With Mother Nature in a less than chipper mood, Homecoming Day festivities were rescheduled for next Friday’s game; however, Neshaminy’s grid fans were not left wanting as the tangle with Council Rock North went off as planned. And with the Indians being the ‘Skins first football opponent way back in 1928, no doubt each time these two teams play that first match-up at Newtown’s Pickering Field comes to mind. Still, this is 2009 and so the focus was on the current season and the tough 5-2 North squad that showed just what it’s capable of in its Abington win last week. Meanwhile, with the Blue and Red at 6-1, and both clubs obviously in the playoff hunt, we don’t need to say more. So let’s get right to it.

As Neshaminy received the kickoff after winning the toss, expectations were high. But that first offensive series failed to develop and the ‘Skins were forced to punt. Catching a break, Dylan Lange recovered the mishandled Council Rock catch at the one-yard line and it looked like the Blue and Red would be out in front just like that; however, the ball went back to the Indians when a Creek Kid fumbled on the ensuing play and Council Rock had escaped the gallows. From there it could be argued that the template was established as the two teams stumbled through the first-quarter without a point being scored over the 12-minute opening session.

Heading to the second period, the Moleskinners were threatening at one point before a Charlie Marterella pass was picked by a Council Rock player in his own end zone. Then a little later it was North taking control when they grabbed a 7-0 lead after ending a drive with a nine-yard pass for a TD. Not looking back, though, it was Marterella soon finding Dwight Williams for a long gainer that had Neshaminy set-up at the Indians’ 21-yard line. Answering the bell on the next play was Stephen Stemme who blew one up the middle for six points. Ricky Domico didn’t miss on the PAT and the score went to 7-7. With the gun sounding that the half had arrived shortly thereafter, both teams then headed for the locker rooms for a chance to towel off.

Taking the field for the final 24 minutes of play, a scoreless third-quarter was brought back from the dead when Bryan Dean capped off a nice ‘Skins drive with a four-yard burst for a TD with less than four minutes to go in that period. With his foot once again on the money, Domico then split the uprights and it went to 14-7 for Neshaminy. With the third then ending in no time, the ‘Skins took their slim lead into the fourth.

Still not able to shake “turnoveritis”, Neshaminy saw another drive end on an interception which allowed the visitors to stay within reach. And even though the offense was making it harder than need be, the defense kept it under control for the most part as the clock continued to roll. Unfortunately for the Schmidtmen, the North offense refused to mail it in and with under four minutes to go they started off another series at their own 13. Showing plenty of determination, that Council Rock effort didn’t end until they found the end zone with just 23 seconds remaining in the game to make it 14-13. Electing to tie it up and head to OT, the Rock lined up for the obligatory point-after try. But it wasn’t in the cards as a Redskin player burst up the middle, got a hand on the boot and nudged the ball off course.

With no further scoring in the contest, you surely know what’s coming: Game to ‘Skins!

Wow! Talk about pulling your head off the chopping block. And perhaps the congratulations should be offered to the North team that came to Heartbreak Ridge with upset on their minds -- and came close to making it a reality. On the other hand, and notwithstanding the rain and wet, our guys once again did what they needed as they pocketed another win and pushed their overall record to 7-1 (while taking over sole possession of the second spot in the SOL-National behind the 8-0 Pennsbury Falcons).

So maybe some days it’s better to be lucky than good (or maybe a little of both).

Finally, and speaking of the season, it’s hard to believe how fast this campaign is flying by as the Warrior ten-game regular schedule is now 80% complete. But it’s not over yet and when it’s next door neighbor Bensalem that’s stopping by next week, our guys will surely need to be at their best as the Owls are always ready to take it to the mat.

See you at the game.