TOWAMENCIN — North Penn’s football team showcased an impressive performance, defeating Neshaminy 35-7 in the District 1-6A semifinals held at Crawford Stadium. This victory propels the Knights into the championship game, continuing their strong season with an overall record of 11-2.
The Knights’ offense operated seamlessly, scoring touchdowns on each of their first five possessions. They relied heavily on their ground game, executing 57 rushing attempts compared to just five passes. Matt Pownall led the charge with 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Rylei Gray contributed significantly with 93 yards and three touchdowns. Collectively, North Penn rushed for 284 yards.
Pownall credited the offensive line for their success, stating, “They’ve been blocking so well all year. Me and Rylei, double combo, he’s the speedier back, I’m a little more power. Just props to the line.” Head coach Dick Beck echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the offensive line’s performance. “When we’re staying in front of the sticks, we’re a much better offense,” he remarked.
The Knights’ ability to maintain offensive momentum kept them in control throughout the game. Notably, they did not face a single fourth down during their five touchdown drives. After converting 3rd-and-4 and 3rd-and-6 on their initial plays, North Penn found themselves consistently in favorable positions, often facing 3rd-and-1 or less.
In terms of scoring, Pownall opened the account with a two-yard run in the first quarter. Gray’s three touchdowns came in the second quarter, ranging from 18, 16, and two yards. Pownall capped off the scoring with a 16-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Defensive Dominance
North Penn’s defense matched the offensive prowess, demonstrating a strong performance throughout the game. Darin Burner made a crucial third-down sack to end Neshaminy’s opening drive, while Aiden Ashley successfully disrupted a 3rd-and-long screen pass. Additionally, Sal Colella intercepted a pass after halftime, further solidifying North Penn’s defensive efforts.
Colella expressed the team’s commitment to preparation, stating, “The defense was just locked in the whole entire time. Especially losing to them earlier in the regular season, it was very important to come back and win this one.” Coach Beck highlighted strategic adjustments made following a previous loss, noting the introduction of faster players to enhance defensive speed.
The defense sealed the game with a safety, with 94 seconds remaining, resulting in a 35-7 scoreline. A collective effort from the Knights, led by Nate Schepian and Jack Silvers, forced a two-yard loss in the end zone for the final score.
Neshaminy scored its only touchdown in the second quarter, with quarterback Michael Eckart completing a 14-yard pass to Mike Sassano after a successful 11-play drive. This brought the score to 20-7 with just over two minutes left in the half. Gray responded effectively, returning the ensuing kickoff to the Neshaminy 18-yard line, and three plays later, he scored again, restoring North Penn’s momentum with a 26-7 lead at halftime.
North Penn’s victory sets up a rematch with top-seeded Pennridge, which narrowly defeated Coatesville 17-14 in the other semifinal. The Knights have not faced defeat since their earlier game against the Rams on September 19, where they lost 34-10.
Neshaminy concludes its season with a respectable 9-4 overall record. Coach Nick Felus reflected on the team’s journey, acknowledging the challenges faced throughout the season. “One game doesn’t define our season whether you win or lose,” he stated. “I’ll take responsibility being the head coach. We expected a better performance, but the effort was there, and I’m thankful for everything they’ve done for the program.”
The District 1-6A title game will be a defining moment for North Penn as they aim to continue their winning streak and capture the championship.
