By Brian Carroll –
For those tuned in to Delaware County high school football last Thursday, a quick glance at the halftime scores may have come as a bit of a surprise. Many observers expecting a dominant Strath Haven victory over Upper Darby likely did a double-take at the Panthers’ halftime deficit, as the talented and confident Royals put on quite a show for the first two quarters. Still, sometimes a little adversity can be helpful, and the Panthers’ second-half surge may just be what the doctor ordered as they gear up for another Central League test this Friday with Radnor.
Led by second-year Head Coach Drew Devitt, the Raptors arrive at George L. King Field with a 1-2 record, with their lone win coming via forfeit over Harriton. Still, Radnor was competitive in their losses to Chichester and Conestoga and can be effective if they can eliminate some mistakes. The offense features senior tailback #8 Adam Krafczek, who has topped 100 yards rushing in both the Raptors’ contests this season and scored twice last week in the 24-13 loss to Conestoga. Fellow senior #1 Kris Duncan is an effective blocker and receiver out of the backfield, and #2 Ryan Chess and #10 Miles Davis are shifty receivers on the outside when #13 Tomas Moreland is throwing it. Davis is also dangerous as a kick and punt returner in the special teams. Defensively #63 Landon Williams has been a stalwart at defensive end, as has #81 Aiden Swindells. Duncan joins #21 Wesley Sule and #56 Tyler Rath at linebacker, while #9 Hendrik Bleyen anchors the secondary from his free safety spot.
Strath Haven, winners of two straight after an opening night loss to Chester, seems to have found their footing offensively, posting 42 points in each of the last two weeks. The Panthers were tested early last week by Upper Darby’s quick-hit passing game, falling behind 18-14 at halftime. But interceptions from #7 Cole Haly and #80 John Reilly stemmed the tide, and the Panthers’ vaunted Wing-T attack started to roll. #3 Landon Barlow churned out 208 yards on 27 carries, with halfbacks #4 Yousif Ali (2 touchdowns), #5 Kasey Hudson, and #32 Connor Kelly all averaging at least seven yards per carry on the evening. 410 total yards and 28 unanswered points later, the Panthers left Lansdowne Avenue with a 42-18 victory and some serious momentum heading back to their home turf. 
Recent history has not been kind to Radnor in this head-to-head matchup, as the Panthers have come out on top in every contest for the last seven seasons. Last season’s 56-6 loss spun the Raptors into an 8-game losing streak to end the season, so Coach Devitt and the Raptors should be hungry for their first contested win since early September of last year. For the Panthers, look for the defense to swarm to the ball as a unit, as Krafczek and Davis usually fight through or around first contact. Offensively, Head Coach Kevin Clancy will still pound the football with a talented stable of running backs but has also shown a willingness to attack through the air with #8 Jake Plunkett, who has touchdown passes in each of the first three weeks.
As always, getting to games in person is highly recommended, as Strath Haven home games are quite the spectacle with the marching band, cheerleaders, and the action on the gridiron. If not, the livestream will begin at 6:45pm for the 7pm kickoff on www.havenfootball.net, as the Raptors will look to upset Strath Haven for the first time since 2018. Go Panthers!
