Redskins dominate Green Raiders

On a drizzly wet night in Langhorne, the Redskins of Neshaminy hosted the Green Raiders of Ridley at Heartbreak Ridge in a PIAA 4A District One quarterfinal contest. And with each program sporting a long, tradition rich history in addition to representing opposite ends of the district, this contest was sure to be a good one. Plus as this was a playoff match up, the winner was set to earn a ticket to the next level with the loser going home. So with the stage set, let’s get right to it.

The coin toss went to the Tribe and electing to receive, the ‘Skins offense was the first on the field. But with the Blue and Red throwing an interception to start the game, it certainly looked bleak for the Indians; however, a Green Raider fumble on their first play was recovered by Neshaminy and it looked like a “no harm, no foul” exchange. And in fact, that’s exactly how it was to be as the Ridgemen then set the tone for the game as they controlled the line of scrimmage and marched methodically down the field. Finishing up that text book drive, it was Quilan “The Mini-Bus” Arnold who lugged it in the last nine-yards for the score. That TD was followed by Mr. Dependable, Seth Jeffries, as he hit the PAT to put Neshaminy out in front, 7-0, at the mid-point of the first-quarter.

After the following kickoff, it was the Ridley offense doing its best to take it the distance. But coming up short, the Central League team had to settle for a 26-yard field goal to make it 7-3 late in the opening quarter. As the game then rolled into the second-quarter, the two teams traded some punches and exchanges of possession before a botched Ridley punt gave the ‘Skins the ball at the visitors 15-yard line. Three straight runs by Bryan “James” Dean then covered the distance to the promised land with another successful conversion by Jeffries making it 14-3 for Neshaminy.

The rest of the quarter saw the Redmen work the field before finally getting themselves in position for a 39-yard field goal attempt with one second on the clock. And showing he has plenty of leg strength, Jeffries nailed it to open Neshaminy’s lead to 17-3 at the two squads broke for the half.

Coming back out to start the final two quarters of play, it was Ridley’s turn to receive the kickoff. Although moving it out smartly at first, the Raiders’ offense stalled once again and punted the ball away. Following the exchange, it was the ‘Skins then starting at their own 30-yard marker. But they didn’t stay there long as a couple of nice runs by Arnold moved the rock to the Raider red zone. From there it was Dean who finished it up as he took it the last 19 ticks for the score. With Jeffries’ PAT on the money, the scoreboard spun to read 24-3 in favor of the ‘Skins. With Jeffries kicking off again, it was Ridley then starting at their own 40 after a nice return by their deep man.

Although quickly getting into trouble on that offensive series, a facemask call saved that drive for the Raiders and gave them some hope at the mid-field line. And looking rejuvenated, the visitors then took it down inside Neshaminy’s ten before that drive began to unravel yet again. Finally going to 4th down at the Moleskinner 15, a desperation pass by the visitors found only the ground and the Ridgemen took over as the fourth quarter got underway.

With the Creek Kids starting inside their own red zone, it was then time for some ball control as the ‘Skins ran  straight ahead at the Ridley defense. With Neshaminy looking dominant across the line, the Raiders were unable to stop Langhorne’s punishing ground game. And looking like he couldn’t wait to put it away, Dean finished off that 85-yard march with a 39-yard sprint that saw the ‘Skins go up 31-3 after Jeffries’ PAT. With the ensuing kickoff then setting the visitors up at their own 25, it was the Raiders playing catch up ball at that point. But it was to no avail as that effort also ran out of gas on downs, as another fourth down pass by the Ridley quarterback fell flat.

With five minutes then left to go, and the game’s outcome not at all in doubt, Coach Schmidt pulled his starters and sent in a whole new cast of characters. And not missing a beat, Ricky “The Rocket” Williams stepped right in for Arnold and Dean as he twisted and danced his way down to the Greenmen 20 before Neshaminy turned it over on downs at the two-minute mark. From there on out, though, it was just a matter of watching the clock expire as the game ended with the Raiders stacked up at the line of scrimmage.

And by now you certainly know what’s next: Game to ‘Skins!

Folks, there’s not much more to say other than – nice work Redskins. With both the offense and the defense controlling the action for the entire 48-minutes, it was a delight to watch our boys tonight as they pocketed the ducat to next week’s District One semifinal game. So let’s all stand up and give the team a cheer and mark your calendars too as next weekend the ‘Skins move on to another playoff battle.

Tonight's game captains were Paul Carrezola, Dan Shirey, Jay Colbert and Nick Schaeffer.

See you at the game.

 

Photos courtesy of Jesse Garber