By Brian Carroll
As the old saying goes, time flies when you are having fun. And just like that, with the Strath Haven Panthers undefeated through five weeks, the 2023 regular season is half finished. A methodical demolition of Interboro in Week 1 and last week’s steady, defensively sound victory over Upper Darby bookend three straight one-score wins that came down to the final moments, and Strath Haven has reached the halfway point in the drivers seat in both the Central League and District 1 5A. There will be temptation to look ahead to some significant challenges remaining on the regular season schedule, but the Panthers next step on the path points toward a young and talented Radnor squad that has gained some momentum following a tough start to their season.
Second year Radnor Head Coach Kyle Yeiter and the Raptors will look for their second win in three weeks, as Radnor appeared in the win column two weeks ago with a heart-stopping 26-20 victory over Upper Moreland. The Raptors’ do-it-all senior #12 Tucker Graham blocked a Golden Bears’ punt and recovered it in the end zone late in the fourth quarter for the decisive score. Graham, who served as Radnor’s starting quarterback last season, has shifted to a hybrid slotback role this year, joining fellow senior #24 Bryce Cohen as a solid one-two punch out of the Radnor backfield and as primary receivers. Quarterback may be a question mark for Radnor leading into this week’s game, as junior starter #7 Matt Szychulski was injured late in last week’s 21-7 loss to Conestoga. Still, sophomore #16 Luke Reilly was a late-game spark in relief, and the Radnor spread offense should test the Panthers regardless of who is taking snaps. Defensively, expect Radnor to load the box and attack with quick linebackers #4 Lionel Dunbar, #5 Henry Faragalli, #11 Mason Shieh, and #23 John Belveal.
For Strath Haven, Head Coach Kevin Clancy will look to build on a workmanlike performance from the offense last week in the 28-14 win over Upper Darby, with a very balanced rushing attack leading the way while mixing in some effective passes. #20 Marco Kauffman found the most room on the ground last week, with his first career 100-yard rushing effort, complemented nicely by juniors #5 James Fisher (71 rushing yards) and #32 Shane Green (48 rushing yards, two receiving TDs). #6 Jake Kitchen had a career high 3 touchdown passes, finding Kauffman for a 16-yard score in addition to the pair of scoring tosses to Green. And after a somewhat shaky opening drive, the Panthers largely shut down the Upper Darby offense thanks to the tackling efforts of #44 Sean Henry at linebacker, and some key third-down stops from #89 Alexei Gustafson and #40 Cole Miller in the middle of the defensive line.
Looking ahead to this week, Strath Haven will still look to clean up some sloppy penalties that have interrupted or ruined several red-zone opportunities over the last few games. Ultimately, the Panthers have been fortunate to overcome those mistakes thus far, but know that attention to detail will ultimately be a huge factor in the weeks ahead, whether it be penalties, blocking technique, or tackling. Radnor, who spent all of last season on the road while their stadium was being renovated, will be fired up to take on Strath Haven on their own turf, and will look to knock the Panthers off their perch atop the Central League and District 1 5A.
The Panthers’ second road trip in as many weeks will take the caravan up the Blue Route this Friday night for a 7pm kickoff. Plan to arrive early to see the bands in Radnor’s new facility, or catch all the action on the livestream on www.havenfootball.net, which will begin coverage at 6:45pm. Go Panthers!
