By Brian Carroll, Havenfootball.net –
As summer winds down and fall arrives, optimism abounds for the hundreds of high school football teams across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Closest to home, the Strath Haven Panthers have that same feeling, as several decades of success continued last season with another solid playoff run. And with several key players and a stalwart coaching staff returning, the Panthers will start the 2026 party by hosting a big, non-league test from Del-Val powerhouse Chester.
Chester Head Coach Dennis Shaw and the Clippers arrive fresh off a 13-1 record and an appearance in last year’s District 1 5A final and are looking to reload and repeat a deep postseason run. With several talented, multi-year starters lost to graduation, it would be easy to think Chester may take a step back this season. But with a few transfers joining returning college prospects #3 Sire Hall and #7 Sekai Brown-Murray returning in the defensive secondary and as receiving targets, the Clippers expect to have big-play ability on both sides of the ball. In addition #51 Zyon Santana returns as a game-wrecker at both defensive end (2nd team All-State last year) and running back, while Jacoby Roman, Jabrae Davis, and Solomon Dodson bring size and experience in the trenches. Shane McLain returns at linebacker and will be expected to lead a defense that allowed just seven points per game and posted six shutouts last season.
Strath Haven, after a fifth straight season of double-digit wins, returns with high expectations, as well. A fast and aggressive defense that ranked amongst the top 10 in the state last season returns #7 LB Cole Haly and #53 Pat Burke and linebacker, both of whom received multiple postseason honors. #3 Landon Barlow and #57 Zach Milligan join #84 Tyler Slaughter up front, while #11 Jalen Starr and #5 Kasey Hudson return in the secondary. Offensively #8 Jake Plunkett will be under center after appearing in multiple games last season, and he’ll have four different running backs who averaged 6.5 yards per carry or better last year—Barlow, Hudson, #4 Yosef Ali and #2 Derek Bradley. Bradley, Starr, Slaughter, and #80 John Reilly will all be speedy and excellent receiving targets, and #62 Chase Shuster returns with Milligan to anchor the offensive line. The Panthers’ special teams also should indeed be special, as Starr, Hudson, and Bradley all had big plays as kick returners last year, while #47 Matt Styer enters his junior season with postseason accolades as well. #55 Logan Knaub is expected to contribute on the offensive line and as the long snapper. 
Panthers’ Head Coach Kevin Clancy begins his 36th season at Strath Haven and remains Delaware County’s leader in coaching wins (387), with 320 of those coming at Strath Haven. If the Panthers are to add to those totals this week, it will take an aggressive and disciplined effort from the offensive line to move what is expected to be a bigger Chester front. Chester will likely look to establish a power rushing attack as they have a new starter at quarterback for the first time in four seasons and will look to contain the Panthers’ Wing-T attack with a quick and strong defense of their own.
Plan to arrive early at Strath Haven for opening night, as excitement for the new season should be high. 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 6:40 pm, with a 7pm kickoff to follow. We look forward to another fun and highlight-filled season! Go Panthers!
