By Brian Carroll
As the old saying goes, time flies when you are having fun. And just like that, with the Strath Haven Panthers undefeated through five weeks, the 2023 regular season is half finished. A methodical demolition of Interboro in Week 1 and last week’s steady, defensively sound victory over Upper Darby bookend three straight one-score wins that came down to the final moments, and Strath Haven has reached the halfway point in the drivers seat in both the Central League and District 1 5A. There will be temptation to look ahead to some significant challenges remaining on the regular season schedule, but the Panthers next step on the path points toward a young and talented Radnor squad that has gained some momentum following a tough start to their season.
Second year Radnor Head Coach Kyle Yeiter and the Raptors will look for their second win in three weeks, as Radnor appeared in the win column two weeks ago with a heart-stopping 26-20 victory over Upper Moreland. The Raptors’ do-it-all senior #12 Tucker Graham blocked a Golden Bears’ punt and recovered it in the end zone late in the fourth quarter for the decisive score. Graham, who served as Radnor’s starting quarterback last season, has shifted to a hybrid slotback role this year, joining fellow senior #24 Bryce Cohen as a solid one-two punch out of the Radnor backfield and as primary receivers. Quarterback may be a question mark for Radnor leading into this week’s game, as junior starter #7 Matt Szychulski was injured late in last week’s 21-7 loss to Conestoga. Still, sophomore #16 Luke Reilly was a late-game spark in relief, and the Radnor spread offense should test the Panthers regardless of who is taking snaps. Defensively, expect Radnor to load the box and attack with quick linebackers #4 Lionel Dunbar, #5 Henry Faragalli, #11 Mason Shieh, and #23 John Belveal.
