A closer look at Abington-Neshaminy

Abington and Neshaminy, longtime members of the new-look Suburban One League National Conference, are set to clash Friday night at the Redskins' Heartbreak Ridge.

The Ghosts arrive for the conference opener with a 3-0 record. Neshaminy, in rebuilding mode after winning the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA championship last season, is 1-2.

Neshaminy won both meetings last year, by 31-14 in the regular season and 35-14 in the district semifinals.

Senior tailback Juawine Sowell has made a big splash for Abington this season. Taking over for Craig Reynolds (now at Kutztown) as the go-to rusher, Sowell has carried the ball 98 times for 534 yards and eight touchdowns.

Neshaminy is spurred by senior tailback D'Andre Pollard, who last season rushed for 2,929 yards and 39 TDs and earned all-state honors.

Here is a closer look at the 7 p.m. matchup in Langhorne.

Rankings. The Ghosts are No. 20 in The Inquirer's Southeastern Pennsylvania rankings. The Redskins check in at No. 25.

Milestone. Abington's Tim Sorber notched his 100th career victory in last week's 27-20 win over Upper Dublin. The ex-Ghosts offensive lineman is 100-71 (.585 winning percentage) in 15 seasons.

New in charge. Mike Frederick, who starred as a defensive lineman at Neshaminy (Class of 1990) and Virginia, is in his first season with the Redskins after replacing 19-year coach Mark Schmidt.

Workhorse. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Sowell is averaging 32.7 carries per game. "He's shown that he can create a really big play in the run game," Sorber said.

Rough start. After losing to Washington's Gonzaga Prep (42-3) and Downingtown West (28-7), the Redskins downed Council Rock South, 49-15, last week.

Said Frederick: "We're disappointed the record is not better, but at the same time, we're developing some young kids."

Catalyst. Through three games, the 5-foot-8, 180-pound Pollard has rushed 45 times for 281 yards and a score. "He has that big-play capability," Sorber said.

Playmakers. Abington has been keyed on defense by middle linebacker Daron Boone, outside linebacker Cole Midwood, end Russell Nocito, and cornerback Jordan Neely.

Underclassman. Neshaminy's Mason Jones, a 6-foot sophomore quarterback, has completed 32 of 61 throws for 388 yards and three TDs.

Slowing Sowell. The Redskins defense, focused on stopping Sowell at the point of attack, needs a solid effort from a line that includes tackles Bruce Graeber and Evens Cleus.

Pick. In what is pretty much a toss-up, we think the Redskins escape on a late Dylan McDonald field goal. Neshaminy, 23-20.