Panthers Go 2-0 to Start Season, Face Haverford Fords this Saturday Night
#24, Chase Barlow, punches through a hole in the Marple Newtown defense. Photo by Jim Quinn, BQPictures.com
You couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the season than what the Strath Haven Panthers have managed to accomplish in two games.
Points scored: 90. Points allowed: 20.
Yards rushing: 728. Rushing yards allowed: 218.
Net yards: 862. Average gain per play: 9.7 yards.
No doubt that two games do not make a season; there will be, of course, plenty of challenges ahead in the remaining eight game schedule.
On top of a great running game, the Haven passing game came alive with #4 Sam Milligan having a remarkable night in the air, going 5 for 5 for 134 yards and three touchdowns, including the first touchdown catch to #84 Mason Green. The passing game adds a dimension to the Panthers that hasn’t been seen so far this year, and it will force defenses to respect Haven’s ability to go to the air in addition to fielding a powerful running attack. Once Haven’s offense perfects a screen play, it could make the team virtually unstoppable.
The Panthers have their first away game this week as they travel to Havertown to take on the Haverford Fords on a special Saturday night edition of high school football—so if you’re reading the Swarthmorean when it comes out on Friday, there’s still plenty of time to get to the game.
Last year, the two teams played each other in an abbreviated Central League championship series, in which they competed for third place in the league. Haven won that contest, 35-23.Haverford’s team is in rebuilding mode, but like Haven they crushed their first two opponents, beating Central 49-0 and Lower Merion last week 42-28. The Fords are led by #11 Tommy Wright who has a strong and accurate arm. He generally is looking for #9 Tommy Caruso or #5 Ethan Mahan. First year head coach, Luke Dougherty, is bullish about his young team’s size and talent. Big lineman up front with a dependable running game and explosive aerial attack makes the Fords a power house of the Central League and a contender for this year’s championship.
While it’s great to rack up early season stats and overwhelm opponents, true growth comes from the most challenging games. This Saturday’s game against the Fords may be the Panthers’ first real test. Haven’s total domination of their first two opponents have been great confidence boosters, but the Fords appear to be a higher quality team with strong and balanced ground and air attacks.
Haven will bring to the challenge a ground triumvirate of #23 Matt Shuler, #24 Chase Barlow and #32 Anthony Crawford. Their running talents should give the Panthers a decided advantage on the ground. The newly established passing game will present quarterback Milligan with some potent opportunities. No doubt the Panthers can and will score points, but the key to this Saturday night’s game will be how the Panther defense is able to respond. Expect the Fords to go to the air often and test Haven’s secondary. As importantly, we will find out how effectively Haven’s front line defense can pressure the Fords into poor throwing decisions and how disruptive they can be with hurries and sacks. We expect a heck of a game!
Kick-off is this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Haverford High School. If you can’t make the game you can always listen to the broadcast starting at 6:45 p.m. The game will be available on our archives within a few hours after the game concludes. Check in on Twitter for scores and video updates.
