Tonight’s match up between the North Penn Knights and the Pennridge Rams was certainly all it was talked up to be! With number 3 and 4 rankings respectively, it was supposed to be a close game, and until the 2 minutes of the game, that’s just what it was.

The Knights opened the game with a strong kick from Dave Kornock, leaving the Rams on their own 20. After two plays, and a sack by Eric Halberstadt, Pennridge was forced to punt, allowing North Penn to control the ball early in the quarter. After receiving the ball just inside the 50, the Knights worked their way up the field. Jeff Gill put the Knights in striking position, after a first down inside the Rams’ 15. Pete Stoll finished the job by putting the ball in the end zone with just over 6:00 left in the quarter. Kicker Jon Striefsky added the extra point with enthusiasm, sending the ball through the uprights and straight to the roof of the school. With a 7-0 lead the Knights looked strong on defense forcing a fumble, and recovering on Pennridge’s 29 yard line. North Penn however could not capitalize, with a fumble of their own in the end zone. The Rams gained possession and much momentum, led by their all-star running back Ryan Greiser. After a big 65 yard run by Pennridge, the Knights called a timeout to go over defensive strategy. It didn’t seem to work however as the Pennridge quarterback connected with his receiver in the end zone for a 35 yard TD completion. The extra point with 30 seconds left in the quarter tied the game at 7.

North Penn answered quickly by opening up the second quarter with two big runs by Shane Gallagher, the second of which being a 35 yard touch down run. The extra point gave the lead back to North Penn, 14-7, not even 30 seconds into the quarter. The Rams received the kick off and controlled the football for almost 4 minutes working their way towards the end zone. Big tackles were made by Peter Lee to help stop the Rams. However Pennridge looked to Greiser once again, who came through with a 56 yard run for a score. Once again the extra point was good, tying it up at 14 with 7:45 left in the half. On the kickoff return senior Peter Lee took charge and led the Knights to the Rams’ 25 yard line. Two penalties on the ensuing drive however forced the Knights to settle on a field goal. Jon Striefsky connected from 35 yards out to give the Knights a 3 point lead. After a big stop by Eric Halberstadt, on what could have turned out to be a touchdown run once again for Greiser, North Penn ended the half with a 17-14 lead.

The Knights came out of the locker room fired up, and once again were the first to strike. A 55 yard touchdown run by Stoll and the extra point from Striefsky gave the Knights some breathing room with a lead of 24-14. The Rams tried to move up the playing field, but a big tackle by Josh Nuebert and a fumble recovery gave the Knights the ball on the Rams’ 26 yard line. Once again penalties came into play, and North Penn was unable to reach the end zone. A field goal however with 6:49 in the 3rd gave the Knights a 27-14 lead. Pennridge responded immediately with Greiser returning the kick for an 80 yard touchdown. With 6:35 left, and a 27-21 lead. North Penn got the ball to the Rams’ 37 yard line. A mishandled snap however led to a turn over. Greiser stepped in for the Rams once again, however tackles by Ian Carpenter, Pete Stoll and Gerald Bell slowed him down. Converting on 4th down twice during the drive the Rams worked their way to the end zone for another touchdown. The extra point gave Pennridge a 28-27 lead that held to the end of the quarter.

The fourth quarter was trouble for the Knights, as penalties and failures to convert on 4th downs left North Penn with poor scoring opportunities. Their best chance to score came early in the last quarter when a pass interference call gave the Knights a first down and the ball on the Rams’ 39 yard line. Pennridge regained possession of the ball however on their own 30 yard line and worked the ball to the North Penn 30. The Knights defense was successful in breaking up a 4th and 8 conversion, and they took over on downs. A penalty pushed the Knights back to 1&15. Another penalty however forced a 3rd and 20, and a sack on the next play forced the Knights to a 4th and 25. North Penn attempted to convert, however they were unsuccessful, giving Pennridge the ball on the Knights 10 yard line. Ryan Greiser topped off his night with yet another touchdown, with only 1:57 left in the game. This gave Pennridge the 34-27 lead that ended up the final score of tonight’s match up.

The Knights hope to get back on their winning streak as they take on the Pennsbury Falcons next Friday night at Crawford Stadium.

-Megan Halberstadt, NP 2005