Great Moments Volume 1 Edition 5
ALLENTOWN − For the sake of accuracy, they should’ve changed the word “Visitor” to “Baxter” on the Allentown Stadium scoreboard last night.
After all, Neshaminy High fullback Bob Baxter did manage to score all 21 points as the Redskins overcame a 13-0 third-quarter deficit en route to a 21-20 conquest of Allen High.
Some 7,000 fans watched Baxter register three Neshaminy touchdowns and placekick three extra points in one of the finest individual performances seen in the Lehigh Valley in quite some time.
The victory preserves the Redskins’ unbeaten streak (4-0-1) while increasing its lead (2-0) in the new East Penn Football League.
Waits For ‘Cue’
Baxter, a 6-1 195-pound senior, waited until underdog Allen had surprisingly taken its 13-0 lead midway through the third-quarter. Then he went to work − with a purpose!
Baxter returned the Canarie kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown. It not only put the Redskins back in the ballgame but also supplied a psychological boost when the roof might’ve come tumbling down.
Later in the fourth quarter, the workhorse ball-carrier returned a punt 61 yards for the second Neshaminy touchdown to tie the score. Then, like Mr. Automatic, he booted the PAT as the ‘Skins took a lead they never relinquished.
Baxter, just a few minutes later, continued to amaze the throng by galloping 32 yards for the third Neshaminy TD the very next time he touched the pigskin.
That third touchdown gave the Redskins a 21-13 lead and some much-needed insurance because Allen High battled back with another TD of its own in the final minute.
Outstanding Night
Although the 21-point performance told the victory story, Baxter ran very well all night long. In addition, he impressively punted four times for a 35.5 average, played standout defensive ball and provided a king-sized headache to the Canaries.
During the first half, the Redskins had a major problem trying to contain the Canaries T and I formations which had Allen touchdown-bound several times. However, three fumbles − all in Neshaminy territory, one on a punt − cost them possession.
The Canaries (0-3) did manage to score a touchdown 35 seconds before halftime when halfback Jim Rau plunged one yard to climax a 19-play 86-yard movement. His PAT was wide.
Neshaminy received the second-half kickoff and moved from its own 30 to the Canaries 32 in 12 plays − Baxter carrying six of those times for an average gain of nearly five yards a carry. However, the ‘Skins poor aerial attack stalled the drive.
Allen took over at its 32 where some fine running by Greg Newhard moved the ball to the Neshaminy 47. Quarterback Terry Funk and end Bob Follweiler collaborated on a well-executed bootleg pass that netted 42 yards and put Allen on the Redskins five. Newhard immediately cracked over for the score and Rau’s conversion made it 13-0.
Baxter Gets Hot
That apparently was Baxter’s cue. He caught the kickoff at his own 22 and raced full steam straight up the middle. Two Canarie defenders had a shot at him around the 40 but a quick thrust of speed shook them off.
Neshaminy, therefore, had gotten into the scoring column with 4:45 remaining in the third quarter. They still trailed, 13-7, however.
An exchange of punts followed after the kickoff before Allen again failed to launch an offensive and was forced into the punting situation that set up Baxter’s second TD.
Funk punted from his own 26 and Baxter hauled it in at the 39. He streaked to the left sideline and broke into the clear helped by some well-placed blocks.
It was a different game after that.
The_Morning_Call_Sat__Oct_5__1963_Bob Baxter