Neshaminy's win over CB East has Kyler Nelson excited about postseason possibilities

LANGHORNE — Neshaminy center Kyler Nelson has heard about the school's long history of success in the playoffs, but he is eager to actually experience postseason play himself. Thanks in part to his work on the offensive line, Nelson has a pretty good chance at it.

With both the offensive and defensive lines putting in a hard-hitting performance, Neshaminy was able to top visiting Central Bucks East, 24-13, in a Suburban One League National Conference game on Thursday night at Harry E. Franks Stadium. The victory gives Neshaminy (6-2, 3-2 SOL) a good chance at hosting a home game in the PIAA District One playoffs, while the Patriots (3-5, 1-5 SOL) need to win out in the regular season to have a chance at the postseason.

A 6-foot-1, 285-pound senior, Nelson has never been in a playoff game.

"I played as a sophomore and junior but we didn't make it," he said. "We have coaches who were in state championship games and they told us about it. I'm looking forward to the experience."

As for CB East, it scored first, on a 4-yard first quarter run by Mike Price (10 carries for 54 yards). However, the Patriots made too many mistakes with untimely penalties, interceptions and dropped passes.

"We lost by two touchdowns and we dropped two touchdown passes," said Patriots head coach John Donnelly. "We are a young team, but the bottom line is you have to make plays."

Donnelly was pleased that, with Neshaminy comfortably ahead, 24-6, in the fourth quarter, his team kept playing hard. CB East scored a touchdown on a 2-yard run by Chase Ingram, and threatened to score again but was thwarted by an interception by Neshaminy's Chris Long.

The Patriots' defensive line had plenty of size to match Neshaminy, but the offensive line of senior left tackle Kieron Durnin, senior left guard Richard Esher, Nelson, junior right guard Riley Durnin and junior tackle Milo Makes was able to give junior quarterback Mike Eckart (15-for-22, 163 yards) a clean pocket and also allowed the running game to run out the clock at the end.

"We're pretty experienced," said Nelson. "We have three seniors and Milo played some last year."

While most high schools would have big, athletic players play both offense and defense, Nelson and the rest of the offensive line mostly play one way.

"It certainly keeps us fresher," said Nelson. "I think it helps us in the fourth quarter."

Nelson is not expecting to play in college so the longer Neshaminy's football season goes, the longer Nelson's football career lasts. However, he might not be quite done with athletics. He is thinking of going out for the track and field team, or tennis, in the spring.

"I've been told I'd be good in the javelin," he said. "I was also thinking of tennis. I could swat the ball (at the net). I don't have a lot of experience — (it'd) be just something to do."

What it means for Central Bucks East:

Playing against quality teams, the Patriots cannot afford to make mistakes. They also cannot afford to lose any more games if they hope to make the playoffs.

What it means for Neshaminy:

Neshaminy continues to beat the teams it is supposed to beat. It was eighth in the District One Class 6A rankings going into the contest, and the win should keep the team in line for a home first-round game.

Key plays:

• A 12-yard touchdown pass from Eckart to Connor Frederick, followed by Kaden Nicastro's extra point, gave Neshaminy a 7-6 lead, an advantage they would never relinquish.
• Chris Long and Frederick each had an interception when CB East was deep in Neshaminy territory.
• The Patriots' Reuben Bell intercepted a pass in the end zone when the game was still in doubt.
• Nicastro hit a 29-yard field goal right before halftime to give Neshaminy a 10-6 lead at intermission.
• Matt Karpinski's long kickoff return set up CB East's second touchdown.

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By the Numbers: Central Bucks East vs. Neshaminy

• Neshaminy's defense held CB East to 144 yards of total offense.
• Neshaminy's offensive line did not allow a sack.
• Seven different receivers caught a pass for Neshaminy.
• CB East's Mike Price rushed for 54 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown.

Game Balls :

• Neshaminy's Connor Frederick for contributions on both sides of the ball. He caught two passes and, on defense, he leveled quarterback Logan Simkiss on a blitz.
• Simkiss for showing a lot of heart by returning to the game after a few plays following the hit by Frederick.
• Matt Karpinski was a standout on defense for the Patriots.

They said it:

• CB East coach John Donnelly on his team's chance of making the playoffs:  "We need to win our last two games.."
• Neshaminy center Kyler Nelson on whether the team was worried when it was trailing: "We've been through adversity before. We were down two touchdowns to Cheltenham and game back. So we knew we'd bounce back."

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What’s next for Central Bucks East football?

The Patriots host Pennridge on Oct. 18 (7 p.m.).

What’s next for Neshaminy football?

Neshaminy hosts Central Bucks South on Oct. 18 (7 p.m.).

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Neshaminy's win over CB East has Kyler Nelson excited about postseason possibilities