Strath Haven Stages Comeback Against Upper Moreland in Playoff Win

NETHER PROVIDENCE — In a thrilling turnaround, the Strath Haven Panthers defeated the Upper Moreland Bears 35-21 in a District 1 Class 5A playoff game on October 28, 2023. Trailing by two touchdowns in the third quarter, Strath Haven found its momentum through a pivotal kickoff return by Jalen Starr, who sparked his team’s comeback with a 72-yard return that ultimately set the stage for four unanswered rushing touchdowns.

As the game unfolded at George L. King Field, Strath Haven faced a daunting 21-7 deficit. The Panthers, looking to affirm their status as a formidable fourth seed with an eight-win record, struggled against the Bears’ defense in the first half, managing only 11 yards on their initial ten plays. After a lackluster first half, which ended with Upper Moreland leading 14-7, Strath Haven needed a significant play to shift the momentum.

Starr’s electrifying kick return came at a critical moment. After receiving the kickoff at the 18-yard line, he bobbled the ball briefly before finding his stride and racing down the sideline. His impressive return not only energized the team but also invigorated the crowd. “That was just so surreal for me,” Starr commented, reflecting on the moment. “When I tell you, when I saw that hole, I just ran for my life.”

The Panthers’ sideline erupted with excitement as Starr brought the ball down to the 10-yard line. Zach Milligan, a lineman for Strath Haven, described the atmosphere: “Everyone knew … we just needed a big play to come out and get some momentum. And Jalen did that.”

Following Starr’s return, Strath Haven quickly capitalized on the momentum shift. Ryan Mudrick scored on a six-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the Panthers within a score. The Bears, who had previously dominated the game, made a critical mistake shortly thereafter. On their next possession, Elijah Davis fumbled the ball, allowing Strath Haven to recover. Mudrick once again found the end zone, tying the game at 21 with just under five minutes left in the third quarter.

The momentum had completely shifted. Strath Haven’s defense, which had struggled earlier in the game, tightened its grip. Upper Moreland’s quarterback, David Adamski, faced relentless pressure and was sacked on consecutive plays, stalling the Bears’ offensive efforts.

With the game now tied, Strath Haven took control, executing a well-crafted drive that culminated in a touchdown run by Yosif Ali. The Panthers’ relentless push continued, as Ali scored again late in the game, sealing the victory with a 37-yard touchdown run with just over a minute left.

Strath Haven’s head coach praised his team’s resilience in the face of adversity. “We knew we had to get back to our game plan and execute,” he said. “Once we settled down, we showed what we could do.”

The victory advances Strath Haven’s record to 9-2, while Upper Moreland finishes the season at 6-5. This playoff win marks another chapter in Strath Haven’s storied postseason history, as they look to build on this momentum in the rounds ahead.