TOWAMENCIN- In a classic playoff battle of two rivals, consisting of penalties, defense, and more penalties, the 11th seeded North Penn Knights came out victorious, 21-7, in a close District 1 quarterfinal matchup against the 14th seeded Neshaminy Redskins.
In the past decade these two teams are nearly even in terms of wins and losses. In their past 13 matchups with Neshaminy, North Penn is 6-7. However, in the past 4 years North Penn has dominated the matchups, not having lost to the Redskins since 2007.
North Penn (9-2), winners of 7 straight entering the playoffs, won big over 6th seeded West Chester Rustin 48-21 last week, while Neshaminy (8-3), barely made it into the playoffs, having won their last few games after losing 3 pivotal games in the middle part of their schedule. The playoff charged Redskins then pulled off an upset against 3rd seeded Unionville 28-0.
North Penn came out firing to start the game, forcing a three and out on Neshaminy’s first possession then quickly scoring on a 14 yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Corey Ernst to senior wide receiver Dan Gevirtz. The Redskins answered back with a touchdown run to tie the game at 7. Then the defenses started kicking in.
For the next two quarters, only one touchdown was scored by either team, a 75 yard run by Gevirtz.
“Everybody did their jobs,” said senior receiver Shayne Watson. “When everyone does their jobs and stays disciplined, you can stop them on that third and fourth down.”
Gevirtz, with running back James Fielder out for the season with a leg injury, split carries with the more experienced back, junior Kyle Mayfield. Last week Gevirtz ran for over 200 yards along with stellar receiving stats.
This week proved to be no different. Gevirtz earned over 100 yards on the ground and nearly passed the century mark in receiving yards as well.
“It feels great,” said Gevirtz. “I’m getting every opportunity I can to help out my football team. I know everyone is looking to me to make plays, so I have to get the job done.”
The playoff atmosphere could be what has helped the most in North Penn’s recent success.
“It was a big game but I think the guys look forward to that [playoff atmosphere] and come more prepared. I thought we played tough tonight,” said Ernst.
The Knights’ two big wins have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s playoffs, and perhaps could be one of the final teams standing when it’s all said and done.
“I think we are definitely the team to beat in the playoffs,” said a confident Watson. “We’re all working hard. We all have one goal, and that’s to win states.”
Senior Ralph Reeves was reluctant to say that they were “the team to beat,” but did admit they are a very powerful team that can do some damage.
“I don’t want to say that [we are the team to beat], but we’re definitely a good team going forward. Just keep taking it step by step.”
Many people, including the players, thought that the last game of the season against Hatboro Horsham would be their last game of the season at Crawford Stadium. Few thought that would be the case for the quarterfinals, and even fewer thought they would be playing at home next week in the semifinals. Next week, North Penn will take on 15th seeded Pennsbury in what will be the last game that can be played in Crawford Stadium.
“It’s great,” said Ernst. “I didn’t think we would have any more games here and now we have one more. It’s going to be a great game.”
The team agreed that they are going to approach this week like they would any other week. Both Watson and Reeves said the team will watch film and practice really hard this week.
But perhaps the greatest motivation for the team this upcoming week will be the fact that they are at home. Any team loves to go out in front of the home fans and win a game. And that is exactly what North Penn can now look forward to.
“I love playing at the swamp,” said senior receiver Danny Wynne. “Home field advantage is the best. You can’t ask for anything more.”