By Brian Carroll, Havenfootball.net
Once again, football fans and observers around Pennsylvania are starting to take notice. The many decades of spectacular football tradition at Strath Haven have certainly kept the Panthers on the radar for most each autumn, but the 2022 version has begun to grab a special level of attention. Through four weeks of action, most coaches would say it would be difficult to win a game without your projected starting quarterback, or to win without attempting a pass in two of those games. So, the idea that the Panthers are 4-0, after passing a test with Springfield last week in convincing fashion, has created a buzz in Wallingford-Swarthmore that is growing louder by the week. Looking to quiet all the noise this Saturday afternoon: The Lower Merion Aces.
The Aces arrive at Week 5 on a three-game losing skid, but third-year Head Coach Joe Augustine’s crew has shown significant improvement over the past two seasons. Do not be fooled by last week’s 49-14 loss to Upper Darby—the Aces have been very competitive for most of the season. After a 35-0 shutout win over Pottstown in Week 1, Lower Merion had a lead over Conestoga slip away on the final play of the game in Week 2, falling 15-14. A week later, the Aces played evenly with perennial 5A playoff qualifier Marple Newtown, only to fall 29-12 when two second-half turnovers turned the tide. Lower Merion features junior QB #4 Mekhai Smith often running a shotgun spread offense and throwing darts to receivers #2 Sam Zheng, #4 Zion Gray, #8 Aidan Fliszar, and #24 George Taylor, who had an 82-yard touchdown reception against Marple Newtown. The offensive line has good size, led by four-year starter #60 Xavier Archawski (6’6”, 285 lbs.). Defensively, Lower Merion has depth in the linebacking corps, including physical juniors #50 Andrew Cook and #17 Ben Booker, who also sees time at running back. Those linebackers will have their hands full this week facing a Haven ground game that is averaging 367 yards per game and over 7 yards per carry.
