The Strath Haven Panthers (4-1) took on arguably their toughest opponent yet this season, the Haverford Fords (4-1), on September 20.
Going into this game, the Panthers were missing several key players who had played significant roles on both sides of the ball this season.
Starting quarterback senior Luke Mulhern was out with a sickness, and starting running back junior Landow Barlow out with a sprained ankle. This forced a few players to step up, and gave the Panthers an opportunity to utilize their depth at running back. Senior Ryan Mudrick, juniors Derek Bradley, Kasey Hudson, and Yosef Ali all saw an increased role this game.
“Don’t ever give up too soon, and keep pushing. We gave up a little bit towards the end, that’s why that [the loss] happened,” Bradley said, reflecting on the game.
Junior Jake Plunkett also had to step up as quarterback for his first high school start on varsity. This would prove to be a tough challenge for the Panthers.
“They were sturdy to the run… We needed to open them up a little bit,” head coach Kevin Clancy said about the game strategy. In this game, the Panthers completed more passes than they have all season.
“I didn’t learn [I was starting] until pregame. But, I just had to take the role, lead the team, go out there and take charge… I learned a lot, I have to keep my eyes downfield more, and work on the pass,” Plunkett said. “Still a lot to learn.”
The game started well for the Panthers’ defense, recovering a fumble from the Fords’ starting quarterback. This led to a field goal by sophomore kicker Matt Styer, who ultimately scored the only points throughout the whole game. Styer had his second field goal during the 2nd quarter, close to the end of the half.
The Fords would score in the second quarter, seconds before the half ended. The rest of the game was a battle of defenses, with just a field goal coming from the Fords, and no other scores.
The Panthers would put in a last-ditch effort on the last drive of the game on a deep pass, on a fourth down. Although the ball was caught, it was ruled out of bounds, ending the game 10-6, Haverford.
“We have to get more precision in the passing game,” Clancy said.
The Panthers will face off against the Marple Newton Tigers at George L. King Field on September 26, 7:00 p.m., where the Panthers will be the host of the Eagles High School Football Showdown, complete with Eagles legends, cheerleaders, SWOOP, and the Eagles Drumline, according to an email sent to students and parents from principal Mr. Andy Benzing.
