Strath Haven District One Champions Again !!!

 

By Joe Stokes

 

November 19, 2005

 

The Strath Haven Panthers charged to their ninth District One AAA Championship with an impressive 21-3 victory over the previously undefeated Unionville Indians Friday night before a packed house at Unionville High School.

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Prior to last years absence from District One AAA action Strath Haven had won eight straight District championships and were crowned Pennsylvania State champions in 1999 and 2000.

 

This year's team came into the post season with only two one point overtime losses to AAAA teams in Delaware County's Central League. Conestoga and Upper Darby were the only teams to spoil what could have been a perfect regular season for these hard fighting Panthers.

 

The chilly November air was full of excitement as the first fans arrived for the Unionville Indians first District One Championship appearance. Although considered a pre game underdog the Southern Chester County League Champs stood toe to toe with Strath Haven Panthers in the first half. Jared Bradley's 68 yard run to pay dirt on the first play of the second quarter was the only score allowed by the stubborn Indian defense in the first half. Unfortunately for the aroused Indian fans the Panther defense was equally stubborn and would allow just 105 total yards and a Dave Schultz field goal as the only home team score on this night.

 

Strath Haven was finally able to put this game in the win column with two fourth quarter touchdown runs by Steve Johnson and Jared Bradley to account for the 21-3 final score.

 

Strath Haven's victory gave coach Kevin Clancy his 227th career win which surpasses Ridley's Joe McNicholas as Delaware County's winningest coach.

 

Strath Haven will now enter the State playoffs and are scheduled to meet Pottsville a 31-22 winner over Whitehall.

 

This week will also feature the traditional Thanksgiving Day games with Interboro traveling to Ridley and Upper Darby heading to Haverford to name just two of these great annual events that  Delaware County football fans look forward to all year.