By Brian Carroll, Havenfootball.net
With the long and rich history of the Central League, it seems strange to say that any two football opponents would be unfamiliar with one another. But thanks to some scheduling quirks and a pandemic-shortened season in 2020, Strath Haven and Upper Darby are practically strangers. Having not met since 2018, none of the Panther and Royal players (nor Head Coaches) have battled on the gridiron in the past three seasons. But with Haven and Upper Darby firmly in playoff contention in District 1 5A and 6A , respectively, this Friday’s contest has significant power points at stake as the Panthers look to nail down a top seed, and the Royals look for a return to the playoffs for the first time since that 2018 season.
With Head Coach Dave Barr now in his third season, the Royals have started to gain some traction at the right time, highlighted by consecutive wins over Marple-Newtown and Bensalem. Senior do-everything back #5 Montez Ellis started the first six games at quarterback but has shifted to running back to balance the offense. Sophomore #17 Nate O’Donnell has stepped in at quarterback and directed the Royals’ wins over the last two weeks, and he includes senior fullback #20 Lavar Jackson in the rushing game. Fellow seniors who are threats in the passing game include tight end #9 Marcus Kemp, and wide receivers #12 Zyon Jeffries and #15 Xavier Moore. Defensively, the Royals have stiffened dramatically, allowing just three touchdowns in their last 10 quarters of play. Strong safety #3 Jihad Cave is a playmaker in the secondary, while defensive tackle #52 Kaleel McLaughlin is a force on the defensive line. #2 Zahir Burch and #10 Ethan Douglas will lead the linebackers as they look to slow the Strath Haven running game, and #30 Abraham Bility has been steady as the Royals’ placekicker and punter.
For the Panthers, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. The running game that averaged 370 yards per game leading into last week’s contest with Radnor bulldozed its way to 443 more yards and five visits to the end zone in the 42-0 shutout. #32 Anthony Crawford topped the 200-yard mark for the second time in three weeks and added two more touchdowns. #40 Bob Fooskas and #35 Austin Conner were again very effective at halfback, each scoring touchdowns and Conner adding a receiving tally on a 16-yard strike from #4 Sam Milligan. The Panthers’ defense bent a bit against a speedy Radnor offense, but ultimately pitched their second shutout of the season. The goose egg on the scoreboard was due in large part to the tackling efforts of #30 James Fisher, #5 Chase Nangle, and #44 Jordan Draine on the edges and #89 Ben Farabaugh and #73 Jason Williams up the middle. A late game interception from #25 AJ Glavacic stalled Radnor in the red zone, and Tim Styer’s deep kickoffs all night gave the Raptors difficult field position.
As both teams build toward the District 1 playoffs that begin November 4th, expect both offenses to create a bit more parity in the run/pass ratios. Look for Strath Haven to re-acclimate quarterback Sam Milligan in the passing game after missing half the season with an injury, while Upper Darby will find creative ways to get the ball to Montez Ellis in open space. If the Upper Darby defense can force turnovers, like the two created in last week’s win over Bensalem, an upset and a giant leap in the playoff points race is not out of the question.
The Panthers need one more win to clinch an opportunity for multiple home games in the playoffs and are looking for a victory over Upper Darby for the first time since 2011. Be sure to make a trip to George L. King Field on Friday night to celebrate the Panthers’ senior football players and cheerleaders. If you cannot make an in-person visit, tune in live on www.havenfootball.net at 6:45pm for pregame and 7pm for kickoff. Go Panthers!
