By Brian Carroll, Havenfootball.net
Once again, football fans and observers around Pennsylvania are starting to take notice. The many decades of spectacular football tradition at Strath Haven have certainly kept the Panthers on the radar for most each autumn, but the 2022 version has begun to grab a special level of attention. Through four weeks of action, most coaches would say it would be difficult to win a game without your projected starting quarterback, or to win without attempting a pass in two of those games. So, the idea that the Panthers are 4-0, after passing a test with Springfield last week in convincing fashion, has created a buzz in Wallingford-Swarthmore that is growing louder by the week. Looking to quiet all the noise this Saturday afternoon: The Lower Merion Aces.
The Aces arrive at Week 5 on a three-game losing skid, but third-year Head Coach Joe Augustine’s crew has shown significant improvement over the past two seasons. Do not be fooled by last week’s 49-14 loss to Upper Darby—the Aces have been very competitive for most of the season. After a 35-0 shutout win over Pottstown in Week 1, Lower Merion had a lead over Conestoga slip away on the final play of the game in Week 2, falling 15-14. A week later, the Aces played evenly with perennial 5A playoff qualifier Marple Newtown, only to fall 29-12 when two second-half turnovers turned the tide. Lower Merion features junior QB #4 Mekhai Smith often running a shotgun spread offense and throwing darts to receivers #2 Sam Zheng, #4 Zion Gray, #8 Aidan Fliszar, and #24 George Taylor, who had an 82-yard touchdown reception against Marple Newtown. The offensive line has good size, led by four-year starter #60 Xavier Archawski (6’6”, 285 lbs.). Defensively, Lower Merion has depth in the linebacking corps, including physical juniors #50 Andrew Cook and #17 Ben Booker, who also sees time at running back. Those linebackers will have their hands full this week facing a Haven ground game that is averaging 367 yards per game and over 7 yards per carry.
The Panthers take their first road trip in almost a month and will look to keep the ground game on track, much like last Friday’s 41-14 rout of Springfield. With four different running backs (#32 Anthony Crawford, #4 Sam Milligan, #40 Bob Fooskas, and #35 Austin Conner) each nearing or exceeding 100 yards rushing last week, Strath Haven again dominated a game without the benefit of a completed pass. That’s not to say the Panthers weren’t challenged—Springfield was within one score in both the second and third quarters. But a game-changing, lighting-fast 94-yard kickoff return touchdown from sophomore #30 James Fisher was followed by terrific work in the defensive backfield by #5 Chase Nangle and #25 AJ Glavacic to ultimately keep the Cougars passing attack at bay.
Strath Haven will need more of the same this Saturday, as the Aces passing attack will provide a stiff test. Not only has Mekhai Smith shown to be a strong and accurate thrower but is also very mobile in the pocket. The Panthers defense will need to get off the field on third down, as holding Springfield to just three conversions in eleven tries was a big key to last week’s win in a game that saw zero turnovers from either side. For the Aces, they will need their biggest players to play BIG, as their size matches up fairly well with Strath Haven. Still, if the Panthers can maintain their balance of running equally and effectively to both sides of the offensive line, it could be a long day for the Aces’ defenders.
Come out and enjoy what should be a nice Saturday afternoon of football in Ardmore, as the Panthers always appreciate a noisy crowd. If you are not able to join in person, coverage begins at 12:45pm pregame show, followed by a 1pm kickoff on right here on havenfootball.net. Or you can watch on You Tube on this link: Lower Merion Go Panthers!
