By Brian Carroll, Havenfootball.net –
For high school football players and coaches looking at postgame video, not much feels worse than seeing missed opportunities. Whether it be penalties, turnovers, “almost” big plays, or even the opportunity to get on the field at all, these opportunities can make everyone even hungrier for their next contest. If that is indeed the case, expect the Strath Haven Panthers and Marple Newtown Tigers, both coming off frustrating losses last Friday, ready to sit at the table and eat in a big way this Friday evening.
After an opening night victory, Marple Newtown arrives this week on a bit of a skid, dropping three of their last four contests. Head Coach Chris Gicking and the Tigers will look to shift momentum early with their do-everything running back, #21 Brett Wolski, an All-Central League selection a year ago. Wolski accounted for 210 yards from scrimmage (157 rushing, 43 receiving) in last week’s 19-14 loss to Garnet Valley, which followed a six-touchdown performance in a rout of Harriton the week prior. The Tigers’ rushing attack is balanced by senior quarterback #11 Sean Grogan, a dual pass-run threat who likes to sling it to #4 Jack Dean, #1 Nick Delvecchio and #2 Keiran Hennessy on the outside. Defensively, the Tigers use Grogan and #12 Jackson Park as disruptive linebackers, while #50 Mike Murray is a three-year contributor on the defensive line. Wolski and Dean are joined by #13 Jack Dreger in the secondary, and Australian-born #19 Kyan Chisnall is a special teams weapon as a kicker and punter.
For Head Coach Kevin Clancy and the Panthers, they too will be looking to shake off a loss last Friday after dropping a defensive struggle to Haverford, 10-6. Strath Haven got a phenomenal performance from their defense, holding star running back Liam Taylor to less than three yards per carry and the Fords to just 100 total yards. Playing without three starters in the front seven, the Panthers defensive line of #35 Ryan Mudrick, #73 Paul Oblek, #64 Jackson Miller, and #56 Nick Farabaugh clogged running lanes all night in holding the Fords to a season-low in points. Offensively, the shorthanded Panthers were held to a season-low 77 rushing yards and managed just two field goals (38, 30 yards) from #47 Matt Styer, but had some encouraging performances from first-time starting quarterback #8 Jake Plunkett and #18 Jalen Starr (3 receptions).
With both teams jockeying for District 1 5A playoff position as the second half of the season begins, expect a high-intensity effort from coaches and players alike as each looks to avoid a losing streak. The Panthers hope to have a few players return to good health and re-establish what has been a potent running game, while the Tigers will try to use their short passing game and patient running of Wolski to keep the Haven offense sidelined. With Marple Newtown coming out on top in two of these teams last five meetings, the Panthers know they will be in for a battle.
Arrive early this Friday at George L. King Field, as this week’s game will have special guests from the World Champion Philadelphia Eagles providing additional fun. Pre-game activities will begin a bit earlier at 6:25pm with kickoff slated for 7pm, all of which will be livestreamed on www.havenfootball.net. Go Panthers!
