By Brian Carroll, Havenfootball.net
Flashing back to the first month of the 2023 Central League football season, the Strath Haven Panthers had their fans on the edge of their seats with three nail-biting, no-room-for-error victories that gave the Panthers confidence and mettle on their way to a Central League and District 1 5A title. And after last week’s slugfest with Penncrest in the annual Media Bowl, it seems Strath Haven could maybe follow a similar script, as they hung on for dear life in a 14-10 triumph. Week 3’s opponent this season is the same as last year as well, as the Panthers expect another significant test as they hit the road to Ridley this Friday evening.
Ridley’s 2023 season finished below their typical winning standard, as a last-minute, 21-20 defeat at the hands of Strath Haven contributed to a 1-4 start, a 5-5 record overall, and no trip to the District 1 6A playoffs. This year’s Green Raiders, however, are looking to flip the script, and a 2-0 start to 2024 has them riding high. Head Coach Dave Wood has to be thrilled with a defense, led by All-Delco and four-year starting linebacker #45 Connor Kelly, that has allowed just seven points through two games. #67 Sencee Dikenah and #69 Tim Schneider offer terrific size on the defensive line, while #1 Jayden Brown and #4 Tahmir Moody-Ruffin anchor the secondary. The Raider offense is led by quarterback #12 Ryan Carroll, who broke the school record for career passing yards in last week’s 51-0 win over Lower Merion. Carroll has spread the ball around to Brown, #2 Sean Manley, and #11 Logan Bubb as reliable receivers, and Kelly and #33 Kirkland Plummer bring thunder to the rushing attack.
Strath Haven also arrives 2-0, albeit in stranger fashion after last week’s escape at Penncrest. The Panthers managed 14 points on just 8 offensive snaps in the first half, as #32 Shane Green had two long touchdown runs amongst his 225 rushing yards. But the offense stalled in the second half with turnovers and other mistakes, and it was an outstanding defensive performance that ultimately made enough plays to stop Penncrest’s ball-control approach. Green and fellow linebacker #15 Luke Mulhern both had double-digit tackles, #5 James Fisher pounced on a fumble for a key turnover, and #81 Jahi Curtis terrorized the Lions’ backfield all evening. Even with Penncrest doubling the Panthers in time of possession, the Haven defense stood tall to preserve the win.
This week, however, provides a different test altogether. Ridley will draw fuel to avenge last year’s disappointment, where their 20-6 lead disappeared when James Fisher scored on an 83-yard run with two minutes remaining. Further, the Raider defense and staff will be very familiar with the Panthers’ Wing-T attack, so the Panthers, who have yet to complete a pass through two games, may need to attack through the air to avoid being outnumbered near the line of scrimmage. The “X’s and O’s” strategy will be key this week, as both teams seem to match up very well physically and athletically.
The atmosphere in Folsom should be electric, so head on over to the game for a 7pm kickoff at Ridley High School, or catch the broadcast beginning at 6:45pm on www.havenfootball.net. The Panthers and Raiders is always a good show year after year, and this one should be no different. Go Panthers!
