A wet and drizzly night in Langhorne not only put a damper on the crowd but also the field during the second game of Neshaminy’s 2009 season. And whether it was all about the weather, or just a bit of a let down after a strong opener the week before, this was one contest that the Redskin faithful are glad to have behind them.

Taking the opening kickoff, the Tribe never seemed to get in gear in the first session while the Hatters also were a bit sluggish. Still, it was Hatboro that drew first blood near the end of the first 12 minutes to take a 6-0 lead. And with the extra point squibbed, that’s the way it stayed. It should be pointed out, though, that some less than stellar Blue and Red tackling technique sure helped the visitors cause.

The second period saw more of the same although the ‘Skins appeared just a tad more in control. In fact, that more focused look on their faces resulted in a score when Charlie Marterella found Ricky Williams open for a catch and six-points too. Unfortunately, the wet ball didn’t cooperate on the PAT and the score remain deadlocked at 6-6. And even though Neshaminy got the ball back, and had two shots at a field goal, they came up empty handed both times and the two clubs then headed for the locker rooms all knotted up at a TD each.

With the Hatters taking the ball to start the last 24-minutes, they proceeded to stitch together a very impressive drive that didn’t end until they were inside Neshaminy’s ten. Forced to try for a field goal, it was blocked and after taking over, the Tribe moved it out to the mid-field area before stalling. A nice punt followed, however, which then left the Hatters starting around their five. Going up top almost immediately, it was Kyran Kervick who stole an enemy aerial at the 13 which was followed up by his return all the way to the end zone for the score. With Ricky Domico drilling the PAT, the ‘Skins had grabbed the lead, 13-6, for the first time in the game.

Following the kickoff, the Hatters’ offense had trouble moving the ball and was soon forced to punt away. Taking over on its own 38, Neshaminy couldn’t move the ball either and looked set to punt. Catching a break, the Hatters were penalized for too many men on the field which gave our boys a first down at the mid-field stripe. Looking sharp, Brian Titus then found Williams on a nice pass that he took down to the 25-yard line. But that drive also came up short, as a Titus pass was picked at the eight-yard line with the Hatters offense coming back on the field once again.

Not having much luck, Hatboro couldn’t take it out of the hole and was forced to punt in what seemed no time at all. Catching a nice roll, the exchange favored the Hatters as Neshaminy found itself starting at their own 33 after the kick. Also going nowhere, Langhorne soon was forced to punt as well with the visitors staring at their 25 after the short return. Using all four downs, it still didn’t get the job done as the Redskins’ defense stepped it up and stopped the Hatters short. And then from there, the Blue and Red offense did just enough to burn the clock down to zero while cementing the 13-6 win.

So here it comes: Game to ‘Skins!

Wrapping this short story up, it may not have been pretty but the Redskins did take the young campaign to 2-0. And granted, although the play of the Creek Kids may have seemed below average from time-to-time, on a rainy, sloppy field they did just what Coach Schmidt asked – bank the “W”. So let’s end on that note while also giving a nod to the Hatters who played tough, determined ball all night long.

Next week sees the Germantown Bears hosting the Redskins on Thursday night, as Neshaminy takes to the road for the first time this season.

Game Captains: Ariel Hoffman, Rick Brebner, Bryan Dean and Stephen Stemme.

See you at the game.

Hatboro-Horsham Game Pictures

Photos by Jesse Garber

Hatboro Game Video

Videos by Matthew Bartolacci

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