quarterback Steve Breaston. He is a threat to run (1,644 yards and 21 touchdowns) and to pass (31 completions for 546 yards and nine TDs), and he gives opposing coaches fits.

"They have a lot of weapons," opined Neshaminy head coach Mark Schmidt. "But our guys aren't worried. I didn't even have to say anything to them. Plus, I think we got a lot of the wide-eyed stuff out of the way last week. They know what to expect at Hershey with the crowd, so there won't be anything new there. I think we're ready for this."

IF YOU GO

• WHAT: PIAA Class AAAA football championship
• WHO: Neshaminy (14-0) vs. Woodland Hills (14-0)
• WHEN: Tomorrow, 5 p.m.
• WHERE: Hersheypark Stadium
• TV: Pennsylvania Cable Network (Comcast Channel 77)
• RADIO: WBCB (1490-AM)
• WEB: HTTP://www.piaa.org
• TICKETS: Available in advance for $8 (adults) and $4 (students) at the Neshaminy High School co-curricular office; available at the gate for $8 (adults and students).

Friday, December 7, 2001

Neshaminy will find a way to win again

For such a talented team, Neshaminy (14-0) sure has been underestimated a lot this year.

By now you've likely heard it all.

The whispers. The straight talk. The overt bravado. All of which has concluded in the same predictable, and tired, analysis.

Surprise, surprise, Woodland Hills is good.

"They're freaky-good," corrected Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt. "I'm not sure if that's a word, but that's what they are - freaky-good."

He's right, of course. The Wolverines have it all. They are led by a quarterback who is probably the best player in the state and they are sustained by a defense that is as stingy (just 8.2 points allowed per game) as it is menacing. They are undefeated, a perfect 14-0, and are ranked No. 1 in the state.

And so tomorrow's PIAA Class AAAA championship in Hershey is already decided. It's a foregone conclusion, then, that the kickoff will be at 5 p.m. and the Wolverines will celebrate sometime around 8.

That is what nearly everyone says, and what nearly everyone would have you believe.

Funny thing, though. They counted Neshaminy out in the regular season when the 'Skins played CB West. And then they spit similar tripe when Neshaminy was down late against CB East. Same thing last week against Cumberland Valley and two weeks before that vs. Downingtown.

For such a talented team, Neshaminy (14-0) sure has been underestimated a lot this year. It would be one thing if the Redskins were a collection of wayward boys, but they aren't. What they are is a skilled group. From Jamar Brittingham to Keith Ennis to Jay Wiater to Jay Collins. Top to bottom. Offensive line to defensive backfield, this team can play. That is the plain truth of it. And still they are overlooked or undervalued.

"Yeah," said Schmidt sarcastically, "you should probably pick [the Wolverines] to win. Put something in there about them having too many bullets in their gun. That would work."

You know, there are probably a million good reasons why Woodland Hills could win this game - all with the accompanying sound statistical support. But there is one reason why Neshaminy will win this game, and it is the same reason why it won the previous 14 when so many swore it wouldn't.

Simply, the Redskins are insatiable. They don't give up. They haven't yet, and they won't tomorrow. They are a scrappy group, and they tend to fight hardest and best when the odds are long.

Well, the odds couldn't be any longer. No one outside of Langhorne believes in them. Which is exactly the way they like it.

Prediction: Neshaminy 28, Woodland Hills 27

John Gonzalez covers high school sports for the Courier Times.

Friday, December 7, 2001

Defense answers challenge with big stop

The game had reached its watershed moment. Trailing by a point, Neshaminy was pushed to the edges of the field - backed up against their 10-yard line in the third quarter.

By JOHN GONZALEZ
Courier Times

 

HERSHEY - Pat Carroll knew. Saw it for what it was, and was angry about it. They had worked too hard to let it slip away, and wasn't anyone else going to grunt and snarl with him? They had come too far already, he thought, and the line had to be drawn.

The game had reached its watershed moment. Trailing by a point, Neshaminy was pushed to the edges of the field - backed up against their 10-yard line in the third quarter. Woodland Hills faced a fourth-and-two from that point, and sniffed hungrily at the end zone. A score, everyone in Hershey Stadium understood, would all but finish the Redskins.

So Carroll, a senior linebacker with marked ability and certain focus, yelled at his teammates. And implored. And cajoled.

No way were the 'Skins going to lose the Class AAAA state championship on his watch.

"He told us 'this is it,' " said defensive lineman Steve Brett. "He got us up."

The play was like a lot of others the Wolverines ran yesterday. Woodland Hills - which entered the game ballyhooed as the state's preeminent program and ranked in the top 10 by USA Today's national poll - stacked the line of scrimmage and glared brazenly at Neshaminy. Everyone knew what was coming, and the Wolverines were essentially daring the Redskins to stop it anyway.

Which, much to the surprise of Woodland Hills, they did.

The play was a handoff to Wolverines running back Kareem Dutrieuille - a bear of a ballcarrier at 5-9, 195 pounds who finished with 86 yards on 20 carriers. He skittered right, then shot left, toward the strong side of the line. That's where he met Carroll, who immediately licked him and held him in place until Brett arrived to ultimately bring him to the rain-soaked ground.

It was a play that sated the Redskins and their fans and spurred Neshaminy to the eventual 21-7 victory. It was big, as important a play as the Redskins have made all season and exactly when they needed it most.

Now, don't go thinking that Brett and Carroll made the only big play of the game. In addition to their theatrical stop, Neshaminy was aided by the timely interception of cornerback Justin Edwards. With the game still to be decided in the fourth quarter, Edwards, a small defender who is abnormally fleet footed, hovered 20 yards or so behind his linebackers. It was right around midfield where Edwards planted himself, which was a good thing because that's right around where Breaston's errant throw wobbled toward.

"My eyes got as big as saucers," said Edwards. "I knew that ball was all mine. It was the golden ball. I almost dropped it, too. I'm really glad I didn't."

Sunday, December 9, 2001

Local Sports

Woodland Hills, Neshaminy experience different seasons en route to state title game

By Brian Knavish, Sports editor December 05, 2001

Woodland Hills and Neshaminy have taken two different routes to the state championship game. Woodland Hills (14-0) has blown out virtually all of its opponents along the way, where as Neshaminy (14-0) has narrowly escaped with victories in many of its contests.

But that doesn't mean much when the teams meet in the PIAA Class AAAA Champion-ship game at 5 p.m on Saturday in Hershey.

"This might be our biggest challenge yet," said Woodland Hills coach George Novak. "They're an impressive team."

Of Woodland Hills' 14 wins this season, only one has come by less than 14 points; that was the Wolverines 31-28 triple overtime victory over Central Catholic in September. Overall, the Wolverines have outscored their opponents 472-116 this season. The average margin of victory for Woodland Hills has been 25.4 points.

Neshaminy is 14-0, but they've actually only played 13 games, collecting a forfeit early in the season. Of those 13 victories, more than half, eight, have been decided by 14 points or less. The team has outscored its opponents 372-209 and the average margin of victory has been 12.6 points. Three times Neshaminy escaped with victories of three points or less.

But that doesn't make Novak and the Wolverines feel any better about their opponents.

"Offensively, it's almost like looking in the mirror at ourselves," said Novak. "They have a great running back and an extremly fast receiver."

The big weapon for Neshaminy is running back Jamar Brittingham, who is regarded as one of the best backs in the state. Brittingham has 2,418 yards on 343 carries this season, an average of more than seven yards per carry. He also has 28 touchdowns.

"He's a good player," said Neshaminy head coach Mark Schmidt. "He's a guy that's really made us. I don't think we would be where we are without him. "He's a consummate team player. When he's not running it, he's blocking or running a route or cheering. That's what makes him a special kid."

Novak is well aware of the danger Brittingham presents. "He's a big, fast kid," said Novak. "He's an Eddie George-type running back and he's very durable."

The other big-play threat for Neshaminy is receiver Keith Ennis, who has 47 catches for 726 yards and five touchdowns. "He'll be one of the fastest players we see all year," said Novak.

Quarterback Jason Wiater has completed 99 of 172 passes for 1,359 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

Woodland Hills' compliment of offensive weapons is just as explosive.

"They're a tremendous football team," said Schmidt. "There's a lot to be afraid of. If you watch a couple tapes, you realize there's not many weakness on their team. "They've got good speed, good size, they're strong, aggressive, well coached. There's a reason they're one of the top teams in the state every year."

The key for the Wolverines continues to be speedy quarterback Steve Breaston. The senior has 1,611 yards on 135 carries, an average of almost 12 yards per carry. He has 23 rushing touchdowns and two punt returns for touchdowns.
Passing the ball, Breaston is 31 of 67 for 550 yards with eight touchdowns and two intercep tions. Breaton gained 91 yards and scored two touchdowns in the semifnals last week.

Complementing Breaston is bruising running back Kareem Dutrieuille, who has 1,554 yards and 20 touchdowns on 216 carries.

Schmidt says his team knows what its up against. "They realize they're playing a very good football team," he said. "We're trying to get ourselves squared away so we're ready."

Novak says his team is equally keyed up for the game. "Not too many guys in their lives get the opportunity to play for a state championship in any sport."

Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m. at Hersheypark Stadium.

Woodland Hills Progress Star 2001

Class AAAA Championship:

Neshaminy swamps Woodland Hills 21-7

Saturday, December 08, 2001

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The speedy Woodland Hills running attack was slowed by swampy field conditions and an ankle injury to quarterback Steve Breaston as the Wolverines lost their second try at a Class AAAA championship 21-7 to the Neshaminy Redskins.

Suzan Murphy, a Woodland Hills school district employee, waits under her umbrella as fans walk from their bus to Hersheypark Stadium in freezing rain.Click for larger image. (V.W.H. Campbell Jr., Post-Gazette)

Neshaminy celebrated their victory with a team slide through the mud at midfield, followed by a team picture.

Running back Jamar Brittingham scored twice for Neshaminy in the second half to power the Redskins to a 21-7 fourth quarter lead that Woodland Hills could not surmount.

Brittingham broke through the Woodland Hills defense for a 45-yard touchdown with 5:54 left in the game.

Linebacker Erik Pederson swiped a Woodland Hills pass by Steve Breaston at the 39 on the ensuing possession.

The Neshaminy Redskins began to pull away with a 90-yard drive in the third quarter to take a 14-7 lead over Woodland Hills.

Running back Brittingham scored from four yards out to give the Redskins a 12-7 lead. Then Neshaminy quarterback Jason Waiter found tight end Scott Mullin all alone on a fade pattern to the right corner of the end zone for the two-point conversion.

Woodland Hills had their only lead early in the second quarter when kicker Austin Novak made the score 7-6 with an extra point following a touchdown run by quarterback Steve Breaston.

The quarterback was nearly stopped on fourth down as he tried to run in the ball from the one, but he powered his way into the end zone with a strong second effort.

Breaston injured his right ankle later in the second quarter and had to be replaced by backup Tony Carr. He returned to action after halftime.

Neshaminy opened the scoring with a three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter by fullback Jay Collins. The touchdown culminated a six-play 31-yard drive.

The Redskins nearly scored again at the end of the half, but Neshaminy running back Brittingham couldn't convert on fourth down when he was stopped at the six yard line, a foot short of the first down.

PIAA Class AAAA: Brittingham leads Neshaminy to title

Sunday, December 09, 2001

By Paul Zeise, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

 

HERSHEY, Pa. -- For most of the season, Neshaminy was referred to as a one-man team by many observers of high school football.

That might be true, but that one man, 6-foot-1 senior running back Jamar Brittingham, was more than capable of carrying the Redskins to the PIAA Class AAAA championship.

Brittingham, who entered the game last night against Woodland Hills with more than 2,400 rushing yards on the season, carried the ball 30 times for 157 yards and scored two touchdowns to lead his team to a 21-7 victory against Woodland Hills.

He also completed a halfback option pass for 32 yards and was stellar as a safety on the Redskins' defense.

Neshaminy Coach Mark Schmidt said there is no secret to his team's success.

"You can put this in headlines and write it anywhere you want to," Schmidt said. "Jamar Brittingham is the best running back in the state of Pennsylvania, period. Our offensive line played a great game and blocked well, but for the most part, he got a lot of tough yards on his own. We rode him all season and tonight was no exception."

The Redskins lined up early in a power-I formation and handed the ball to Brittingham up the middle. And while he didn't break too many big runs early, he got 5 or 6 yards every time he touched the ball.

After Neshaminy established it could run with Brittingham, it used him to set up screen passes and play-action passes, which kept the Wolverines off balance and helped Neshaminy control the clock. But late in the game, Schmidt gave the ball to Brittingham and he made two of the biggest plays of the game.

The first came after Woodland Hills was stopped on a fourth-and-2 at the 10. On the next play, Brittingham threw a halfback option 32 yards to Keith Ennis. The play was a huge momentum swing and led to the Redskins' go-ahead score.

Then, after a Woodland Hills turnover, Brittingham scored on a 45-yard run with 5:54 left to seal the game. Brittingham was hit at the line but broke two tackles and ran into the end zone.

"I guess it was a big risk throwing a halfback option out of our end zone, but our best player had the ball and that's why I didn't worry about it," Schmidt said. "He has done that all year for us."

Woodland Hills Coach George Novak said his defense did a good job against Brittingham, considering the muddy field conditions.

"We are a speed defense," he said.

"The weather was the great equalizer here tonight. He's a great back, but everything we do is predicated on speed and we didn't have it tonight."

Brittingham said he has offers from West Virginia, James Madison, Rutgers and Temple and is being recruited by Boston College, North Carolina, Maryland and Syracuse.

PIAA Class AAAA: With Breaston hurt, Woodland Hills succumbs to Neshaminy, 21-7

Sunday, December 09, 2001

By Mike White, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

HERSHEY, Pa. -- Teams from the WPIAL had won the first three PIAA titles of the weekend. But just when the league was ready to bring out the brooms, Woodland Hills got swept away in a mud bath.

Powerful Woodland Hills was knocked off by Neshaminy, 21-7, in the PIAA Class AAAA final last night at Hersheypark Stadium. A Woodland Hills victory would have given the WPIAL all four championships for the first time since the PIAA playoffs started in 1988.

The WPIAL had never won more than two titles in a year, but after Rochester, West Allegheny and Washington won the first three championship games, it seemed the league was ready for a sweep. Woodland Hills, after all, had blown past the competition this season. The Wolverines were ranked No. 1 in the state by the Post-Gazette for most of the season and entered the title game No. 7 in the country in USA Today. The Wolverines seemed to be everyone's favorite to win the PIAA title against Neshaminy, the District 1 champion near Philadelphia.

Then the rain started yesterday morning and didn't stop for most of the day. It was a blessing for Neshaminy because Woodland Hills is loaded with fast, quick players. The rain turned the field into a mess.

"The weather is a great equalizer," said Woodland Hills Coach George Novak. "They have a few kids with speed, but we have more of them."

Then Woodland Hills star quarterback Steve Breaston's right ankle was injured in the second quarter. Suddenly, Neshaminy (15-0) had two equalizers.

"We would have liked to have played the game in Miami with Steve healthy," Novak said.

Breaston, a senior who had rushed for 1,642 yards and was averaging 12.2 yards a carry, finished with only 76 yards on 16 carries. He left the game with 4:03 remaining in the second quarter. He started the second half but limped around the field at times and played until the 11:34 mark of the fourth quarter when Woodland Hills punted the ball away after being stopped at midfield. At the time, Woodland Hills was leading, 7-6. Breaston didn't play the rest of the game.

Breaston wanted to come back into the game in the fourth quarter, but Novak wouldn't let him. A doctor and Woodland Hills' trainer recommended Breaston not play the rest of the game.

"They said he was in a lot of pain and it would be best that he not go back in," Novak said. "I agreed."

Breaston also had trouble handling the snap from center as he fumbled it six times. Woodland Hills recovered every fumble, but the bad exchanges put the Wolverines into some long second- and third-down situations.

But Breaston refused to blame the weather for the loss.

"We can't make any excuses," he said. "The field might have slowed us down, but Neshaminy had to play on it as well. It's just a tough way to end your last high school game."

Woodland Hills running back Kareem Dutrieuille was held to 86 yards on 20 carries. It was only the second time in the past six games he was held below 100 yards.

But the muddy field didn't slow down Neshaminy's Jamar Brittingham. A senior who came into the game with more than 2,400 yards rushing, Brittingham gained 157 yards on 30 carries and scored two touchdowns on runs of 4 and 45 yards.

Woodland Hills held a 7-6 lead at halftime. Neshaminy's Jay Collins gave the Redskins a 6-0 lead in the first quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run. Woodland Hills came back and drove 60 yards in seven plays for a score in the second quarter. Breaston capped it with a 1-yard run and Austin Novak kicked the extra point.

One of the biggest plays of the game came on Woodland Hills' first possession of the second half. The Wolverines drove from their own 38 deep into Neshaminy territory, and Dutrieuille ran 10 yards for an apparent touchdown. But the score was nullified by an illegal shift penalty. After Breaston gained 5 yards on third down, Dutrieuille was stopped for no gain on fourth-and-2.

Woodland Hills quarterback Steve Breaston goes down with an ankle injury.

"It could've been 14-6 and all the momentum would've been with us," Novak said. "That penalty was the turning point of the game."

On the first play after Neshaminy took over, Brittingham threw a 32-yard halfback pass to Keith Ennis that got the Redskins out of the hole. They proceeded to drive for a touchdown with Brittingham scoring on a 4-yard run with 4:31 left in the third quarter. Neshaminy had the lead for good.

Without Breaston, Woodland Hills turned to Tony Carr, but he had a pass intercepted by Justin Edwards with 6:03 left in the game. Brittingham ran 45 yards for a touchdown on the next play.

"Our defense is predicated on speed," Novak said. "We're not as quick in the mud.

"But Neshaminy is a good team. They put in a new defense that they hadn't used in the past five games. It took us awhile to adjust to it."

PIAA NOTEBOOK

Sunday, December 09, 2001

Washington's 19-12 victory over Pen Argyl in the Class AA title game represented the first football championship ever for a school in Washington County....

A steady drizzle began falling about 55 minutes before the AA final and continued throughout both title games. The playing surface at Hersheypark Stadium, which held up well for the noon game, steadily and reluctantly deteriorated, particularly midfield between the 25-yard lines.

"Neither team is accustomed to playing in these conditions," said Pen Argyl coach Roy Cortez, whose Green Knights suffered turnovers on four of their first five possessions of the second half. "The ball got heavy and you really couldn't throw it too well."...

Strath Haven, which had its 44-game win streak snapped by West Allegheny in the AAA final Friday night, is ticketed to move up to AAAA when the new enrollment figures come out shortly....

Woodland Hills was formed 15 years ago with the merger of five schools: Swissvale, General Braddock, Edgewood, Churchill and Turtle Creek. The Wolverines lost 49-14 to Downingtown in the 1996 championship game....

The combined 10 turnovers by Washington and Pen Argyl is not a championship game record. Seven years ago, both Forest Hills and Mount Carmel had six turnovers each for a total of 12 in the Class AA championship game....

Washington's Darnell Barnes, who picked off two passes, missed some time earlier this year with a broken bone in his foot. When Barnes was asked about head coach Guy Montecalvo's halftime ploy of announcing his retirement to his team, Barnes drew back: "Was that a trick? I thought he was serious."

Montecalvo himself said that there had been so much speculation regarding his retirement, he just played off of it naturally. But he added, "I'm only 46 years old, so I think I'm a little too young to consider retirement."...

Paid attendance for the four single games this weekend was 18,055, including a combined 9,883 in rainy weather for yesterday's games....

When Neshaminy's Jamar Brittingham rushed for 157 yards against Woodland Hills, he became the only back in the four title games to top the 100-yard barrier....

Florida and Florida State are among the schools looking seriously at Steve Breaston, the 6-2, 170-pound double-threat senior quarterback for Woodland Hills....

Neshaminy's 21-7 victory represented the fifth AAAA championship in the last six years for District 1 of suburban Philadelphia. -- Nick Horvath Jr. and Rod Frisco
PIAA Class AAAA final: Brittingham, Breaston will take run at title
12/06/2001 - Rich Emert, NSN Contributing Writer

Neshaminy football coach Mark Schmidt knew Jamar Brittingham was going to be a good player when he was a freshman. He didn't know Brittingham was going to be this good.

A 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior, Brittingham has emerged as one of the top running backs in the state. He has rushed for 2,408 yards on 336 carries and scored 28 touchdowns in leading the Redskins to a 14-0 record and a spot in the PIAA Class AAAA championship game against Woodland Hills (14-0) at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Hersheypark Stadium.

Woodland Hills coach George Novak knew senior quarterback Steve Breaston, 6-2, 180, was going to be this good. Breaston has rushed 136 times for 1,644 yards and 21 touchdowns and leads the Wolverines into the championship game.

Two of the most exciting offensive players in the state going after a PIAA title. It doesn't get any better than that.

Brittingham has been at his best in the playoffs. In a second-round game against Downingtown he carried 19 times for 215 yards and scored on a 57-yard run.

"He was a wide receiver for us as a sophomore and we moved him to tailback part way through that year," Schmidt said. "He's been doing it for us ever since."

"I don't think people realize how strong he is. He carried four or five guys about eight yards on a play against Dowingtown. He can run people over if he has to."

Last year, Neshaminy was racked by injuries and lost four regulars. Schmidt was forced to play a lot of underclassmen and that is paying benefits this season.

"Because of the injuries a lot of the younger guys got time. Now this season, we had the guys who were hurt coming back along with those other guys and we've got a lot of depth" Schmidt said.

Neshaminy competes in the same league at Central Bucks West, which has played in the PIAA final the past four seasons. Schmidt said a come-from-behind 21-19 victory against CB West fueled his players' confidence.

"We went 75 yards in the final 1:40 to win that one," he said. "CB West has set the bar high around here. We all had to work harder and get better to compete with them."

Besides Brittingham, the Redskins have quarterback Jason Wiater who has completed 104 of 177 passes for 1,380 yards and eight scores with just five interceptions. Keith Ennis has caught 47 passes for 738 yards and three touchdowns, while Brittingham has pulled in 12 passes for 186.

If Brittingham and Breaston cancel each other out the key player in the final might be Woodland Hills' tailback Kareem Dutrieuille. He has rushed 215 times for 1,566 yards and 19 touchdowns.

The one thing Woodland Hills doesn't do well is throw the football. Breaston has completed just 31 of 77 passes for 550 yards. That's why it will be important for the Wolverines to get a lead.

The key statistic for the Class AAAA final is that Neshaminy has allowed an average of 141 yards rushing a game. If the Redskins can't stop Woodland Hills' ground assault they could be in for a long night.

Woodland Hills set to cap dream season

By Ryan Buncher
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, December 6, 2001

Woodland Hills has battled its share of distractions this season.

It started with very high expectations and the loss of both projected starters at cornerback to injury.

Throw in the hype of national rankings, the tragedy of a player dying during the season and a series of opponents locked in on keeping the Wolverines from going wire to wire on top, and Woodland Hills has had to display some mental toughness this season.

There only is one test left - the PIAA Class AAAA championship game against Neshaminy at 5 p.m. Saturday at Hersheypark Stadium.

"This is another challenge for them," Woodland Hills coach George Novak said. "The kids have reacted well to adversity. We've come from behind. We've played bad against good teams and still made big plays and won. Now, this is another challenge, to play for a state title. It doesn't happen often. We've got to be focused and not let all the outside conditions effect our mental and emotional preparation."

Neshaminy had its own challenges, including a schedule filled with powers like Central Bucks West and North Penn. The Redskins have had a lot more close games than the Wolverines this year.

"Early on this year, we had four games in a row that we played Penn Ridge, North Penn, C.B. West and C.B. East," Schmidt said. "It scared the heck out of me at the time, but we found out later it was a real plus for us."

The one break they got was playing their PIAA semifinal game last week at Hersheypark Stadium.

"We were fortunate to play a very good team in Cumberland Valley in Hershey," Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt said. "We kind of got the travel part squared away. The first-time-at-Hershey thing is taken care of. That was a plus for us."

The biggest plus for Woodland Hills is the growth of its defense. Both Neshaminy and Woodland Hills opened the season with limited experience on defense, but the Wolverines were good during the season and dominant in the playoffs, giving up 8.2 points per game for the year and seven points or less in all five playoff games.

Tackle Doug Sellman anchors the Woodland Hills' line, with standouts Larry Connelly and Will Clarke at linebacker and Ryan Mundy leading a very fast secondary.

"They are very athletic and fast," Schmidt said. "They all can run. They are very disciplined. People say they are just a bunch of good athletes, but they also understand the game. They don't sell out and hope to get to you. They get there, but also cover their back door, too.

"I haven't seen anybody have a big play on them."

Neshaminy has some standouts on defense, particularly defensive backs Jamar Brittingham and Keith Ennis, but the unit has been erratic. The Redskins give up 14.9 per game.

"The defense is getting better and better," Schmidt said.

"Defensively, they are very aggressive," Novak said. "They play man-to-man, in your face. They come after you. They press a lot and put a lot of people on the line of scrimmage."

Brittingham and Ennis are the keys on offensive as well. Brittingham carries most of the load, rushing for 2,418 yards and 28 touchdowns.

"We have to do our best to get him to run the ball against that tough defense," Schmidt said. "They scare the heck out of me."

Ennis, a receiver, has 47 receptions for 726 yards and five touchdowns.

"He's as good as any back we've faced this year," Novak said of Brittingham. "He's a hard runner, very quick with great speed. (Ennis) is a good receiver. He's an all-round threat on special teams, too. Any time he touches the ball, he can hurt you."

Quarterback Jason Waiter has been solid, throwing for 1,359 yards and seven touchdowns only with five interceptions.

Woodland Hills has a more balanced running attack with quarterback Steve Breaston (1,644 yards, 21 TD) and tailback Kareem Dutrieuille (1,566 yards, 19 TD), but does not pass as much. Breaston has thrown for 546 yards and nine touchdowns. Mundy, the only two-way starter on the team, is the top receiver with 10 catches for 177 yards and three touchdowns.

"They can get you about four different ways on offense," Schmidt said. "(Breaston) is termendous. He's the first guy with the ball. Everybody else that gets it does something with it, too."

Ryan Buncher can be reached at rbuncher@tribweb.com or (412) 320-7934.
ROD FRISCO:

Watch out for the West

WPIAL teams have a chance to sweep state finals

Thursday, December 06, 2001

The smugness level for this year's state football champi onships is way down in these parts, at least prior to this weekend's games at Hersheypark Stadium.

This is the year the West has been waiting for since, well, since 1988: The long-awaited and even longer-assumed West sweep of the four PIAA football championship games.

It's not that we're endorsing it or claiming certitude. In fact, we don't think it will happen.

But for the first time since the WPIAL superiority fable was crushed by the state championships -- we again delightedly report that the East leads in overall titles 32-20 after 13 years -- there appears to be at least the genuine possibility of a West sweep.

Such heresy.

It is in the interest of full disclosure that we now reveal our western Pa. roots, having long ago fled the dying coal fields of Pennsylvania fly-over country in a successful search for traffic congestion and higher property taxes.

(We were on board when the following pilot's conversation with the passengers occurred on a night flight from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg: "If you look to your left, you can see the lights of Altoona to the north. If you look to your right, you can see (muffled sound of microphone being covered followed by vague whispers) ... you can see Johnstown. Or Somerset. Or Bedford. One of those towns.")

Most agreed that our plane was going to land in Reading. If it landed.

Anyhow, we bring up this western Pennsylvania heritage for a reason. Spoon-fed the tales of District 7 dominance for years and having never seen eastern Pennsylvania football, we believed, like so many others, that the West would command the state tournament when it finally landed in 1988.

Oops.

The East, void of a WPIAL-like mythology and presumed to be less tough than the West, quickly changed the mental landscape of the PIAA Championships.

It has never really changed. Only once, in 1989, has the West won three games in a given year. The East has swept once (in 1992) and earned a 3-1 advantage five times. There have been six splits.

Enter 2001 and its brand-new set of presumptions. Woodland Hills, with its pair of 1,000-yard rushers, is the presumed favorite over Neshaminy in Class AAAA? Check.

Strath Haven presumed not as potent as the last two AAA state-championship years, this time facing West Allegheny's Tyler Palko as a senior? Check.

Class AA Washington presumed speedier and more explosive than the grinding Pen Argyl Green Knights? Check.

And another Rochester-Southern Columbia matchup in Class A? Checkmate.

There are plenty of reasons to think that in each game the team from the West holds some sort of difference-making advantage over its East counterpart. Those might even turn out to be true.

But to presume a West sweep, something that shatters the historical cookie jar? Easy there, Bull's-Eye.

Indeed, there are just as many reasons to think the East can manage a split, especially if Southern Columbia exorcises the hex that Rochester put on it in 1998 and last year.

Pen Argyl has shown exceptional grit in tough situations. Strath Haven hasn't lost since 1998. And Neshaminy? Balling the Redskins into a wad and tossing them into the bin is an ill-advised activity. They get out of tight jams more often than John Gotti.

Yes, the talk is all about the West so far, and bully for it if the sweep comes through.

In the meantime, we'll just enjoy the promise of four fine football games in Hershey this weekend.

Information you need:

Just in case you've forgotten, the PIAA's two-year contract with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts to host the football championships is up at the conclusion of this week's games. Will the games return to Hershey for the next three years when the PIAA Board of Directors decides, probably in April?

That's where the heavy betting is going, but don't count out old friend Mansion Park in Altoona or Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

PIAA officials visited Heinz Field for the WPIAL Championships two weeks ago and came away impressed, especially with the sizable crowd (nearly 40,000) that attended throughout the day.

Altoona can never be dismissed. The political winds that raged in 1998 have diminished, but they have not disappeared. Trust us.

Still, Hershey has done a magnificent job since receiving the games in 1998, and the grass field has performed to expectations, maybe even beyond. Our vote means nothing to the selection process, but we cast it anyhow: Stay in Hershey.

Time for all of you CV fans to get agitated again. Comcast's Tuesday replay of the East Championship game with Neshaminy showed quite clearly that CV's Adam Cook was an eligible receiver on the game-changing penalty that wiped out a critical first down in CV's 25-19 loss. To review: CV, trailing 13-12 a minute into the fourth quarter, appeared ready to punt from its own 44 but instead gained 32 yards when Aaron Swift hit Cook out of the slot for a first down.

A flag was thrown. A conference was held. A penalty was called: ineligible receiver downfield. An explanation was given: Cook was "covered" by the outside receiver, making him ineligible. The replay showed otherwise. Harrumph.

At that, the call was botched further. If indeed Cook was an ineligible receiver, the moment he touched the pass from Swift he should have been flagged for illegal touching of a forward pass, a penalty that carries with it 15 yards and a loss of down.

That would have given the ball to Neshaminy at the CV 29, not good for the Eagles, but better than the blocked punt for a touchdown that eventually ensued. By the way, Mike Loveland's return for the score on the blocked punt was 24 yards, not 17 yards as reported. The eyes are the first to go, you know.

Did CV lose the game because of that call? No. It lost because Neshaminy did a fabulous job of regrouping after trailing by 12 at the half and making more plays than the Eagles.

Still ...

This week's fad sport is turning Manheim Central head coach Mike Williams on a spit after his decision to go for two with 56 seconds left after his team had just scored to pull within a point of Strath Haven in the AAA East Championship game. There is no lack of thought that Williams should have played for overtime against a weakening Strath Haven team and closed the deal there.

Well, maybe. But, really, since when is trying to win on the spot such a sin? For all of the what-ifs and shoulda-couldas, Manheim's jinx is broken with a 3-yard completion instead of a 3-yard incompletion.

Can't make it to the Stadium this weekend? All four games will be broadcast live on Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN). Tomorrow's game times are 2 p.m. (A) and 7 p.m. (AAA). Saturday's game times are noon (AA) and 5 p.m. (AAAA). Also, you can catch Web casts on pennlive.com or piaa.org.

Rod Frisco may be reached at 255-8122 or rfrisco@patriot-news.com

Neshaminy's defense a well-kept secret

Much of the Redskins' success this season has been credited to the offense. Don't forget about the defense, which has held seven of its opponents to two touchdowns or less.

By ANTHONY STITT
Courier Times

LANGHORNE - Think Neshaminy. Think offense. Think the explosiveness of running back Jamar Brittingham, the power of fullback Jay Collins, the arm of quarterback Jay Wiater and the speed of wide receiver Keith Ennis.

Lovely stuff. Weaponry at its finest. The core of the undefeated team, right?

Uh, think again.

There, in the shadows of a wondrous offense, belies a heart and pulse so strong, an unheralded talent.

It's the defense, much of it under wraps, as opponents and media and fans have fixated upon the flash of the offense.

The defense is surely hoping for the same on Saturday: to surprise Cumberland Valley (13-0), the team separating Neshaminy (13-0) from the PIAA Class AAAA title game.

For the season, the defense has adored the anonymity.

It has exploited it, too.

"The opposing teams think our offense is the better part of us," said defensive tackle Miguel Lebron. "When they do that, we take advantage of them. They're not ready for our tough D."

Heed Lebron. He nailed it.

His words, like a mission statement from a defensive guru, tells the sentiments of all those in Neshaminy's defensive trenches.

Linebacker Austin Jones sure would say so.

"We get overlooked," Jones said. "But that's our strength. Our opponents underestimate us and we bite them in a sense."

Bite marks abound - as sacks and hurries and turnovers have been key, and often timely, a big reason why the Redskins are undefeated, coach Mark Schmidt will tell you.

"The offense has had two or three stellar games," Schmidt said, "but every game there's been somebody who has made a huge defensive play, maybe an interception or sack or fumble recovery."

Case in point: Friday's playoff game when the Redskins beat Conestoga, 28-12 - an archetype performance from Neshaminy's defense as it snagged three turnovers, with safety Devon Swope's interception putting "the game on ice," as Schmidt called it.

So far this season, a bevy of defensive players have contributed, Schmidt said. Swope has five interceptions. Defensive End Chuck Koch has recovered two fumbles and forced another and is tied with linebacker Geoff Donahue for the team lead in sacks with five.

"We all know each other's assignments," Donohue said.

It's also been an assignment of simplicity each week: Keep the opponent to 21 points or less - and let the offense do its thing.

"We have a very conservative game plan - hold the opponent to 21 points," said defensive coach John Chaump. "It's been a little bit of a joke, but that's the way it's been."

Simple as it might seem, it's worked. In Neshaminy's 13 games, only two teams, Father Judge and Pennridge, have scored more than 21 points.

The defense has kept seven of its opponents to two touchdowns or less, and has not allowed a team exceed the three-touchdown limit since Week 3. It has surrendered an average of just 15.8 points per game.

"In the beginning of the season, we were doing a lot of jabbering," said Swope. "But we've come together really nicely."

Schmidt would agree: Cohesiveness, he preaches.

Another key would be health.

Last season the Redskins lost linebacker Pat Carroll and defensive end Ryan van den Brand for most of the season.

This season, both are healthy, with Carroll leading the team in tackles with 97 and van den Brand chipping in four sacks.

"I get twice as excited when I see a turnover than when I see a touchdown," van den Brand said. "A turnover is like gold."

And all of the Redskins will be hoping to see lots of gold on Saturday against Cumberland Valley, an offensive juggernaut that is averaging 34 points a game.

"We don't want to give up an easy TD," said Chaump. "We have to let the offense score their four touchdowns and let Jamar do his thing, and we'll do our thing."

Wednesday, November 28, 2001

No pep rally for team, just a rally cry

One win away from a state title match-up, Neshaminy High is keeping a lid on the hoopla - for now.

By JO CIAVAGLIA and ANTHONY STITT
Courier Times

Although Neshaminy school officials want their undefeated football team to beat the stuffing out of its next opponent, they've decided to keep the hoopla in the hopper - and wait until next week, if there is a next week.

Neshaminy High School officials have yet to regale their undefeated football team - no pep rally, no bonfire, no wild sendoff.

The Redskins - who've won more games than any other Lower Bucks football team ever, going 13-0 - are one win away from a state title match-up. They'll leave for Hershey today for the state semifinals without any school-sponsored fanfare.

Feeling snubbed?

Players say no.

"It doesn't bother us," quarterback Jay Wiater said. "I wouldn't even notice it if we didn't have [a pep rally]. We're just trying to keep our heads in the game and prepare. That's all we're worrying about."

School officials said they'd rather not disrupt classes to throw a rah-rah party, even if it's for one of the biggest high school football games in Lower Bucks history.

"The prime reason students are here is to learn, and you can't take away from that," athletics director Sheila Murphy said.

The school will plan for a party next week - if the Redskins beat undefeated Cumberland Valley tomorrow at Hersheypark Stadium.

"We want to keep to the program at this point and look forward to a win this week," Neshaminy spokeswoman Sandra Costanzo said.

"You have to understand the important game is the state final," Murphy said. "Before, when this has happened [in other sports], we've always planned something before or after the state championship game."

It's been a magical season.

During the PIAA Class AAAA regular season, the Redskins knocked off titans such as CB West, North Penn and Pennridge and have marched through the first three rounds of the state playoffs. No local team has gone this far into the AAAA postseason.

Anywhere from 5,000 to 7,000 fans have packed Harry E. Franks Stadium, their home turf, for the Redskins' previous three playoff games. For last week's District One title game against Conestoga, 1,600 tickets were sold in advance.

A grand sendoff is planned for next week if the Redskins win tomorrow. The state title game is slated for Dec. 8.

Even the team's N Club - a boosters group that orchestrates fund-raisers to team dinners - doesn't object to the school keeping this week's hoopla low key.

"I don't think the players are worrying about who's throwing a party," said Erik Pedersen, vice president of the club and father of team players Erik and Anthony. "They're more concerned about becoming No. 1 in the state."

Friday, November 30, 2001

Ennis a prize catch for Neshaminy

Senior wide receiver Keith Ennis has emerged as a not-so-secret weapon for the Redskins with an area-high 45 receptions for 632 yards and five touchdowns.

By ANTHONY STITT
Courier Times

LANGHORNE - Keith Ennis is not exactly a big guy. Kind of small, actually, in football terms, only 5-8, 170 pounds.

But he's fast, quite slippery, with darting feet. He enjoys the slashing routes. But he really loves to burn the secondary for the deep ball.

"I know I can beat most of the people out there," Ennis said, curling a grin.

Yes, Ennis is stealth, with just the right amount of speed and size (or lack thereof).

The senior wide receiver has become the centerpiece of the Neshaminy passing game, ranking first in the area in catches (45) and second in receiving yards (682). He also has scored five touchdowns.

It's usually worked this way:

When defenses start ganging up on star running back Jamar Brittingham, it's time for the stealth attack. The Redskins hit Ennis with a pass, letting opponents know they have another weapon.

It's an approach that surely will be part of Neshaminy's game plan on Saturday when it plays Cumberland Valley (13-0) in the PIAA Class AAAA semifinals at Hershey.

Ennis is hopeful Cumberland Valley neglects the passing game maybe a little too much.

So he can strike.

"I think other teams underestimate our passing game," Ennis said. "We know we can't run Jamar every play. So, when I get a chance, I know I have to get open."

Ennis also is a good listener. Quarterback Jay Wiater, who has a knack of foretelling a gang-up on Brittingham, will call the occasional audible and pass to Ennis.

"Jay's probably the smartest guy in the way of football on our team," Ennis said. "We look to outsmart [our opponents] a little bit, and show them something they haven't seen."

It's all part of coach Mark Schmidt's plan.

"When Jamar is doing his thing, it's good to have a plan B," Schmidt said. "When they start packing them in against Jamar, we hit them with other stuff."

Ennis is a big part of the other stuff, Wiater said.

In the second round of the playoffs, Ennis nabbed three passes for 108 yards and a touchdown to help beat Downingtown, 37-20. In Neshaminy's latest playoff battle Friday, Ennis grabbed a 39-yard scoring pass in a 28-12 win over Conestoga.

"He's my go-to guy," Wiater said. "He's got great speed and can beat the corners. He has great hands, too. If I see a mismatch, we can call an audible and I can look for him."

"[Wiater and Ennis] are good together - in sync together, and very comfortable," Schmidt said. "People are becoming more and more aware of them. They're both good football players."

It's not Ennis as the lone ball-catcher.

It's a diverse attack.

The a variety of threats include wideouts Mike Loveland, Mark Beck and Justin Edwards.

Running back Geoff Donahue, who has six touchdowns, also will rumble out of the backfield for a pass, and tight ends Chuck Koch and Scott Mullin have been frequent options.

"Our receivers were overlooked by a lot of teams," Loveland said.

Added Schmidt: "We certainly have the weapons."

Thursday, November 29, 2001

Word to the wise: Never count out Neshaminy

If you forget everything you know about Neshaminy football from this point forward, be sure to retain this: Nothing is ever easy. Nothing.

HERSHEY - If you forget everything you know about Neshaminy football from this point forward, be sure to retain this: Nothing is ever easy. Nothing.

And so it followed that yesterday's Class AAAA state playoff semifinal in Hershey had to be another in a long line of arduous litmus tests for the Redskins. The kind where the results don't come in until the last possible moment - and even when they do, no one is quite sure whom they'll favor.

The clock ticked under two minutes in the fourth quarter in a game that, for two-plus hours, had swayed like a sickly tree in a violent wind. Neshaminy clung to a shaky six-point lead as Cumberland Valley began to cross midfield. Facing a third-and-3, the Eagles did something they tried to avoid all season. They passed.

With an obstreperous Redskins crowd filling the afternoon air with a confident din, Eagles quarterback Corey Biscof dropped back and threw across the middle. Everything seemed to stand still as the ball floated into the hands of tight end Adam Cook for what should have been a first down.

Then, just when it looked as if all was lost for Neshaminy for the umpteenth time that day, the Redskins were redeemed. Saved by their safety, Devon Swope.

He stripped the ball, you see. Forced it from the hands of Cook and onto the mint-green grass, where it was fortuitously secured by cornerback Jamar Brittingham.

And that was it. End of game.

Neshaminy 25, Cumberland Valley 19.

"I was thinking about going for the interception," said Swope, who has made so many big plays for Neshaminy in these playoffs that there's not enough space in this column to revisit them all. "I didn't go for it because I didn't want a pass interference call. But my hand was on the ball side, so I tried for the strip."

It has been that type of year for Neshaminy. The 'Skins have been in some tight games against quality opponents - backed into situations where wins were all but an impossibility and the only recourse appeared to be tears and Kleenex. Yesterday was no different.

At the half, the Redskins trailed by two scores. Neshaminy was a disheveled lot, disturbed by Cumberland Valley's running game and the ease with which the Eagles moved down the field.

The brunt of the damage in the opening half was caused by fullback Regis Perry - a large lad who, at 5-10, 250 pounds, had little trouble bowling over the 'Skins defenders. Perry finished the game with 48 yards rushing, and, at least initially, that figured to be enough.

So the Redskins retreated to their locker room at the midway point with nearly everyone thinking they were about to witness the death knell. No undefeated season. No state finals berth.

"I didn't think that," countered head coach Mark Schmidt. "I wasn't worried at all."

Either he was lying or he's as composed and insightful as they come. Whichever, and more importantly, he and the staff and the players snapped to it. They woke up, as they had countless times before, to drag themselves back into a game that Cumberland Valley clearly controlled.

A lot of that, of course, had to do with Brittingham, who was once again the best player on the field. In addition to recovering that final, fateful fumble, the senior also carried the ball 27 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Oh, and that includes the winning score.

In total it was an improbable, crazy, heart-stopping victory. Though, in retrospect - considering all they've accomplished this season against long odds - the final score and the means to that end really shouldn't come as a surprise.

Regardless, they are now where they wanted to be all along. Not that they discussed the possibility. Well, that is they didn't talk about it aloud or in the presence of company. But make no mistake, this is what they were driving toward from the onset - this chance for a state championship.

"The future," Schmidt said throatily while addressing his players in the postgame gathering, "is just seven days away."

He's right. The future, their future, is nearly at hand. That is the emboldening part.

And this is the disquieting, ironic part: Despite all their travails, the most taxing stretch is yet to come.

John Gonzalez covers high school sports for the Courier Times.

Sunday, December 2, 2001

Ennis' footwork helps save 'Skins

After Cumberland Valley scored in the fourth quarter to tie the game, Neshaminy's Keith Ennis responded with a 67-yard kickoff return, dancing down the sideline and setting up a touchdown.

By ANTHONY STITT
Courier Times

 

HERSHEY - He wanted the ball.

Neshaminy return man Keith Ennis tiptoes down the sideline during his 67-yard kickoff run that set up the game-winning touchdown.
(Photo: Art Gentile/Courier Times)
Neshaminy return specialist Keith Ennis stepped back, nabbing a kickoff on his own 13-yard line. And he began running - the dash of his life - zipping to the right, trailing his blockers, with the spirit of his team relying on his swift feet.

Ennis tiptoed the sideline. Hurdling himself far into Cumberland Valley's bailiwick. The crowd roared as he crashed to the grass, just 20 yards away from the goal line.

"I was pumped," he said.

Ennis had done it - a 67-yard kickoff run to set up the game-winning score a few plays later.

But Ennis had done so much more: It was his kickoff return that swung the momentum back into the favor of the Redskins.

With 7:57 left in the game, Ennis answered Cumberland Valley, which appeared to have just seized the momentum after tying the game, 19-19, on the previous play.

It was classic Ennis.

It was a grand rebuttal, one of several for the Redskins yesterday, but perhaps the most crucial, as Neshaminy won, 25-19, to advance to the AAAA finals on Saturday.

Ennis knew he had a chance to strike.

"They were kicking the ball to me all day," he said. "And I knew it was time to show them, to do something big. I followed my blockers and hit the hole. Then a seam opened and I hit it hard. I tiptoed the sideline."

Afterwards, in the midst of intoxicating triumph, Ennis couldn't stop grinning. He knew he had helped save his team and knew it was the appropriate moment to glow.

"I had to keep my composure [after the run]. I didn't want to get too hyped. I knew I could celebrate after we won," said Ennis, who had a 44-yard kickoff return earlier in the game and also caught two passes for 44 yards.

Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt understood the magnitude of Ennis' run, how it shifted the momentum. "It was a big play for us," Schmidt said. "We practice that. [Ennis] did a good job."

Quarterback Jay Wiater said he watched in disbelief as Ennis ran yard after yard only inches away from the sideline.

"I kept saying, 'Stay in, stay in, stay in.' He has great balance," Wiater said. "He boosted us up. We knew after that we knew we had a good chance to win."

Sunday, December 2, 2001