By Ryan Fitzpatrick & Armand Vanore (EasternPa Staff)
Langhorne, Pa- Looking up at the scoreboard immediately after Neshaminy’s come from behind 20-13 victory, the Souderton faithful must have realized why the Redskins stadium is called “Heartbreak Ridge”.
When a team runs 70 plays to the opponents 30 and more than doubles them in time of possession the result is almost always good. Those numbers pale in comparison to the number that really counts, the final score.
Using a very effective three man rotation of Javon White (Villanova commit), Tyler School and Joe McNamara, the Indians jumped up 7-0 with a 70 yard, nine play drive culminated with White’s five yard run. However, two plays later Redskins senior QB Joe Bianchino threw a bullet in a very tight window to Bobby Marterella for a 69 yard touchdown and a 7-7 tie.
Not to be outdone by Neshaminy’s fortune, the Indians then generated an eight minute, 75 yard drive using a lot of inside reverses and misdirection plays. Quarterback Tanner Allen snuck in from the one. That gave them a 13-7 halftime lead.
Souderton’s first miscue came midway through the third quarter when Allen forced a pass in tight coverage that was intercepted by Steve Olenski at the skins 45. After a 25 yard run by senior Sean Ulmer, Marterella connected with the running back on a 30 yard touchdown pass in the right corner of the end zone and a 13-13 tie.
The momentum began to shift Neshaminy’s way after their defense bent but didn’t break on Souderton’s next series. Pinned on their own 13 yard line after an Indian punt, Bianchino performed his magic again with a beautiful pitch, catch and run down the left sideline by senior Ron Smith for an 87 yard TD and a lead they would not relinquish.
Pressured throughout the game Marterella (4-9/194 yards/1 Int.) made the plays that counted when he needed them. Souderton provided a very stout defense and should contend in District 1.
Neshaminy (SOL National conference) entertains Hatboro Horsham next week at the Ridge while Souderton (SOL Continental conference) goes home to face Perkiomen Valley.
As people left the Ridge last night, someone shouted that Elvis was seen in the men’s room prior to the fourth quarter.
