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Sports

Redskins Seniors Ready To Make Their Mark

Neshaminy Redskins square off againt Eagles in high school football action.

Neshaminy -- As the dog days of August fade into the crispness of the fall, young men, that have had the privilege over the past decade of donning the Redskins' red, white and blue grid iron gladiator uniform, have made a commitment to their coaches, themselves and most of all their team mates.

That tradition continues with this year’s squad, and more specifically, the members of the class of 2012, who have spent three years and all summer preparing and waiting for their opportunity to make their mark in the storied history of Neshaminy football.

The level of expectation that has been established in coach Mark Schmidt’s 17-year tenure as Neshaminy High School head football coach, demand the absolute best effort of any one wishing to run onto the turf at Harry E. Franks stadium representing one of the most successful programs in the history of football in the state of Pennsylvania.

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Coming off a 12-2 season in which the Redskins ranked 18th in the state and lost to State semi finalist North Penn in the PIAA playoffs, Neshaminy took to the field on Saturday versus Norristown (5-5-0 in 2010) in a scrimmage, taking the first steps in a journey that the Redskin faithful hope will culminate in Hershey in late December.

"I have waited for this season. This is our time, our year," said senior offensive and defensive lineman/captain Chris Kutsubos. "It’s not an expectation put on us by others. We demand the best of ourselves every time we take the field. As seniors, this is a whole new page for us to write. I love the physical and mental challenges you face playing football. It's like no other sport."

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As coach Schmidt’s squad readies themselves for the rigors of the Suburban One League schedule, several team goals have been set, which will be paramount in Neshaminy, which had recorded nine unbeaten seasons in the history of the school, while posting more than 500 wins and a career winning percentage of .627.

"We need the guys that are on the fence to really step it up," said Schmidt. "Whether they are a senior or underclassmen, that are on the fence, if they take the steps in the right direction and do what is needed to give u the depth we need as a team, we will be alright and have a chance to accomplish some great things."

The Redskins will face off with Downingtown East next Friday before opening the season at home on Friday, Sept. 2 against Souderton, who had coaches present Saturday scouting, and as captains Chris Kutsubos and Sean Ulmer lead their mates onto the field they will look to set the tone early physically.

"It’s our time to step up," said tailback/ cornerback Sean Ulmer. "We need to be leaders and set the example for the younger guys. We have a tradition of winning which plays in our favor, but we have to do the work every day to focus on the details and little things we need to right to be successful."

One of the Redskins biggest weapon, as they head into battle, may be the right leg of sophomore place kicker Nick Tucci. He was working out and connecting on field goals from beyond the 40-yard mark on Saturday, which could prove to be the difference maker in the tight games in league play.

“We try to win all three aspects of a game," added Schmidt. "The more we can do to put ourselves in that position, the better off we are. Special team plays such a big part in high school ball. If we can gain the edge there, part of the work is done."

"Anticipation is the best way to describe the feeling over the next few weeks," said Schmidt. "As coaches, we look forward to seeing these boys reaping the benefits of all their hard work. It’s great to see things that they have worked so hard on come together in game situations. We are anticipating a great season as we have some starters with a lot of game experience."

2011 Varsity Schedule  (as of 8/20/11)

 

9/2 Souderton 7pm

9/9 Hatboro-Horsham 7pm    

9/16 @Central Bucks East 7pm

9/23 @ Abington 7pm

9/30 Bensalem 7pm

10/6 @ Council Rock North 7pm

10/14 @ Council Rock South 7pm

10/21 Harry S. Truman 7pm

10/28 @ William Tennant 7pm

11/04 @ Pennsbury 7pm

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