Imhotep Charter and Strath Haven HS packed Ridley’s stadium for Friday night’s state semifinal game with an approximate attendance of around 5,000.

Strath Haven’s dominance throughout the regular season could be attributed to its dynamic running game that only required quarterback Sam Milligan to attempt 51 throws all season. Strath Haven’s nearly 5,000 yards on the ground were thanks to a platoon of backs, led by its two 1,000–yard rushers Chase Barlow (1,380 yards) and Matt Shuler (1,089 yards) along with major contributions from Anthony Crawford (877 yards), Bob Fooskas (487 yards), and Milligan (471 yards). However, the potent rushing attack would be without Shuler, leaving Barlow and Crawford the majority of the carries.

If any team was ready to face an unstoppable force, it would be the immovable object known as Imhotep’s defense. Top senior in the state, edge Enai White, was joined by a star–studded unit featuring Penn State commit linebacker Keon Wylie, Alabama recruit and junior safety Rahmir Stewart and a host of other Division I prospects.  

The talk amongst the Imhotep fans on the night outside the game was the recent visit of Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher.

Strath Haven received the initial kickoff and went to work on the ground and pound.  Strath Haven initially tried to always run away from White, often ending up in the teeth of Wylie (or even White slashing across the field). Some ground was gained, but after a few runs were stopped short, Strath Haven was forced to punt.

Imhotep then let its stellar running game show with sophomore running back Tre McLeod and fleet–footed quarterback Mikal Davis. It wasn’t long before Imhotep punched it in for the score followed by an unsuccessful 2-point try.

These two drives to start the game almost perfectly encapsulate the flow for the other three quarters. Strath Haven grinds for 20 or so yards then either punts or turns the ball over on downs. Imhotep gets the ball and marches down the field with outside runs and screen passes for either a touchdown and 2-point attempt, or an occasional turnover on downs.  

Strath Haven could get first downs on the ground, and, in fact, ran more plays than Imhotep (58-52), but the big splash plays just weren’t there. This became especially apparent when Wylie began lining up on the edge to further smother the run.  

After being down 20-0 at the half, Strath Haven tried to use the pass more often, but the incessant Imhotep pressure gave Milligan no more than two seconds to throw unless Strath Haven blocked with eight men. The common passing play to give Milligan any time at all featured only one wideout and one wingback running routes. Strath Haven would finish the game without a completion.

Imhotep’s offense also steered away from the pass, only throwing the ball 10 times with all four of their completions coming on screens. McLeod broke off chunk after chunk on the ground finishing with 12 carries for 106 yards. Rahmir Stewart, one of the only Imhotep players on both sides of the ball, had five carries for 42 yards of his own.  

After the game was out of reach with 10 seconds left, Strath Haven had driven the ball down to the Imhotep 5-yard line. After a short run and a timeout, Strath Haven had stood at the 1-yard line with four seconds remaining. Strath Haven ran to the left and was immediately devoured for a loss. 36-0 was the final score. The Strath Haven players looked more stunned than disappointed. 

It really shouldn’t be understated how good Strath Haven was this year with its only loss heading into Friday night was to 6A Garnet Valley, the favorite to win the 6A state championship.

It also can’t be understated how dominant Imhotep has been throughout the entire PIAA tournament, outscoring their opponents 164-14 in their four games.

Imhotep will meet Penn-Trafford at Hershey Park Stadium December 10 at 7 p.m. to decide the PIAA 5A state champion.

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