Playing their last home game of the regular season, the Redskins entertained both the Owls of Bensalem as well as a cheering and happy Neshaminy alumni bunch. And that was because the Homecoming festivities of last week were pushed back to this evening because of the weather. Plus with Bensalem as the opponent, it made the game that much more special as the Owls and the Redskins have been lining up on the gridiron for almost 80 years now. And as to the teams on the field, although the Owls are struggling a bit this year they always bring their “A” game while Neshaminy was looking to take their record to 8-1. So as usual -- let’s get right to it.

Receiving the kickoff to start the game, the ‘Skins displayed their now patented slow start as they certainly didn’t look like a 7-1 club. Still, even though they bumbled and stumbled through it, by the end of the first-quarter they were out in front 6-0 on the strength of a Brian Titus to Stephen Stemme screen-pass that netted 15 yards and the first TD of the game; however, as the PAT was blocked the six-point lead is explained.

Rolling to the second-quarter, Bensalem showed they came ready to play as they stitched together a nice drive that resulted in a score for the Owls and the lead too, 7-6. But it wasn’t enough to take to the halftime break as a little later in the quarter it was Charlie Marterella finding Rick Brebner for another Indian touchdown. Then deciding he wanted it nice and tidy, Coach Schmidt went for two and Bryan Dean delivered to make it 14-7 for the Creek Kids. And that’s how it was when the gun sounded as the two teams headed to their respective corners.

Following the break, and coming out with a purpose on their minds, the Owls took the kickoff and looked like they were going to knot it up until Stemme signaled a halt to that Bensalem effort with an interception of an enemy toss. What came next was a very pretty Moleskinner drive highlighted by a 21-yard pass from Marterella to Brebner that put the ball on the Owl’s one-yard line. From there it was Dean doing the honors and with Ricky Domico’s boot right down the middle, it went to 21-7 for Neshaminy.

After Neshaminy’s kickoff it was then Ariel Hoffman’s turn to make a pick to end another Bensalem drive. The ‘Skins quickly capitalized on that Bensalem miscue as well as Dean soon found the end zone on a seven-yard scamper for another six-points. Lining up for the PAT, though, the Bensalem pressure was just enough to cause a second Warrior missed kick and the score then read 27-7 for the Blue and Red.

With the fourth-quarter underway after the Dean score, the Owls were unable to find any kind of offensive footing and punted it away with nine minutes remaining. What followed was a methodical six-minute Neshaminy drive featuring a whole new cast of characters on offense. And icing that ball control display was Hoffman who bolted the last five-yards for another Langhorne score. With the PAT good, our boys were then up 34-7 with a little over three minutes on the clock. From that point, and despite a final offensive effort that got it in close for Bensalem, it was just a matter of time before it ended just like that.

And never routine, here it comes: Game to ‘Skins!

Now at 8-1, the ‘Skins can spend the week focusing in on their last remaining task of their ten game regular season schedule: The Pennsbury Falcons! Always exciting and always entertaining, this year’s game sure qualifies as one for all the marbles as Neshaminy’s next door neighbor finished at 8-1 too. So this contest is not only for those all-important Lower Bucks County bragging rights but the SOL-National Conference championship along with a strong District One playoff slot. With the Black and Orange as solid as they come, it should be a barn-burner so I’d suggest you get there early as Falcon Field will surely be rocking next Friday night.

See you at the game!

Game captains: Marko Dapkey (#7 Jr), Bryan Dean (#28 Sr), Stephen Stemme (#32 Sr), Nick DiDonato (#51 Jr)