By Mike Mayer, Webmaster
It’s hard to believe the 2022 regular football season is completed…..and what a season it has been. Haven has rushed for 3,676 yard averaging a whopping 8.2 yards per carry using 11 different running backs and a Red Zone success rate of 88.6%. They have scored just over 38 points per game. The defense has had 16 interceptions, 13 sacks, 41 tackles for a loss and 31 quarterback hurries and allowed less than 9 points scored per game. A perfect 10-0 regular season and Central League Championship!
Now the real fun begins. The PIAA District 1–5A District playoffs begin this week with the Panthers as the #2 seed out of 16 teams.
Facing the Panthers will be the Upper Merion Vikings (4-6) who play in the Frontier League. They are led by #5 senior quarterback, Zayd Etheridge, who two weeks ago completed 11 out of 12 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. He can also run so he is a double threat.
The Vikings go-to running backs are #22 Justin Baez and #13 Marcus Crittendon (who also acts as a key receiver).
The Vikings key offense philosophy is to be able to threaten a passing game but pound it out on the ground.
Last week the Panthers experienced a passing game which scored two touchdowns and were accompanied by passing drives. The defensive line had effectively shut down the run game so Marple Newtown went to the air successfully as Haven’s corners and safeties played it loose and there was only occasional pressure on the quarterback. For the Tigers it was too little too late but it did expose a passing attack in future games.
Expect to see the Panthers continue with the ground and pound running game which has proved very effective in all 10 games. Possibly a little more passing, if for no other reason than to tune up that part of their attack as they take on stronger and stronger defensive teams.
The game is on Friday night, November 4th, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are NOT available at the gate and must be purchased on-line at https://www.piaad1.org/. If you want a link to ticket sales you can go to our web site at www.havenfootball.net.
If you can’t make the game (and we hope you do) you can watch the game LIVE on www.havenfootball.net and on You Tube. Links are available on our web site. GO PANTHERS!
