Neshaminy wins National crown

In a Suburban One National Conference clash featuring run-first squads, Neshaminy's downhill power attack won out over Pennsbury's wing-T trickery.

With the help of three turnovers and the leg of Seth Jeffries, who drilled three first-half field goals, the host Redskins knocked off the Falcons, 16-13, last night at packed Harry E. Franks Stadium and claimed their first National Conference title since 2005.

Neshaminy gained one of the top four seeds - and guaranteed itself a first-round playoff game - in the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA tournament. The Redskins, 9-1 overall and ranked seventh in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer, won the title with a 7-0 mark.

Pennsbury, ranked eighth and trying for its first National Conference crown since 1993, slipped to 8-2 and 6-1. Galen Snyder's squad likewise has a spot in the 16-team tournament field, which is expected to be officially announced on Monday.

Down by 6-0 after the opening 12 minutes, Neshaminy did all its scoring in the second quarter. After a 20-yard field goal by Jeffries, halfback Bryan Dean darted 7 yards for a touchdown to put the hosts ahead, 10-6. Jeffries then hit from 21 and 30 yards.

In the third quarter, following a 47-yard punt return by Scott Woodard, Pennsbury quarterback Brandon Pepper scored on a 3-yard keeper and trimmed Neshaminy's lead to 16-13.

The Falcons reached midfield late in the third quarter but coughed the ball up on a bad exchange from Pepper to fullback Rich Applegate.

The Redskins totaled 199 rushing yards, with halfback Quilan Arnold netting 94 on 18 carries and Dean 56 on 12 attempts. Fullback Jay Colbert also pitched in, rushing 11 times for 58 yards.

The Falcons had 158 rushing yards on 37 attempts.

Pennsbury 6 0 7 0 - 13

Neshaminy 0 16 0 0 - 16

P: Lollis 7 run (kick failed)

N: FG Jeffries 20

N: Dean 7 run (Jeffries kick)

N: FG Jeffries 21

N: FG Jeffries 30

P: Pepper 3 run (Montgomery kick)