PERKASIE – There is simply no leaving Poppy Yoder Field – home of Pennridge Rams – early.
Last week, Pennridge needed three overtimes to defeat Archbishop Wood by a 43-42 score as senior quarterback Brad Herrmann scored on the game’s final play.
This time it was the Rams’ defense that would make the critical play on the final Bensalem offensive snap. Pennridge senior Zach Knepp intercepted a pass in the end zone to preserve a 28-26 victory over the Owls.
“I just reacted to the ball,” said Knepp. “We were in a zone defense and the ball was overthrown. I really didn’t have too much time to think about it.”
Bensalem had the ball on the Pennridge nine-yard line with 20 seconds left in the game and no timeouts. Owl coach Dan McShane elected to throw into the end zone in an attempt to win the game or - if the pass fell incomplete - attempt a game-winning field goal.
“I have confidence in both my offense and my kicker,” said McShane. “We usually have good things happen when we play Pennridge, but it didn’t happen tonight.”
One good thing that did happen for the Owls was the superlative play of senior tailback Camryn Lasalle. Lasalle punished Ram tacklers all night – carrying the ball 38 times for 200 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
“We knew that (Lasalle) was a great back,” said Pennridge coach Randy Cuthbert. “We kept him from getting the huge play, but those 10 & 15 yard carries add up.”
If Pennridge played a similar game this week compared to last week – so did Bensalem. The Owls trailed 28-0 before losing 28-21 to Washington last week, while this week Bensalem trailed Pennridge 21-0 in the second quarter.
“We felt that we could do almost anything we wanted to offensively,” said McShane. “It was a matter of us making adjustments defensively in the second half to allow us to come back in the game.”
Pennridge had its way with the Owl defense in the first half. The Rams scored twice before Bensalem ever ran an offensive play to take a 14-0 lead.
Junior Ryan Metzler capped a 9-play, 70-yard scoring drive with a 12-yard run, and sophomore Jesse Knepp – younger brother of Zach Knepp - capped a four-play, 40-yard drive with a nifty 19-yard scoring dash.
The Rams expanded the lead to 21-0 as Knepp jetted 48 yards to set up a two-yard scoring run by Herrmann.
Knepp was almost as brilliant as Lasalle with a 150-yard rushing effort – on just 11 carries – and two touchdowns.
“We knew before the season ever began that Jesse was going to be a contributor,” said Cuthbert. “He has a nice blend of power and speed.”
Bensalem scored its initial touchdown before the half. The Owls flew 63 yards on 17 plays with Lasalle scoring the first of his three touchdowns on a one-yard blast.
Lasalle scored his second touchdown in the third period to cap another Bensalem scoring drive. He carried the ball on each possession and scored on a three-yard bolt. However, the Owls failed to convert on the extra point and trailed 21-13.
Pennridge struck quickly to push the lead to 28-13. Knepp earned the scoring honors with a terrific 44-yard ramble through the Owl defense for a score.
“My line did a good job of opening holes for me,” said the younger Knepp. “If felt great.”
The Rams – though – were forced to hold on against Bensalem as the Owls scored a pair of fourth period touchdowns to make the game close.
Senior wide out Jerry Davis scored on a 45-yard pass from senior quarterback Ron Vogelei to close the score to 28-20.
Pennridge turned the ball over, and the Owls crossed the goal line still another time as Lasalle ripped through the heart of the Ram defense for a 12-yard touchdown run.
“We knew we were going to have our hands full defensively,” said Cuthbert. “Bensalem has some excellent athletes.”
Lasalle’s final score closed the gap to 28-26 – and the Owls attempted to tie the game with a two-point conversion.
However, Ram captain Mike Pattison has other ideas as he stopped Lasalle cold in the Bensalem backfield to preserve the lead – and the victory.
Ironically – on night when the Ram defense was scorched for 330 yards of total offense and 20 first downs – it was a pair of defensive plays that would provide the difference.
And finally let the fans go home.
Bensalem 0 7 6 13 - 26
Pennridge 14 7 7 0 - 28
Pennridge 14 7 7 0 - 28
P – Metzler 12 run (J. Knepp kick)
P – J Knepp 19 run (J.Knepp kick)
P – Herrmann 2 run (JKnepp kick)
B – Lasalle 2 run (Davis kick)
B – Lasalle 3 run (pass failed)
P – J.Knepp 44 run (JKnepp kick)
B- Davis 45-pass from Vogelei (Davis kick)
B – Lasalle 12 run (run failed)
P – J Knepp 19 run (J.Knepp kick)
P – Herrmann 2 run (JKnepp kick)
B – Lasalle 2 run (Davis kick)
B – Lasalle 3 run (pass failed)
P – J.Knepp 44 run (JKnepp kick)
B- Davis 45-pass from Vogelei (Davis kick)
B – Lasalle 12 run (run failed)
Bensalem
Rushing: Lasalle 38-200-3 TD’s; Vogelei 4-10; Davis
2-10. TEAM: 44-220-3 TD’s
Passing: Vogelei 7-19-1, 107 yards 1 TD.
Receiving: Davis 3-68- TD; T Vogelei 1-18; McMillan
1-15; Vincent 1-3; Lasalle 1-3. TEAM: 7-107-1 TD
Penalties: 3-15
Punts: None
Interception: T. Vogelei
Rushing: Lasalle 38-200-3 TD’s; Vogelei 4-10; Davis
2-10. TEAM: 44-220-3 TD’s
Passing: Vogelei 7-19-1, 107 yards 1 TD.
Receiving: Davis 3-68- TD; T Vogelei 1-18; McMillan
1-15; Vincent 1-3; Lasalle 1-3. TEAM: 7-107-1 TD
Penalties: 3-15
Punts: None
Interception: T. Vogelei
Pennridge
Rushing: J. Knepp 11-150-2 TD’s; Herrmann 16-56;
Walbridge 9-45; Metzler 4-24. TEAM: 40-275-4 TD’s.
Passing: Herrmann 6-9-1, 52 yards. Walbridge 0-1-0,
0 yards.
Receiving: Swartley 3-28; Walbridge 2-18; J Knepp
1-6. TEAM: 6-52 yards.
Penalties: 4- 42
Punts: 1-28
Interceptions: Z Knepp
Rushing: J. Knepp 11-150-2 TD’s; Herrmann 16-56;
Walbridge 9-45; Metzler 4-24. TEAM: 40-275-4 TD’s.
Passing: Herrmann 6-9-1, 52 yards. Walbridge 0-1-0,
0 yards.
Receiving: Swartley 3-28; Walbridge 2-18; J Knepp
1-6. TEAM: 6-52 yards.
Penalties: 4- 42
Punts: 1-28
Interceptions: Z Knepp
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