By Brian Carroll, Broadcaster
A question for the Strath Haven Panther football team: “So how do you top that?” After an exhilarating, improbable finish in the District 1 5A Final that saw the Panthers squeak out a 34-33, double-overtime victory over West Chester Rustin by literally their fingertips, it seems fair to ask how a more satisfying encore could even be imagined. But now in the PIAA state semifinals, with a powerhouse of an opponent in Imhotep Charter awaiting, Strath Haven has an enormous opportunity to surpass the joy of Thanksgiving weekend where they claimed their twelfth district championship.
Imhotep Charter, the District 12 champion whose mascot is also the Panthers, will present a challenge for Strath Haven that they have not seen in years. With no disrespect to any other opponents this year (including 6A District 1 Champ Garnet Valley), Imhotep thrives on a defense with a Division 1 prospect at nearly every position, as it allows just 6.0 points per game. Only one other team in all of Pennsylvania allows fewer points per game, and none have the #1 defensive end recruit in the country, #6 Enai White. White makes a living in opponents’ backfields, is flanked by two more D1 recruits on the defensive line, #25 Jah’Sear Whittington and #1 Keon Wylie, a Penn State commit. If Haven manages to push through the defensive line, linebacker #7 Maurice Beverly awaits: He was merely the MVP of the Philadelphia Public League this season. A speedy and aggressive secondary, led by #9 Jahmir Reyes (West Point commit) and #2 Rashaan Wright, locks down the back end. Imhotep’s offense is no slouch, either, averaging 31 points per game, third-best in District 12. Southpaw QB #12 Mikal Davis can sling it to several talented receivers including #11 Rojhii Atkinson and #18 Terrance Adams, while offensive tackles #56 Kaliem Croswell and #74 Emir Stinetta (Rutgers commit) pave the way for running backs #3 Tre McLeod, #8 Rahmir Stewart, and #13 Jabree Coleman. McLeod, following that offensive line that averages 311 pounds per man, shredded Erie Cathedral Prep to the tune of 293 yards and three touchdowns in Tep’s 42-7 quarterfinal victory.
