By Brian Carroll, Havenfootball.net
Thus far, the 2022 District 1 5A football playoffs have played out as expected on paper. The top four seeds have advanced to the semifinals, resulting in an intriguing rematch from 2021. The #2 seeded Strath Haven will host #3 West Chester Rustin after both teams vanquished a league opponent last weekend, as the undefeated Panthers fought off Springfield, while the 10-1 Golden Knights exacted some revenge on Kennett. And after meeting in an incredible game a year ago, intensity will be high this Friday night in Wallingford.
Rustin’s Mike Sinclair, the school’s only Head Coach since its inception in 2006, brings a stingy defense and powerful rushing attack to George L. King Field this week, both of which have been calling cards for the Golden Knights for many years. A District 1 championship in 2008, and three runner-up finishes since (2018, 2020, and 2021) has a Rustin team hungry to update a championship banner and avenge a double overtime loss to Strath Haven a year ago in the district final. The cast of characters has changed a bit, but the Golden Knights feature three talented running backs in their Wing-T attack. A pair of halfbacks, senior #3 Daimon Jacobs and sophomore #22 Chase Hatton, have nearly identical statistics attacking the edges: Jacobs has 110 carries for 912 yards, while Hatton has rushed 111 times for 870 yards. And if defenses try to key on either of them, senior fullback #10 Antonio Santangelo becomes a problem, as he gashed Kennett for 141 yards last week in the quarter-finals. Sophomore quarterback #10 David McClain is an effective runner and throws well enough to keep defenses honest and has big senior targets #17 Marek Seaman and #5 Jeremy Lynn on his radar. Senior WR/KR #1 Nelson Murray is dangerous in the return game, as well as a big-play man in the pass game. Defensively, Rustin has held both playoff opponents in check, allowing Radnor only 40 yards of total offense while Kennett gained just 163. Seniors #47 Mike Labus and #61 Jaysin Huynh are two-year starters and are solid up front, while Santangelo and Seaman join fellow seniors #52 Jake Law and #54 Connor Corrigan in a busy linebacking corps. The Knights’ familiarity with the Wing-T offense, as well as game film from last year’s matchup, should provide them confidence in preparing for the Panthers.
The same can be said for Strath Haven, whose Wing-T was slowed somewhat in last week’s quarter-final victory over Springfield. Despite being held under 300 total yards and not having a runner top the 100-yard mark for the first time all season, the Panthers still managed to put 36 points on the board and establish multiple running threats throughout the 36-19 victory. Early touchdown runs by fullback #34 Anthony Crawford and quarterback #4 Sam Milligan helped stake the Panthers to a halftime lead, and halfback #35 Austin Conner’s two second-half scoring runs included a crucial 55-yarder on 4th and 2 in the 4th quarter. Tight end #89 Ben Farabaugh joined the party late in the game with his first career reception, a 10-yard scoring strike from Milligan. Farabaugh also led the team with 14 tackles, while fellow linemates Conner, Crawford and sophomore #64 Vince Hales each had quarterback sacks. In all, Springfield’s intensity and execution provided the Panthers with their stiffest test of the year, which could serve Haven well in what should be a close battle this week.
For those who followed last year’s teams, the 2021 District 1 Championship game with these two teams could not have been closer. Both Rustin and Strath Haven had missed opportunities, and both had big plays. Both had moments defensively where it was clear the scouting and execution was perfect, and both offenses pulled out some plays that caught their opponents off guard. With Strath Haven ultimately prevailing by the length of the football when Sam Milligan stretched it to the end zone pylon in double overtime on a two-point conversion, both teams will expect nothing less than their toughest battle of the season with a return trip to the title game on the line.
Getting to the game in person this week should be a top priority, but for those who cannot make it to Wallingford, do not miss some “must see tv” as we will be streaming the game LIVE beginning at 6:45pm. The Panthers will try to give Head Coach Kevin Clancy his 345 career win and 275 at Strath Haven, and extend the season into a Happy Thanksgiving weekend. Go Panthers!
