By Havenfootball.net Staff
When one reviews the game against Radnor last week you statistically see two very evenly matched teams. A pick six was the only regulation time touchdown for the Panthers while Radnor took until late in the fourth quarter to get their six points. Time of possession was almost even as was total offense but Haven had 2+ in turnovers including that one interception for a touchdown and the other fumble recovery stopped the Red Raiders as they closed in on a score. Too bad there were so few fans left to witness the final plays of the double overtime but you can see them in our Play-of-the-Game feature if you missed them.
The Panthers travel over to Newtown Square to take on the 9-1 Marple Newtown Tigers this Friday night. Both teams appear to have made the 16 team playoff roster. Haven is sitting at #13 which would force a playoff game against the third or fourth seed team (which could be the Tigers) but a win could push them up to a 9 or 10 seed which would make their opponent more of an even match.
The Tigers have played good solid football this year. They’ve scored an average of 33 points per game while allowing only 13 points to be scored against them. They have a surprisingly balanced offense with 1157 yards rushing and 2000 yards passing. Tiger quarterback #3 Anthony Paoletti has thrown 115 complete passes for 19 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions (compared to 32 passes for the Panthers). Paoletti’s favorite receiver is #16 Cameron Mathes who’s caught 35 passes for 9 TD’s. Right behind Mathes is #12 Dash Dulgerian who has 32 passes and 7 TD’s. When they decide to run they turn to #5 Marlon Weathers who has 643 yards and 9 TD’s. However Paoletti is the Tiger’s second best rusher so the Marple offense is potent and can come at you from many directions.
No doubt our boys in black and silver are going to have their hands full. The Tiger defense averages more than two sacks a game so pass blocking will be critical. We like Coach Clancy’s attempt to change up the game with some new twists on offense. He’s looking to pass more often and in more unusual circumstances (like first and goal in the second overtime last week). Haven will have to challenge the Tigers in every aspect of the game. They have to find a way to get pressure on their QB and cover the routes. Keeping an eye on Paoletti will be critical as he can burn you if you pressure him to run.
We know that the Panthers are coming into this week’s game on a high note from their double overtime win last week. No doubt they will have to play their best game of the season if they hope to pull an upset and take Marple Newtown down.
Kick-off is at 7:00 PM at Marple Newtown High School. If you can’t make the game you can always listen to our broadcast right here at havenfootball.net. Our broadcast will begin at 6:45. The game will be available on our archives as soon as the game concludes. You can also check in on Twitter for score updates.
