Shane Green running for a big gain in last night’s District playoff win. © Havenfootball.net, Inc.
By Jack McCaffery
The more Kevin Clancy did his homework on the Great Valley football team, the more the Strath Haven coach was convinced he had a problem and an underplayed solution.
The problem: A complicated passing attack, led by quarterback Braeden Melia.
The solution: The length and instincts of ever-improving junior defensive end Jahi Curtis.
“That was a sophisticated offense,” Clancy said. “We thought they were outstanding throwing the ball. Their quarterback is very gifted and makes a lot of plays. The receivers are good, and they spread out sideline to sideline.
“But Jahi Curtis had a big day. He was batting balls down. And that is huge for us.”
Though Melia was as advertised, throwing for 198 yards, Curtis tipped four passes to help the Panthers make three interceptions in a 42-7 victory in the first round of the District 1 Class 5A tournament. Seeded second, Strath Haven (10-1) will host seventh-seeded Upper Dublin Friday in the district quarterfinals. Great Valley, the No. 15 seed, finished its season at 4-7.
“We think we’re getting a little better, but it’s week to week,” Clancy said. “It gets a little tougher. Another tough game next week. We have to keep improving. The team that’s going to survive this is the team that keeps getting better.”
If you missed the game you can catch the entire contest on our archive above this article.
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