Imhotep vs Strath Haven 5A state semi final preview @Tepfootball @sh_football83

Tagged under: District 1, District 12, Gameday Hub, News

Zak Wolf | December 2, 2021

We’re almost at the end. Just two more weeks left of the PIAA high school football season. On the Eastern side of the 5A bracket, Imhotep and Strath Haven will be facing off with a chance to play in Hershey on the line. Imhotep, the representative out of District 12 comes into the game as the clear favorite, but the champions from District 1, Strath Haven will try and spoil their party.

Series Record: Imhotep 1-0

Last Meeting: The last meeting between the Strath Haven and Imhotep was August 31,2012 a game that Imhotep won 68-13

Head Coaches

Strath Haven: Kevin Clancy

Imhotep: Devon Johnson

Strath Haven (District 1 Champion) Number 2 ranked team by PFN

Strath Haven went on the road and knocked off top seeded West Chester Rustin   for District 1 5A championship. This wasn’t just any game, but an insane back and forth double overtime victory for the Panthers. Strath Haven thought their season was going to be over, when Rustin needed an extra point to win after they scored a touchdown with 16 second left. After jumping offsides twice, the third kick for Rustin was no good, sending the game into overtime. Touchdowns were scored on the first three plays of overtime and Strath Haven scored another to get within one in the second overtime. That’s when Junior Quarterback Sam Milligan found the endzone on the game winning two point conversion. It was Milligan’s second touchdown of the game, as he rushed nine times for 50 yards. He’s apart of Strath Haven’s Wing-T offense that helps the Panthers control the clock. A part of the rushing attack is Chase Barlow, who had 23 carries for 110 yards and three touchdowns against Rustin. Full back Anthony Crawford provides more of a physical presence, carrying the ball 14 times for 60 yards last week. Against Rustin, Matt Schuler went down in the first half with an injury, and it’s unknown if he’ll play against Imhotep. 

Keys to Victory for Strath Haven

(1) Don’t commit penalties. Against Imhotep’s defensive line this could be a tall task, but Strath Haven needs to avoid penalties which could cause long yardage situations which is not what the Panthers want.

(2) Keep the ball out of Imhotep’s hands. Strath Haven is good at running the ball and it allows them to control the ball for long periods of time, keeping other teams’ offenses off the field. The Panthers need to keep this up so they can limit the number of possessions Imhotep can have on offense.

(3) Make sure Imhotep doesn’t get any explosive plays. Strath Haven did a good job of keeping Dayshawn Jacobs from having multiple explosive plays. They’ll need to do that again this week and prevent Imhotep from getting quick scores. 

Imhotep Charter (District 12 Champion) Number 1 ranked 5A team by PFN

You will be hard press to find a team that has many players Division 1 offers. Overall, 14 players from Imhotep have at least one offer from Division 1 schools. Last week Imhotep

The Panthers are led by defense who will end the game giving on a mere 5.9 points per game and only two teams (LaSalle who handed Imhotep their lone loss 13-7 and Bartram who lost 50-13) have scored more than 10 points on them. Penn State commit Keon Wylie (9 sacks) , Jamir Reyes (Army) (4 interceptions) and Khalif Kemp (Temple) led Imhotep’s defense while seniors Maurice Beverly (40 tackles) and Enai White (32) are the top two leading tacklers.

Offensively a pair of Sophomore’s QB Mikal Davis and RB Tre McLeod lead the offensive unit under direction of Offensive Coordinator Mark Schmidt former head coach at Neshaminy. Offensive over the past four games the Panthers are averaging a whopping 42.5 points per game

This season Davis has thrown for 8 touchdowns while not throwing a single interception. McLeod has found the end zone 12 times while making the most of his 63 carries going for 738 yards. Senior RJ Atkinson is the leading receiver with 20 catches for 238 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Keys to Imhotep Victory

1: Shut down the run. Strath Haven wing-t attack led by RB’s Chase Barlow and Matt Shuler both of whom are over 1,000 yards rushing this season along with Anthony Crawford 877 yards are a three headed monster who can break off big runs anytime.

2: Get off the Field: Strath Haven offensive is known for controlling the time of possession battle Imhotep needs to prevent them going on 15-20 play drives that chew up the clock

3: Stay Disciplined: Imhotep needs to avoid taking penalties especially on the defensive side of the ball that could help Strath Haven extend drives.

Reporter Willie McGonigle contributed to this report.

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