By Brian Carroll
As stated, many times in this column over the past few seasons, the Strath Haven Panthers’ ongoing football goal seems simple: “Just get better every week.” Head Coach Kevin Clancy has been at the helm since 1991, so certainly understands that idea sometimes results in winning football games, and sometimes not. With a talented group of student-athletes on this year’s roster, the Panthers have not only stormed their way to a 13th Central League title, but last week cleared the first hurdle on the path to a possible District 1 5A championship. With a 42-7 demolition of Great Valley last Friday, the Panthers showed fans that they are playing their best football at the most important time of the season. Still, the race continues, and it will not get any easier with the defending District 1 Champion Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals coming to town this week.
The Flying Cardinals arrive at George L. King this week as the #7 seed with a 7-4 record, with all four losses coming to 6A playoff teams in the Suburban 1 League. Head Coach Bret Stover brings a balanced offense, led by 1,000 yard rusher #1 Shyne Roberts. Roberts is complemented by fullback #44 Martin Campbell Jr., and #4 Chris Kohlbrenner is a three-year starter and Upper Dublin’s most versatile weapon as a running back, receiver, and kick returner. #5 Kevin Etkins is a first-year starter at quarterback but has handled the spread offense nicely. Defensively, the Cardinals have given up more points than last year’s District 1 championship unit, but still have several playmakers who can change momentum quickly. Roberts and #31 Dominick Paone lead the linebackers, while Kohlbrenner and fellow senior #12 Trey Relvas anchor the secondary.
