By Brian Carroll, Havenfootball.net
Just prior to last week’s much-anticipated contest with Ridley, Strath Haven Head Coach Kevin Clancy mentioned, “You know, watch out for some turnovers tonight. I think that could be a big factor in a game like this.” Having coached at Strath Haven since 1991, and with more wins than any other coach in Delaware County history, Clancy’s words did not seem coincidental after his Panthers ended a 20-year winless drought on Morton Avenue. The Panthers dominated the Green Mystique throughout the evening, taking a big step in perhaps securing a Central League title for the first time since 2010. The next step on that path appears back in Wallingford his Friday night, as the Panthers host the Radnor Raptors.
First-year Head Coach Kyle Yeiter should have Radnor well-rested after a Week 7 bye, and also with added confidence after the prior week’s 39-14 victory over their neighbors to the east, Harriton. Senior slotback #22 Tommy DeShan had two rushing touchdowns and an electric 80-yard kickoff return for a third score, while fellow senior wide receiver #2 Amir Byrd added a 70-yard punt return touchdown of his own. Along with dangerous special teams returners, Radnor’s junior quarterback #12 Tucker Graham pulls the trigger from the shotgun spread and is protected by a all-senior offensive line. With #7 Zach Fluck and #24 Bryce Cohen (who had a 53-yard run versus Harriton) also available to tote the rock, the Raptors can attack from multiple directions. Defensively, Radnor features nine experienced seniors in the starting lineup, including #51 Keaton Monaghan (6-3, 240) and #70 Dominick Lauducina (6-4, 265) providing terrific size up front. Byrd, DeShan, Fluck and #15 Aidan Roselle round out an athletic secondary who will also be tasked this week with tackling a bevy of powerful Strath Haven runners.
Those Strath Haven runners piled up another 355 yards rushing in last week’s convincing, 41-14 win over Ridley. #34 Anthony Crawford blasted between the tackles with 196 yards and four touchdowns, while #40 Bob Fooskas, #35 Austin Conner, and #4 Sam Milligan worked the edges to combine for another 126 yards and a score. But the story of the night was the defense, which allowed only one late-game touchdown to an otherwise potent Ridley offense. Sophomore safety #30 James Fisher swung momentum early with a timely interception in the end zone to kill the Raiders’ opening drive, then visited the other end zone with a 45-yard return for a score off a tipped pass from Austin Conner. Mix in timely interceptions from Milligan and cornerback #5 Chase Nangle, and the Panthers’ forcing four turnovers was the key to a 28-0 halftime lead. And beyond just last week, Haven’s 11 interceptions and four fumble recoveries on the season (versus only three total turnovers by their offense) has been an enormous factor in the 7-0 record and (for the moment) the top seed in the District 1 5A playoff race.
With just three games remaining in the regular season, expect increased focus and intensity as teams jockey for the 16 spots in the upcoming playoffs. Strath Haven is looking to secure home field advantage for multiple rounds of the playoffs, while Radnor needs a win or two to leap into the bracket. Expect the Raptors to find ways to get the ball in the hands of Amir Byrd and Tommy DeShan early and often, while the Panthers, with Milligan back under center, will possibly look to get a short passing game on track to balance the powerful rushing game.
The Panthers’ return to George L. King Field for the first time in a month gives local fans a great opportunity to see the Silver and Black, as well as the phenomenal cheerleaders and marching band, on what should be a beautiful fall evening. For those cannot attend in person, the broadcast on www.havenfootball.net will begin at 6:45pm, followed by a 7pm kickoff. Go Panthers!
