By Brian Carroll –
Sometimes it pays to step back and take a deep breath. For Strath Haven football fans, it would be strongly recommended at the moment. Last Friday’s hard-fought, 13-7 slugfest victory over undefeated Garnet Valley had viewers on the edge of their seats with elevated pulses all night, with the shorthanded Panthers using every bit of energy, skill, and a fantastic game plan to top one of District 1’s top contenders. The Panthers resume their varsity schedule on October 23rd in a huge game with Ridley, but this week provides a fun and welcomed change of pace in a matchup with the Harriton Rams.
Harriton Head Coach John McAllister brings 27 committed, hardworking young men on the road this week to continue what has been an enormously challenging season. After dropping their opening week game 53-0 to Pottstown, the decision was made to discontinue the Rams’ Varsity football season, as the Lower Merion School District is taking a step back of their own in evaluating the participation numbers and safety considerations. Still, the 27 players and coaching staff who have remained in the program have continued to battle through a Junior Varsity schedule. Based on last year’s matchup with Strath Haven, junior #18 Josh Fishbein is a reasonable guess to start at quarterback, with junior captain #8 Jacob Gastner seeing time as a receiver. #2 Ryan Zheng saw action in the secondary and as a receiver in the 2025 varsity game, as well. Another junior captain, #62 Carter Smith, should anchor the offensive line with #75 Everett Gentzel, and both should impact the game defensively in the front seven.
For the Panthers, longtime varsity assistant and JV Head Coach Dan Shaffer will have the younger Panthers eager to shine on a Friday night for the first time this season. Sophomore quarterback #6 Matt Tamayo is both a passing and running threat, and junior fullback #27 Jon Bonhomme leads the team in rushing. #20 Will Davis provides a spark on the edges as a runner and receiver, with #10 Christian Kaufman and #33 Nate Brown lining up at tight end. #15 Matt Abate starts at split end, and #76 Cullen Reardon and #65 Mike Mapps lead the offensive line. Defensively, #77 Jon Williams and #50 Zach Aretz have been dominant up front with #52 Jeff McDonough. #30 Calvin Kerr joins Kaufman and Bonhomme in the linebacker group, while #23 Julien Huff, #22 Justin Mersini, and #42 Quinn Hogarth are playmakers in the secondary.
While much has been said about the abrupt change of plans in Harriton’s varsity season, this Friday evening offers several opportunities. It is an opportunity to enjoy another fall Friday evening in a terrific community atmosphere that will only be more festive thanks to Strath Haven’s Homecoming activities. It is an opportunity for younger players, who spend countless hours of practice time preparing their varsity level teammates, to shine themselves under the “Friday Night Lights.” And no matter the label affixed to it, no matter the still-developing skill level on the field, and no matter the frustration of what might be “missed”, this Friday is an opportunity for the 27 teenagers at Harriton who just want to keep playing football, to do exactly that. In the bigger picture, the dedication shown by Harriton players, coaches and families who continue to play should be celebrated, and Strath Haven players and coaches are more than thrilled to do their part.
Plan to arrive early this Friday for what will be a fun-filled and busy evening at George L. King Field. The band and cheerleaders will be top-notch as always, and Homecoming is a great way to catch up with friends, former teachers, and more. For those who cannot attend in person, tune in at 6:45pm on www.havenfootball.net to see the Rams and future varsity Panthers go head-to-head. Go Panthers!
