The effort this time around was better for Emmaus, but unfortunately the result proved to be the same.
After being shutout a year ago at home at EPSD Stadium in their season opener 30-0 against Neshaminy, head coach Harold Fairclough’s team was looking for a better showing and a different outcome when the two teams hooked up on Friday night at Harry E. Franks Stadium in Langhorne.
Emmaus, which lost to Neshaminy 20-17 in overtime two years ago, didn’t seem fazed as they trailed the hosts 7-0 at the half as they scored a pair of touchdowns on their first two possessions in the third quarter to take their only lead of the night.
But a few costly turnovers late in the game mixed in with penalties and big plays by the Redskins proved to be too much for the Hornets to overcome as they fell to 20-13.
The loss was the third straight for Emmaus against the Suburban One foe as the Hornets start yet another season 0-1.
Neshaminy, coming off one of their best season’s in recent history (9-4), took advantage of three Emmaus turnovers on the night, including a key fumble recovery on a punt with 5:35 left in the game.
Senior running back Brock Williams made the Hornets pay for the costly turnover as he scored the game-winning touchdown on a 15 yard run with 3:51 left in the game to seal the victory. Williams had a pair of touchdowns on the night and finished with over 200+ yards on the ground.
Emmaus had one last shot at the end of the game having to go 98 yards for a potential tying or game-winning score, but junior quarterback Kellen Hafner’s pass was intercepted by senior Luke Howell securing the win.
Senior running back Anthony Attar had a pair of touchdown runs in the third quarter and finished with a career high 89 yards on the ground to lead the Hornets. Attar’s second touchdown gave Emmaus its first lead of the night at 13-7 before Neshaminy quickly regained the lead as senior Tom Schoepfer raced untouched 91 yards on the ensuing kickoff putting the Redskins on top for good.
Hafner, who was making his first career varsity start under center, was 15 of 32 through the air for 105 yards and one interception.
Defensively, seniors Mason Lenig and Tyler Carmosky led Emmaus with seven tackles apiece. Junior Nik Castro had a fumble recovery and also blocked an extra point.
Emmaus was also hurt in the game with nine penalties for 85 yards compared to just two for 15 for Neshaminy.
The Redskins outgained the Hornets in total yards 238-195. Neshaminy had 237 yards on the ground, while Emmaus had a much more balanced attack with 105 yards passing and 90 rushing.
The Hornets will look to bounce back this Friday at 7 p.m. at EPSD Stadium as they host Phillipsburg. The game will be carried LIVE on The Eastern Pa. Sports Network beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Stateliners are 1-0 on the season after a 28-21 win over Parkland.
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Neshaminy 20, Emmaus 13
Em – 0-0-13-0 – 13
N – 7-0-7-6 – 20
Scoring –
N – Brock Williams 61 yd run (Stephen Buczek PAT)
E – Anthony Attar 13 yd run (George Marmaros PAT)
E – Attar 8 yd run (fumble on PAT)
N – Tom Schoepfer 91 yard kick return (Buczek PAT)
N – Williams 15 yd run (PAT blocked)
Stats – Individual
Rush – Anthony Attar 19-89 2 TD, Evan De La Rosa 4-15, Jamaad Sanders 1 (-4), Kellen Hafner 2 (-10)
Pass – Hafner 15-32, 105 yards, 1 Int
Receiving – Quez Pletz 5-29, Sanders 4-32, Attar 3-21, Shane Leyden 1-9, Nik Castro 2-33
PHOTO GALLERY – Courtesy of Tom Ashelman
Kellen Hafner (6)
Mason Lenig (9)
Jamaad Sanders (8)
Tyler Carmosky (2)
George Marmaros (84)