Whiting making a difference for Neshaminy defense as team takes Week 2 win over CR North
MIDDLETOWN — Shaakir Whiting didn't waste time making an impact on the Neshaminy defense.
Whiting, a senior defensive end, had two sacks in the Neshaminy's dramatic 20-17 overtime win against Emmaus in the Aug. 23 season opener. He had a 14-yard sack on an inside move in the second quarter and another for a 9-yard loss that caused a fumble right before halftime and kept Neshaminy in the lead.
"They were both pretty important," said Whiting, a 6-foot-1, 195-pounder. "They got the sidelines more hyped up."
Whiting played well again in Friday night's 34-13 victory over Council Rock North at Harry E. Franks Stadium in Middletown, registering two half-sacks.
"Shaakir possesses a lot of physical ability and a lot of desire to be a great defensive lineman," said Neshaminy head coach Steve Wilmot. "I think that was on display tonight."
Primarily a second-stringer as a junior, when he had 1½ sacks on the season, Whiting became a full-time starter this year. He believes he's better suited to the four-man front that Neshaminy now plays.
"My speed, my strength and a little bit of my hands (help me)," said Whiting, an 18-year-old Levittown resident. "I feel like my strength from the weight room (makes me) always ready to hit even bigger (offensive linemen)."
Wilmot has been thoroughly impressed by what he's seen from Whiting.
"Shaakir is a physically gifted player who has worked extremely hard to become the defensive lineman he is today," Wilmot said. "He has the size and strength to stop the run, while also possessing the speed and agility to be a great pass rusher. Shaakir has the ability to be a dominant player in the Suburban One National."
What it means for Council Rock North
New head coach Brandon Garrett and CR North don't stop playing. Despite trailing 34-0, they scored the game's final two touchdowns and had a third TD negated by a penalty. "We compete," Garrett said.
What it means for Neshaminy
The Neshaminy defensive line consistently applied pressure to CR North senior quarterback Gio Cozza and the secondary intercepted four passes. The offense produced one long scoring drive, with none of the other four covering more than 33 yards due to turnovers and a blocked punt. Holding and illegal man downfield penalties prevented Neshaminy from putting up more points.
Key play
A partially blocked punt gave Neshaminy the ball on the CR North 14-yard line early in the second quarter, leading to a 2-yard run by senior running back Jason Wilmot to give Neshaminy a 13-0 lead.
By the numbers: Council Rock North vs. Neshaminy
Neshaminy sophomore running back/defensive back Brock Williams had a pair of touchdown runs and an interception.
Senior receiver/defensive back Michael Zarutskie was CR North senior quarterback Gio Cozza's favorite target, catching seven passes for 114 yards and both of his team's touchdowns, including a 71-yard score in the third quarter.
Unsung heroes
Neshaminy junior defensive back Nick Sassano contributed two interceptions.
CR North senior linebacker Tommy Butler recovered a fourth-quarter fumble that gave his team the ball at the Neshaminy 13-yard line.
They said it
"I wish we would've executed better on offense, but you've got to give credit to Council Rock for playing hard the full 48 minutes of the football game," said Neshaminy head coach Steve Wilmot.
"I think every (starting) defensive lineman had a sack today," Wilmot said. "I think our defense played really well today."
What's Next for Neshaminy
Neshaminy (2-0) visits Cheltenham (0-2) on Sept. 6 before starting SOL National play.
What's Next for Council Rock North
CR North (0-2) hosts Central Bucks East (1-1) on Sept. 6 before beginning its SOL Continental schedule.
Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com; @TomMoorePhillyis a sports columnist for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: PIAA Football: Neshaminy tops Council Rock North in Bucks County
