In what developed into a much anticipated SOL match-up between the ‘Skins and Ghosts, the setting couldn’t have been better for the fans packed into Abington's Schwarzman Stadium. Showcasing the 3-0 Moleskinners and a 2-1 Abington squad, this was certainly one of the “Games of the Week”. With that said, the two teams came ready to play although it looked as if Abington was a little bit more ready in the opening period. In fact, after a couple of sloppy drives and fumbles by both teams, it was Abington that drew first blood on a very pretty pass by their top-flight quarterback, Kevin Morton, as he pitched a strike that resulted in the Ghosts holding a 7-0 lead as the first quarter ended and the second began.

Then it really got exciting as the Tribe and the Ghosts battled through the final three quarters. But when the dust had cleared it was Neshaminy that came out on top, 38-26, in a mini-barnburner. Featuring the ground exploits of Jason Ulmer (who lugged in 3 including one on a 70-yarder on the first Neshaminy offensive play following Abington’s score) and Justin Kinney’s passing (he tossed two for TDs as he found Kevin Steinberger on one and Paul Carrezola on another), ‘Skins fans were also treated to a field goal when Seth Jeffries chipped one in from the 5-yard line. All in all, it was another nice offensive performance by the Creek Kids as they continue to put points on the board. And for the game Ulmer had 222 yards on 28 carries while Kinney was 12 for 16 and 145 yards with no interceptions.

On the other side of the line the defense also did what was necessary; however, and rather ironically, two of the four Abington scores came via land routes with the other two up top. Perhaps the attention given Morton and the vaunted Abington passing game opened a hole or two on the line that normally wouldn’t have been expected. No doubt Coach Schmidt will remind his defensive 11 to keep one eye on the ground in addition to the one watching the sky in games still to come.

So with a good start to the 2007 season (number 80 in case you’ve forgotten), the 4-0 Blue and Red can now enjoy the extra day they have to get ready for the Truman Tigers.

See you at the game.

Photos courtesy of Jesse Garber

Comeback kids

By STEPHEN CORNELL
Bucks County Courier Times

Early deficits don't bother Neshaminy. Just the opposite, falling behind early seems to have a positive effect on the Redskins.

After Abington went ahead by a touchdown in the second quarter, the Redskins answered with 17 points in less than 61/2 minutes.

Neshaminy went on to score on six consecutive drives to beat the host Ghosts, 38-26, in the Suburban One National Conference opener for both teams at Schwarzman Stadium.

The unbeaten Redskins (4-0 overall, 1-0 SOL) have been behind in the first half in three of their first four games.

“We're used to it,” Neshaminy senior running back Jason Ulmer said. “We were losing against Coatesville and Hatboro-Horsham and answered both times.”

Ulmer provided a quick answer to Abington's brief lead. One play after the Ghosts jumped in front on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Morton to Keith Jones, Ulmer streaked 70 yards down the left sideline to tie the game, 7-7.

Ulmer finished with 222 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries. In four games, he has 757 yards and is averaging 8.8 yards per carry.

“Ulmer's big. That long run sparked the offense,” senior quarterback Justin Kinney said. “It set the tone that we could score on their defense. We can control the line of scrimmage and do what we want. We just have to play as a unit.”

Defenses can't simply focus on Ulmer. After a shaky start against Coatesville, Kinney has been outstanding.

In the last three games, Kinney has completed 73 percent of his passes (27 for 37) for 374 yards and six touchdowns. Against Abington (2-2, 0-1), Kinney completed his last nine pass attempts and finished 12 for 16 for 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Abington's explosive offense actually outgained the Redskins, 383 yards to 353 yards, and the Ghosts scored touchdowns on their first three possessions.

But Neshaminy had taken the lead in the first half after a blocked punt by Bob Reece and an interception in the end zone by Gary Renson and just kept scoring.

“We were able to get up in there and make a play or two,” Neshaminy coach Mark Schmidt said. “Abington's a good football team.”

NESHAMINY 38, ABINGTON 26

Player of the game: Neshaminy senior quarterback Justin Kinney completed 12 of 16 pass attempts for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Over the final 21/2 quarters, Kinney completed his final nine passes.

Play of the game: One play after Abington grabbed a 7-0 lead midway through the second quarter, Neshaminy senior running back Jason Ulmer answered with a 70-yard run down the right sideline for a game-tying touchdown.

September 21, 2007 7:29 AM

Redskins' Ulmer runs past Ghosts

Read the full story here:

Philly.com Abington Game Story