By Brian Carroll, Havenfootball.net
Just prior to last week’s much-anticipated contest with Ridley, Strath Haven Head Coach Kevin Clancy mentioned, “You know, watch out for some turnovers tonight. I think that could be a big factor in a game like this.” Having coached at Strath Haven since 1991, and with more wins than any other coach in Delaware County history, Clancy’s words did not seem coincidental after his Panthers ended a 20-year winless drought on Morton Avenue. The Panthers dominated the Green Mystique throughout the evening, taking a big step in perhaps securing a Central League title for the first time since 2010. The next step on that path appears back in Wallingford his Friday night, as the Panthers host the Radnor Raptors.
First-year Head Coach Kyle Yeiter should have Radnor well-rested after a Week 7 bye, and also with added confidence after the prior week’s 39-14 victory over their neighbors to the east, Harriton. Senior slotback #22 Tommy DeShan had two rushing touchdowns and an electric 80-yard kickoff return for a third score, while fellow senior wide receiver #2 Amir Byrd added a 70-yard punt return touchdown of his own. Along with dangerous special teams returners, Radnor’s junior quarterback #12 Tucker Graham pulls the trigger from the shotgun spread and is protected by a all-senior offensive line. With #7 Zach Fluck and #24 Bryce Cohen (who had a 53-yard run versus Harriton) also available to tote the rock, the Raptors can attack from multiple directions. Defensively, Radnor features nine experienced seniors in the starting lineup, including #51 Keaton Monaghan (6-3, 240) and #70 Dominick Lauducina (6-4, 265) providing terrific size up front. Byrd, DeShan, Fluck and #15 Aidan Roselle round out an athletic secondary who will also be tasked this week with tackling a bevy of powerful Strath Haven runners.
