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Pennridge scores impressive win at Neshaminy, 17-7

Pennridge had concerns about its ground game going into a Suburban One League National Conference clash Saturday night against Neshaminy. That's because Nick Hirsch, the squad's leading rusher, was sidelined with a knee injury.

Neshaminy quarterback Mason Jones #8 is sacked by Pennridge's Nick Tarburton #40 in the second quarter at Neshaminy High School's Harry Frank Stadium Saturday October 3, 2015 at Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
Neshaminy quarterback Mason Jones #8 is sacked by Pennridge's Nick Tarburton #40 in the second quarter at Neshaminy High School's Harry Frank Stadium Saturday October 3, 2015 at Langhorne, Pennsylvania.Read more(William Thomas Cain/For The Inquirer)

Pennridge had concerns about its ground game going into a Suburban One League National Conference clash Saturday night against Neshaminy. That's because Nick Hirsch, the squad's leading rusher, was sidelined with a knee injury.

But a stellar showing in the trenches and determined running from Judens Desrosiers and company paved the way for a 17-7 triumph at rain-soaked Harry E. Franks Stadium.

"The guys up front really came off the ball well," Rams coach Jeff Hollenbach said.

Desrosiers, a 5-foot-10, 215-pound senior halfback, carried 18 times for 69 yards. His 1-yard plunge midway through the fourth quarter gave Pennridge (3-2 overall, 1-1 conference) an insurance score and all but clinched an impressive road victory.

"Really, all the credit goes to the offensive line," Desrosiers said. "They kept opening up holes and making it easy for me."

Desrosiers, fellow running back Dan Hockman, and quarterback Devon Balmer combined for the bulk of the 177 rushing yards gained by the Rams.

Of Desrosiers, who doubles at linebacker, Hollenbach said, "He's a strong kid, has good speed for his size. He's a physical player."

The only first-half score on the wet grass was the 21-yard field goal that Pennridge's Matt Mauer drilled just before the half.

Early in the third quarter, the Redskins (3-2, 1-1) took the lead on a 74-yard connection over the middle between quarterback Mason Jones and wideout Denzel Hughes.

Pennridge went back in front on Balmer's 1-yard sneak at the end of the period. A fumble recovery by outside linebacker Matt Kraynik at the Neshaminy 33-yard line set up the nine-play drive.

The Rams' aggressive offensive line included Luke Basquill, Mark Funk, Dan Branch, Dylan Krans, and ends Kurt Wiest and Nick Tarburton.

A defense that held Neshaminy to 29 yards rushing on 22 attempts was led by Tarburton, at linebacker, linemen Funk and Alex Schmidt, and backs Ryan Cuthbert and Mark Weichel, who made a second-quarter interception.

Pennridge 0 3 7 7 - 17

Neshaminy 0 0 0 7 - 7

P: FG Matt Mauer 21

N: Denzel Hughes 74 pass from Mason Jones (Dylan McDonald kick)

P: Devon Balmer 1 run (Mauer kick)

P: Judens Desrosiers 1 run (Mauer kick)

robrien@phillynews.com

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