Abington, Pa., The Abington Ghosts took advantage of two costly Plymouth Whitemarsh miscues in the fourth quarter en route to their closely contested 18-7 victory over the Colonials at Abington’s Memorial field.
Abington got on the board quick on their first offensive series in four plays when quarterback Ken Cropper snuck in for a touchdown and a 6-0 lead. Three plays later, Colonial quarterback Russhon Phillips fumbled the snap and the Ghosts Rob Phillips returned it for a 35 yard touchdown and a 12-0 lead. The Colonials righted the ship and generated their own eight play, 66 yard drive highlighted by a 31 yard completion from Phillips to Xavier Ellington and ending with Corey Kelly’s one yard touchdown plunge for a score of 12-7 in the first quarter.
What looked like a high scoring affair became a defensive struggle the rest of the way. After two scoreless quarters the Colonials started the fourth quarter with momentum and good field position and seemed poised to take control of the game. A 38 yard touchdown run by Ellington and their first lead went astray on a Colonial holding call. On their next play, Phillips was intercepted by the Ghosts Josh Lee after a Whitemarsh receiver slipped on his route. Abington then let workhorse running back Ray Schreiner do the work as he totaled 26 yards on three carries on their next possession ending with his three yard score and putting the game out of reach for Plymouth-Whitemarsh.
Schreiner, who has gotten some interest from Arizona State had 15 carries for 81 yards against a very tough Whitemarsh defense. “The offensive line did a nice job creating some openings for me”, said Schreiner. “They are going to even get better as the season goes along”. Phillips did a nice job directing the Whitemarsh Wing-T offense by running for 96 yards on 17 carries
With the win Abington (D1, AAAA, Suburban One National) moves to 2-0 and a date looming with a tough Souderton squad. Whitemarsh (D1, AAAA, Suburban One American) falls to 1-1 and will travel to West Chester Henderson.
Scoring by Quarter
First Quarter
Abington- Ken Cropper 1 yard run- 7:26 – PAT no good
Abington- Rob Phillips 35 yard fumble return- 5:52 – PAT no good
PW- Corey Kelly 1 yard run- 1:39- PAT Tyler Haney
Second Quarter
No Scoring
Third Quarter
No Scoring
Fourth Quarter
Abington- Ray Schreiner 3 yard run- 4:07- PAT no good
