By Brian Carroll
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… (for high school football fans, at least). After a heartbreaking finish to the 2024 season, the Strath Haven Panthers return to the gridiron this weekend to kick off 2025. Coming off of three straight seasons where they earned a share of the Central League title, the Panthers will first host a non-league test from Interboro.
Interboro Head Coach and Strath Haven alum Pat Fisher leads the Bucs into George L. King Field this Friday with some new faces and a new-look, shotgun spread offense that should showcase the Bucs’ speed and athleticism this season. After two very productive seasons as a tailback, junior #1 Momodu Rodgers will take snaps at quarterback. Rodgers was an All-DelVal selection last season when he totaled over 1,000 all-purpose yards, and will follow an offensive line with three returning starters in #66 Greg Ferrari (also All-DelVal), #72 Aidan Doyle, and #52 Jake Roberts. Talented sophomore #7 Mason Marshall-Speights should take plenty of the handoffs, and junior fullback #6 Tyler Maier will be a bruising option, as well. Defensively, Maier and #3 Jayden Strange will anchor the linebacking corps, while #50 Drew Kyle joins Ferrari and Doyle on the line. #12 Dempsey Lopez returns as a reliable, four-year starter to handle the kicking duties. If the Bucs can iron out some of the wrinkles in their new offensive system, the pieces are in place to improve upon last season’s 2-9 record.
Speaking of something new, Strath Haven will be challenged not with a new playbook, but with a massive task to replace 10 offensive starters from last year’s Central League co-champions. All-Central League guard #56 Nick Farabaugh returns to lead a quick and athletic offensive line, with big contributions expected from #64 Jackson Miller, #73 Paul Oblek, #62 Chase Shuster, #57 Zach Milligan, and #52 Ronan McHugh. Senior quarterback #15 Luke Mulhern steps in under center after seeing some spot duty last season, and his leadership will be counted upon to distribute the ball to running backs #35 Ryan Mudrick, #5 Kasey Hudson, #4 Yosef Ali, and #3 Landon Barlow. #80 John Reilly and #18 Jalen Starr could be factors in the passing game, and #84 Tyler Slaughter and #7 Cole Haly will also bring some energy to the tight end spots. Defensively, Haly and #53 Patrick Burke join Mulhern at linebacker, while #22 Greyson LaFrance and #17 Quinn Kell bring much-needed experience to the secondary. Up front, expect Farabaugh, Slaughter, Barlow and Milligan to be disruptive, and #47 Matt Styer returns to handle kicking duties after an outstanding freshman season.
Panthers’ Head Coach Kevin Clancy begins his 35th season at Strath Haven, and remains Delaware County’s leader in coaching wins (367), with 300 of those coming at Strath Haven. If the Panthers are to add to those totals this week, it will take a disciplined defensive effort to contain Rodgers, who had a 75-yard touchdown run in last year’s game. And with less-experienced personnel than in seasons’ past, Haven will need a consistent, detail-oriented approach to execute their Wing-T attack.
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 our live broadcast on www.havenfootball.net or You Tube.com. Pre-game will begin at 6:45pm, with a 7pm kickoff to follow. We look forward to another fun and highlight-filled season! Remember there is never a charge or fee to watch our broadcasts live or on archive!
Go Panthers!
