Pennridge takes on Neshaminy in SOL National clash

October football begins with a Suburban One League National Conference clash abuzz with playoff implications, as Pennridge travels to Heartbreak Ridge

Saturday night for a midseason battle with rival Neshaminy.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

The game is a rematch of last year’s thriller, when the Rams christened new Helman Field with a 21-14 victory, a win that helped send Pennridge on its way to the District One Class AAAA Playoffs.

Now, the Rams hit the road and head to Neshaminy, trying to avoid their third loss of the season and get to the midway point at 3-2.

Pennridge (2-2 overall, 0-1 conference) is coming off a 31-7 setback to North Penn last week while Neshaminy (3-1 overall and 1-0 conference) won its second in a row, a 47-7 rout of Abington.

The Rams would love to re-establish control of the line of scrimmage this week, something they were not able to do in the loss to the Knights. Getting senior Nick Hirsch (6-foot-2, 240) rolling early could be key for the Pennridge attack, with Judens Desrosiers serving as a speedy complement.

Quarterback Devon Balmer and wide receiver Ryan Cuthbert, each held in check last week, could also be key in keeping the Ram offense on the move.

The Pennridge defense, meanwhile, will focus on stopping a diverse Neshaminy running attack that piled up 382 yards a week ago, including 148 yards and a pair of touchdowns by Will Dogba.

Hayden Rooney also reached the end zone for the Skins while quarterback Mason Jones broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run.

Neshaminy heads into this one intent on avenging last year’s defeat to the Rams, part of a rare non-playoff season for Neshaminy. Who wins this one under the lights on Saturday could very well determine who goes on to reach the postseason in 2015.