By Brian Carroll, Havenfootball.net –
While nothing in a high school football season comes easily and without lots of hard work, the 2025 high school football season started fairly comfortably last weekend for the Strath Haven Panthers and Penncrest Lions. Each jumped out to comfortable leads by halftime in their respective games, and cruised to the finish lines with high scores and some eye-popping team statistics. Week 2, however, should bring no such comfort, as the Central League opener for the Panthers and Lions is amplified by the Media Bowl trophy that is awarded to the winner of this neighborhood rivalry.
Yosef Ali on one of his 11 rushes for 142 yards last week defeating Interboro 44-7. Photo Courtesy of SHHS Athletics
Penncrest arrives in Wallingford on Thursday with some confidence and energy after a decisive 40-17 victory over Sun Valley last Friday. Head Coach Paul Graham, who returned to lead the program during the 2021 season, brings back a multitude of experienced seniors who finished 6-5 a year ago. Coach Graham’s son Paul is a three-year starter at quarterback, and gave Sun Valley fits in scoring six total touchdowns (5 rushing, 1 passing) and rushing for 206 yards. #13 Graham is complemented by classmates #21 Sean Benson and #22 Jeff Cropper in the backfield, and has receiving weapons in tight end #12 Orion Kolleh. The Lions’ offensive line also boasts a quintet of experienced seniors, including two-way starters #51 Jackson Maguire and #70 Owen Lynch. Cropper and another senior #54 Jackson Macnamara are active at linebacker, while Benson and #7 Andrew Heisserman are solid at the safety spots for a defense that held the Vanguards to four yards per carry and less than 100 yards passing last weekend.
Conversely, the Strath Haven lineup included 10 new starters on offense last Friday night. But what they lacked in experience, the Panthers certainly brought enthusiasm and talent in a dominating 44-7 thrashing of Interboro. The Wing-T attack powered its way to 356 rushing yards, while three different Panthers– #3 Landon Barlow, #35 Ryan Mudrick, and #4 Yosef Ali- found the end zone via rushing touchdowns. The new backfield followed a quick and aggressive offensive line led by #73 Paul Oblek, #56 Nick Farabaugh, #62 Chase Shuster, #57 Zach Milligan, and #64 Jackson Miller. And on a night when the Panthers did not punt the football, #15 Luke Mulhern and #5 Kasey Hudson also had key runs and connected in the passing game to keep the chains moving forward. Milligan also recovered a fumble in the end zone for his first touchdown, and linebackers #7 Cole Haly and #53 Patrick Burke led the way with 8 tackles each. #22 Grayson LaFrance started his senior campaign with an interception, and kicker #47 Matt Styer converted all six extra point tries and tilted the field with three touchbacks on kickoffs.
This week’s matchup should be a stiff test for both teams. Penncrest has not brought home the Media Bowl trophy since 2015 and is 7-36 all-time versus the Panthers. But with the memory of last season’s 14-10 contest then went to the final minute, the Lions have the talent and scheme to turn the tables. Strath Haven will need to clog the cutback lanes to slow down #13 Graham’s excellent vision and running ability, and cannot afford empty possessions or turnovers on the offensive side of the ball. It is early in the season, but it is a safe bet that both teams could be big factors in the Central League and the District 1 playoffs.
At the time of publication, the 2025 Media Bowl will already be in the books, so you can check out the archived broadcast on www.havenfootball.net if you were unable to see it in person at George L. King Field on Thursday evening. Either way, we look forward to another exciting night of football leading into the holiday weekend. Go Panthers!
