Defense Rests
North Penn locks down Neshaminy, moves onto District 1-6A semifinals
AMBLER >> Evan Spann’s 30-yard interception return for a touchdown finished off a terrific evening for the North Penn defense and locked up a rainy, 13-6 victory over Neshaminy in the quarterfinal round of the District 1-6A Playoffs Friday night.
The win advances the topseeded Knights (12-0) to the district semis next week, to take on either Downingtown West or Truman. The No. 8 Skins finished their season at 8-4.
Right from the start, North Penn’s defense was bent but didn’t break.
Neshaminy drove right downfield on its opening series but ultimately came up empty with a missed field goal. The Skins drove into scoring range on their second series but had a turnover on downs.
Behind the running of Chris James, the Skins again mounted a drive late in the first quarter, cashing in with a four-yard touchdown run by Oley Manzvk. The extra point was blocked by the Knights.
North Penn answered in the second quarter, an eight-yard
TD run by quarterback Solomon Robinson pushing NP ahead 7-6.
The Knights defense made sure the lead stayed into halftime.
Neshaminy drove to the North Penn 16 in the third quarter but again the North Penn defense held, forcing a turnover on downs.
The Knights had a chance to extend their lead with three minutes left but weren’t able to get off a field-goal attempt on a broken play.
Neshaminy’s final two possessions ended with interceptions. — Kev Hunter UPPER DUBLIN 27, CHELTENHAM0>> No. 2 Upper Dublin beat No. 7 Cheltenham, 270, in the District 1 Class-5A quarterfinals Friday night at Cardinal Stadium on the campus of Upper Dublin High School.
After punting on their first possession of the game, the Cardinals scored on four straight possessions to take a 20-0 lead into the half.
Mason Novak got the scoring started. His first carry of the game was a 20-yarder to get the offense into the red zone. Two plays later, he ran for a 16yard touchdown. The extra point was wide to keep it a 6-0 game.
After Upper Dublin recovered a fumble at the Cheltenham 44-yard line, the offense put together sixplay drive, ending with a 10yard Lucas Roselli touchdown run. Mike Slivka hit Roselli for the two-point conversion to make it 14-0.
In the second quarter, Chris Barbera hit two field goals — from 34 and 31 yards away. The second kick came at the end of a 12-play drive that started at their own 1-yard line.
Jacob Rossman added a six-yard touchdown run in the final four minutes of the game.
Upper Dublin will host No. 11 Unionville in the semifinals next week. Cheltenham’s season is over after the loss. — Ed Morlock ST. JOE’S PREP 23, LA SALLE 13>> Kyle McCord threw a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown pass as St. Joseph’s Prep scored the final 13 points to rally past La Salle 23-13 in the Philadelphia Catholic League Class 6A Final at Northeast High School.
The Explorers took a 13-10 lead on quarterback Sean Daly’s 1-yard touchdown run at 5:14 in the third quarter. Early in the fourth, La Salle tried a fake punt run on 4th and 7 from its own 31 but came up three yards short. On the next play, McCord hit Anthony Rightly for a 35-yard TD at 8:58 remaining.
After forcing a La Salle 3-and-out, the Hawks went up 23-13 when McCord connected with Johnny Freeman for a 2-yard TD at 4:03.
St. Joe’s Prep advances to the District 12 title game to face either Northeast or Central next week. — Mike Cabrey