Rick O'Brien: Abington seeks revenge against Neshaminy

Neshaminy head coach Mark Schmidt applauds his team afterits come-from-behind victory over Souderton last week. Both Neshaminy and Abington are 3-0. (RON CORTES / Staff Photographer)

By Rick O'Brien, Inquirer Columnist

Posted: September 23, 2011

Week 4, as usual, is highlighted by the start of conference play in the Ches-Mont and Suburban One Leagues.

When it comes to the weekend action, make sure to check about possible game cancellations. Showers are in the forecast Friday and Saturday.

Friday night's marquee Suburban One National Conference contest pits No. 4 Neshaminy against No. 6 Abington. The host Ghosts (3-0) are seeking big-time revenge, as they lost twice to Neshaminy last year. Neshaminy prevailed by 28-10 in the regular season and by 35-10 in the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA quarterfinals.

Neshaminy (3-0) has been sparked on offense by tailback Sean Ulmer, who has carried 57 times for 355 yards and five touchdowns. He gets support from Jahmier Wilson (13 for 107, 1 TD) and Denny Lord (6 for 52).

Joe Bianchino, a southpaw and first-year starter, has connected on 12 of 24 passes for 295 yards and three scores. His main targets are Ulmer (4 catches for 69 yards), and wideouts Justin Andrews (4 for 63) and Bobby Marterella (3 for 104).

For Abington, athletic QB Ken Cropper has made good on 21 of 36 throws for 468 yards and three TDs. Ray Schreiner, a 5-foot-7, 165-pound halfback, has rushed 47 times for 258 yards and six TDs.

Pick: Neshaminy, 24-20.

Last week: 7-6. Overall: 24-12 (.667).

Here are some of Friday's other top contests:

Marple Newtown (3-0, 2-0) at Ridley (2-1, 1-1), 7 p.m. The Green Raiders, looking to rebound from an upset loss to Conestoga, must slow prolific rusher Cimirrow Moat. Pick: Ridley, 21-19.

Strath Haven (2-1, 1-1) at Garnet Valley (2-1, 2-0), 7 p.m. The Jaguars offense is keyed by Ryan Corkery (355 yards passing) and Justin Pyle (400 yards rushing). Pick: Garnet Valley, 27-26.

Unionville (3-0) at West Chester Rustin (2-1), 7 p.m. For Rustin, Anthony Nash has turned 14 catches into 243 yards and five TDs. Pick: Rustin, 34-28.

North Penn (1-2) at Central Bucks South (2-1), 7 p.m. After an embarrassing loss to St. Joseph's Prep, it's gut-check time for the Knights. Pick: North Penn, 41-27.

No. 7 St. Joseph's Prep (3-0) vs. No. 1 Archbishop Wood (2-1), at William Tennent, 7 p.m. Vikings tailback Desmon Peoples, who has been out with a high ankle sprain, is expected back in the lineup. Pick: Wood, 28-14.

Cheltenham (2-1) at Upper Dublin (2-1), 7 p.m. The Cardinals, 27-20 winners over the Panthers last year, rely heavily on the arm of Andrew Derr. Pick: Upper Dublin, 28-24.

Haverford School (2-0) vs. West Catholic (0-3), at Widener, 7:30 p.m. Look for a breakthrough performance for David Williams and the winless Burrs. Pick: West, 28-7.

Saturday's nonleague games to watch:

Penn Charter (1-1) vs. No. 10 Father Judge (2-1), at Lincoln, 2 p.m. Pick: Judge, 34-13.

Roman Catholic (2-1) at Cardinal O'Hara (2-0), 2 p.m. Pick: Roman, 23-14.

No. 3 La Salle (2-1) vs. Monsignor Bonner (2-1), at Upper Darby, 7 p.m. Pick: La Salle, 35-7.

Archbishop Ryan (2-1) vs. Archbishop Carroll (1-2), at Radnor, 7:30 p.m. Pick: Ryan, 14-13.

Contact staff writer Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019, robrien@phillynews.com,

or @ozoneinq on Twitter.