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Fly, Eagles Fly!” rang out of the student section as Philadelphia Eagles mascot, Swoop, directed the sea of green like a conductor.
On Friday, September 26, Haven hosted the annual Eagles High School Football Showdown, a program that recognizes high school football teams and their staff in the greater Philadelphia area. The Panthers (5-1) took a statement victory against the Marple Newtown Tigers (2-4).
Eagles mascot Swoop leads the student section through an Eagles chant during the Eagles High School Football Showdown on Friday, September 26. The showdown was a way for the Eagles to interact with Eagles fans with player appearances from former players, drumline, cheerleaders, and various photo ops. (Matthew Ramirez 26)
It was a busy evening for the community as it was also WSSD’s band night, where the middle school band and high school band students collaborated to perform Irving Berlin’s ‘God Bless America,’ the ‘Ghostbusters’ theme, and the Eagles fight song.
The showdown featured special appearances from former Eagles players, Eagles cheerleaders, the Eagles drumline, Swoop, and various photo ops with giant interactive ‘BIRDS’ signage and cardboard player cutouts. According to principal Mr. Andrew Benzing, more than 3,500 people attended the event.
Schools are chosen based on their ability to draw a strong crowd, deliver an exciting game, and provide a matchup the program hasn’t been a part of.
“We thought that the Marple Newtown versus Strath Haven game was a really good game for us,” Philadelphia Eagles Marketing Coordinator Joey Petti said. “It’s [also] an off weekend for [the Eagles], so it’s nice to get away on an away weekend, come out here and put on a great event.”
