Neshaminy 45 - Hatboro 0

Tribe goes to 2-0 with win

HORSHAM: Taking to the road for their second game of the young season, the Schmidtmen hit the road once again. But although last week’s opponent was Northeast High of Philadelphia – for the first time ever – this week’s game featured the Hatters who the Blue & Red first had on their schedule in 1930. And despite not playing each other on an annual basis the ‘Skins know enough about Hatboro to never forget they come to play ball! With that said, let’s get down to the action on the field.

Winning the toss, the Hatters took the opening kickoff. But with a short return and penalty, they lined up “only” at their eight yard line. And from there a quick three-and-out saw the ball in Neshaminy’s hands at the 47 after the punt. Nate Hall started it up as he grabbed a few followed by Blake Sullivan up the middle to the 35. Justin Andrews then took a Bubble Screen to the 25 with Hall taking the next handoff all the way in for the first score of the night. With Nick Tucci on the money, it went to 7-0 ‘Skins.

With the kickoff pinning Hatboro once again, and following another three-and-out by the home team, Langhorne was back in business around the 40 following the Horsham punt. And in just no time at all, thanks to Denny Lord and Sullivan doing some heavy lifting, it was Hall popping in the end zone again from in close. A low snap upset the PAT and the score then stood at 13-0 Neshaminy, still in the first-quarter. And with a pattern established, it was the Moleskinners then kicking off with Hatboro failing to find offensive traction and then punting it back to the ‘Skins.

Set up at the 50, and not wasting time, it was Hugh Hart tossing a “screen” to Andrews for 15 stripes and a first at the 35. Sullivan then rumbled for ten and another first at the 25. Hall then picked up 19 to the six. Going to fourth and goal, it was Sullivan out of the “jumbo package” who punched it in. Trying for two, Hall was stopped short and the score held at 19-0 as the second-quarter got in gear.

Neshaminy once again kicked off as the Hatters again failed to earn a first. Cole Creighton took the punt and after his return, it was Neshaminy set up at the Hatter 47. Mixing it up a little, Coach Schmidt then had Devon Brown in to run the “Wildcat”. Calling an end around, it was Andrews taking the pitch and then pulling up for a throw to a streaking Hamiid Pack who went the distance for another ‘Skins score. Tucci then split the uprights and the score rolled to 26-0 Neshaminy. Another kickoff by Langhorne saw Hatboro once again come up a cropper with a punt following. Cole Creighton took the catch on the run and after good coverage, the Creek Kids weren’t starting in Hatter territory for the first time in the game as they lined up at their own 32. It didn’t make much difference, though, as Hart then nailed Andrews for a 67-yard touchdown pass that left the crowd wondering if the ‘Skins receiver had jets tied to his shoes. After the PAT it was then 33-0 for the visitors.

After the kickoff and three-and-out, it was another punt to Neshaminy with the ‘Skins starting on their 30 after the Creighton catch. With a couple of plays picking up a first, the gun ended the first half and the teams retired for the break.

With the ‘Skins receiving, a mishandled catch and penalty saw them start up at their own five-yard line with a first and 25. But Sullivan gave them breathing room as he took it out to the 19. A first soon followed before Hart found D’Andre Pollard for a nice gain followed by the “Big Bull”, Sullivan, who took it near the 50. Matt Magdelinskas then showed his stuff as he danced his way to the Hatters 40. And even with a whole new cast of characters, a few more runs had it down to the 20 before the ‘Skins faced their first fourth down in the game. Tucci then came in to try a 36-yard field goal which just missed as the ball went over to the Hatters with four minutes left in the third.

From there it was soon another punt by Hatboro as the Schmidtmen had it once again at their 30. But not for long as Matt Kashow had it at mid-field in two tries with Matt Bianchino doing some nice blocking to open the way. And with the scoreless third-quarter ending on the gun, the teams swapped sides for the last session. But not picking up a first, Neshaminy was forced to punt. With the ball then bouncing off a Hatter player, Tosh Thompson alertly picked it up for a Neshaminy first at the 11. Two plays later Jake Fox had it at the one-yard line before a penalty brought it back to the six from where Kashow earned the score. Joe Abdo then took a knee on the PAT as the score rolled to 39-0.

A few exchanges later, and with the game clock running, Neshaminy was set up with a first at their 40 when Pollard snapped one loose for a score. And just like Andrews’ pass reception, Pollard showed the fans some blazing speed. Taking a knee on the PAT, the scoreboard then showed 45-0 in Neshaminy’s favor. From that point it wasn’t long at all before the clock wound down to zero with the gun sounding the end of play. And of course, there’s now but one thing left to say:

Game to ‘Skins!

With win number two tucked away, and both of them on the road, Langhorne can look forward to next Friday night when they’ll be playing in the cozy confines of “Heartbreak Ridge”. And with Souderton coming to visit, it’s reassuring to know that this one will be played at “Harry’s House”. Having become a regular on Neshaminy’s schedule just five years ago, the first four games have been barnburners as the Indians have shown they’re as tough as they come. This looks to be a good one too as the upper Bucks team is looking very good this season. My advice: Be there early.

See you at the game.

Hatboro Game Pictures

Photos courtesy of Jesse Garber & Rita Dapkey

Hatboro Game Video

Videos by Matthew Bartolacci

Video link for all Neshaminy games

Legacy link for past Neshaminy games

Player of the game - Justin Andrews