Knights survive Neshaminy in OT thriller
TOWAMENCIN – The Knights have seen their share of close games this season. Their first game, they were beaten in the final minutes by the Lasalle Explorers. Last week, they were scored on with 42 seconds left in the game. But this week was different. This close one ended in a win.
Although this is not North Penn’s first victory in the season, it means a lot more to the players and students here at North Penn. An overtime victory that had plenty of “here we go again” moments, ended with North Penn on top 35-28 after stopping the Neshaminy’s offense on their overtime drive. There were five touchdowns scored. Two were from wide receiver Rashad Mcneill, one from Michai Cuffie, one from Bobby Hill, and the overtime TD being hauled in by Mo Sgro. Quarterback Ryan Zeltt connected on four of those five touchdowns.
“It feels great. Y’know, last year, we lost to Ridley in overtime, lost by one point and ended our season. So shutting Neshaminy down the way we did was a great feeling” Hill said.
Hill carried in a key late game touchdown of his own that had a little extra special meaning.
“First of my high school career. Definitely a little scary because I was wide open and I thought someone was waiting to tackle or hit me,” Hill said.
Hill was ecstatic when he was greeted at the sideline with his teammates congratulating him.
“You saw everyone get up and hyper. But in times like those, we knew we had to lock down on defense. We knew they could get it done,” Hill added.
Zeltt, who captained a consisted passing attack knows the importance of this win.
“It feels pretty good. Last week, we were on the wrong side of things and we came out to play and it feels so good to get this win,” Zeltt reflected.
Zeltt also gave credit to one of his receivers, Rashad Mcneill, who took two passes to the endzone in the game.
“We had one of our receivers go down so I told everyone we have to step it up and I saw Rashad wide open and he does the rest. He’s incredible,” Zeltt said.
Of course being the quarterback puts a lot of pressure on your soldiers. Being at the helm in such a high-stakes moment can crack down on most guys. Zeltt knows that he can trust his teammates in these high stakes situations.
“We have a great team. We’re all like a family. When we were on that last defensive stop, I couldn’t even hear because it was so loud. I have a really great team around me. I know I don’t have to carry all that pressure alone because I have my guys helping me out, and tonight proved that,” Zeltt said.
The Knights are now 2-2 in their 2022 season. Next week, they take on Central Bucks West (1-3) at 7pm at Crawford Stadium. The Knights hope to build on this momentum of success and hope that nail biting games are in their rearview from now on.