Haven running the ball in last year’s District 1-5A final. Photo by James Quinn Photography
By Matt Smith
It was only a matter of time before we had a rematch of the epic 2021 final between these two schools. Quarterback Sam Milligan’s two-point conversion run in double overtime sent the Haven faithful into a frenzy last year, clinching the program’s 12th District 1 championship.
An argument could be made that the Golden Knights (10-1) and the Panthers (12- 0) are better this season than they were a year ago.
Fans of old-school, run-heavy offenses are in luck. Haven’s patented Wing-T offense has produced 4,380 yards on 538 carries (8.1 ypc). The leading man is senior Anthony Crawford, who set the program’s single-season rushing record in last Saturday’s 36-19 win over No. 7 Springfield. Crawford is the second-leading rusher in Delco with 1,896 yards and 26 TDs. Bob Fooskas has 1,053 yards and 13 scores while Milligan, who this week announced his verbal commitment to Bucknell, has 622 yards and 10 TDs.
Rustin advanced to the semifinals with a 31-7 rout of No. 6 Kennett. Antonio Santangelo (141 yards) paced a ground assault that produced 408 yards on 48 carries. Daimon Jacobs amassed 121 yards and two TD while Chase Hatton added 87 yards.
The winner plays either No. 1 Upper Dublin or fourth-seeded Plymouth Whitemarsh for the championship.
