By Brian Carroll – Havenfootball.net
After an abrupt and unexpected ending to their 2022 season, the Central League co-champion Strath Haven football team embarked on an offseason with many question marks after several experienced and talented seniors graduated this past June. Offseason running and lifting was accented by the Strath Haven baseball team’s run to the state finals, and mini-camps and August practices were accompanied by all eyes on the Media Little Leaguers incredible journey to Williamsport for the Little League World Series last week. We blinked, and the summer was suddenly finished. But with plenty of good sports energy in the community the Panthers are ready to launch their 2023 football season.
Strath Haven’s first test comes this Friday, 8/25/23, on their new turf at George L. King field as the defending District 1 4A Champion Interboro Bucs come to town. The Bucs, led by Head Dennis Lux and a staff full of fellow alumni, are in a similar boat as Strath Haven, wondering who will pick up the oars and row after heavy graduation losses. All-Delco lineman Matt Galanaugh and several linemates are gone, as is two-year starting QB Julian Bulovas and defensive standouts Eben Affainie and Tolo Awoemi. Lest we forget, the 2023 Delco Player of the Year, Abu Kamara, takes his talents and record-setting rushing yardage to Yale University. Coach Lux will look to refill the cupboard with massive two-way tackle #77 Nolan Royer, all-purpose back #3 Anthony Barr, and another two-way contributor #87 Pete Gentile. With some experience and plenty of grit that seems to be an annual staple, the Bucs could once again make some noise in the DelVal League and the 4A District playoffs.
For Strath Haven, most of the headliners who handled the football are gone. With school record setter Anthony Crawford, Bob Fooskas, Sam Milligan, Austin Conner and Chase Nangle graduated, the Panthers will need to replace over 4,400 rushing yards and over 60 total touchdowns. Ben Farabaugh, an overwhelming blocker at TE and All-Delco defensive lineman, is now at the Naval Academy as well. However, the Panthers do return the entirety of the unit that paved the way for all those yards and touchdowns, as they will boast six seniors (all of whom were starters last year) on the offensive line. Haven will expect tackles #77 Bill Brown and #76 Will Leuthold, guards #55 Gavin Pilson and #57 Jackson Geremia, center #68 Carter Law and tight end #40 Cole Miller to set the tone early as they acclimate a bevy of new backs and receivers. Quarterback #6 Jake Kitchin started three games last season due to injury and provides a steady and knowledgeable skill set to lead the offense. Senior halfbacks #20 Marco Kaufman and #4 Mekhi Clark will be joined by a trio of juniors– #5 James Fisher, #32 Shane Green, and #34 Vince Hales—in the backfield to run it from their Wing-T attack. Defensively, the Panthers must replace six starters but have some experience returning in the secondary with #5 Fisher and third year starting cornerback #25 AJ Glavicic. #22 Clark and #27 Ben Milligan are expected to contribute, as well, while the front seven will feature several of the same players who double as offensive lineman, along with underclassmen #56 Nick Farabaugh, #89 Alexei Gustafson, and #81 Jahi Curtis.
Rebuilding a team with so many new faces is a challenge that every coaching staff will face at some point. But with Head Coach Kevin Clancy beginning his 33rd season at the helm with an experienced staff of assistants, Strath Haven fans can be assured that the 2023 version will be in good hands. 12 league titles, 12 district titles, and two state championships don’t happen by accident, and the successes of recent seasons have the current players excited to meet high expectations.
Come join us at the Field Day open house on August 25th from 1-4. Performances by our sensational 300+ member marching band and the Silvertones as well as raffle baskets, games and more!
Expect a nice crowd if you are coming over to Strath Haven this Friday night for the opening weekend. If you are unable to attend the game this Friday in person, tune in to the live broadcast on www.havenfootball.net. Pre-game will begin at 6:45pm, with a 7pm kickoff to follow. We look forward to another fantastic and fun 2023 season!
