LANGHORNE – The North Penn Knights fell to the Neshaminy Redskins 35-19 Friday night. In a game that was tight in the first half, Neshaminy was able to pull away in the second, scoring 14 unanswered points.

After a quiet first 5 minutes of the game, Neshaminy opened the scoring with a field goal with 7:30 left in the first quarter to go up 3-0. On the ensuing drive, the Knights drove down the field, culminating with a great pass from Ryan Zeltt to Maliq Staten for a 25-yard touchdown. Daniel Moon made the PAT putting the Knights up 7-3 with 4:57 left in the first quarter. After the long Neshaminy drive, the defense stood tall and held them to only a field goal, keeping the Knights up 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.

On North Penn’s first drive of the second quarter, it was a quick 3 and out which resulted in a punt. Neshaminy proved their run game on their first drive of the second quarter, putting the ball on the ground the whole drive which culminated in a 1-yard touchdown rush. This put Neshaminy up 14-7 after the 2 point conversion with 8:40 in the second. Kehlani Eaton was the star of North Penn’s second drive, with a couple of long runs. His third rush resulted in a touchdown, thanks to his great running power and blocking by the offensive line and Andrew Berry getting key blocks. The PAT was missed, keeping Neshaminy up 14-13 with 7:47 left in the second.

On Neshaminy’s second drive, they continued with the run game, as the defense could not seem to find an answer for it. Jabrie Gaymon had a great tackle on 3rd down to force a 4th and inches, but Neshaminy was able to convert. After a long drive taking about 5 minutes, they were able to punch it in for another touchdown. 21-13 at with 2:11 left in the first. Ryan Zeltt was the star of the final drive, showing great pocket awareness and going through his progressions well, not forcing any throws, and making great plays. This drive ended with a beautiful throw to Levi Carroll. With the 2 point attempt unsuccessful, the teams went into the locker room with Neshaminy up 21-19.

The second half was a different story for the Knights. North Penn opened with a quick 3 and out. Neshaminy does the same. North Penn tries to go for it on 4th down on their next drive and does not convert after 4 plays. Neshaminy drove down the field with the run game, draining out the 3rd quarter with Neshaminy still up 21-19.

Neshaminy continued to use the run game, punching in yet another touchdown from 6 yards out. PAT was converted, and Neshaminy is up 28-19. Ryan Zeltt threw a beautiful ball that was dropped for a sure touchdown. This proved to be costly, as the Knights would go for it on 4th down and were unsuccessful. The defense continued to struggle, allowing Neshaminy to drive down the field with the drive ending in a touchdown pass and putting them up 35-19 with 4:46 left in the game. North Penn got into the red zone on their next drive, but a sack by Neshaminy effectively ended the game.
Overall, it was a disappointing performance by North Penn. The first half looked great, but the second half looked very out of sync on both sides of the ball. Ryan Zeltt and Kehlani Eaton were the two top performers of the night.

North Penn looks to return to their winning ways at home next Friday, October 9th, on the home turf at 7 pm.