With the school year still ahead, Friday night lights returned to King Field on Friday, August 22, as the Panthers opened their season with a conquering 44-7 victory over the Interboro Bucs (0-1).

After a slow start to the game, the Panthers kept their defense against the Bucs strong and started the second quarter with the ball on the Panthers. Two touchdowns from junior fullback Landon Barlow and a touchdown by a fumble recovery in the end zone by junior center Zach Milligan helped the Panthers end the first half 21-0.

“I was very excited after I scored my first touchdown, and I just kept that momentum going,” Barlow said. “I’m very happy that the offensive line was blocking for me, because they definitely cleared up a path for me.”

From passes by senior captain and quarterback Luke Mulhern, the Panthers extended their lead in the second half. They added three more touchdowns from Barlow, senior fullback Ryan Mudrick, and junior halfback Yousif Ali, along with a two-point safety, closing out the game 44-7.

“Strath Haven has always been a second-half team,” Mulhern said. “We’ve got a long way to go for the rest of the season, but I’m happy for tonight.”

The Panthers now turn their attention to next week, where they will face the Penncrest Lions on Thursday, August 28, at 7 p.m. at King Field, aiming for their 16th consecutive Media Bowl victory.

“There should be no hesitation to hit or run hard,” Mulhern said. “We got a good one next Thursday.”

Savvas Zeibekis ’26 also contributed reporting.