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MIDDLETOWN Last year around this time, Strath Haven was making another epic run through the Class 5A football playoffs. This year the Panthers been living out of coach Kevin Clancys trunk, the locker room basically off limits to comply with strict COVID-19 protocols.

In 39 years of coaching, including 30 at Strath Haven, Clancy has never experienced anything as challenging as guiding a team through coronavirus protocols. And hes never been more satisfied with the enthusiasm and grit his players have shown along the way.

Its a weird season but the kids are still having fun playing football and thats what its all about, Clancy said Friday after the Panthers defeated Penncrest 49-7. The kids have worked hard, theyre easy to coach, theyve got a great attitude and thats made it fun. Were a week from getting through this and we have not had an exposure (of COVID-19) on the field transmitted from football. I feel like its been a successful season from that standpoint.

The Panthers (4-1) prevailed over the Lions for the 31st time in the 39-year history of the Hometown Bowl, the label attached to these opponents, their schools sandwiched around Media.

Seniors Jaris Adams and Chase Barlow rushed for two touchdowns each, Adams going over 100 yards in the first half with a 71-yard jaunt with 10 seconds remaining to stake the Panthers to a 21-7 cushion at the intermission. Barlow tallied both of his TDs in a 21-point third quarter that put the Lions on ice.

After a sluggish and scoreless first quarter, junior Matt Shuler rolled 18 yards to give the Panthers a 7-0 lead. The points came off a fumble by the Lions, one of a small handful of turnovers on the night.

The Lions (1-4) bounced back with a 12-play, 65-yard march. Quarterback Nick Chelo went over from three yards to knot the score at 7 with 4:51 remaining in the second quarter.

We were competing, Lions coach Ryan Smith said. It was a football game. But when we do things like open up the doorways for our opponents with mistakes theyre not going to walk through them. Theyre going to own the house.

The Panthers took control shortly thereafter. Adams lifted off for a 37-yard touchdown, twisting inside and outside before turning on the jets. Then he ran away from everyone on the 71-yarder late in the second quarter.

Barlow had another long run in the third quarter nullified by a penalty. All three of Strath Havens touchdowns in the frame were two-yard runs, quarterback Jack Ryder adding the other. Junior Greg Belville got the last TD on a six-yard run with 5:11 remaining.

When the game ended, the Panthers hoisted the Media Bowl trophy. They play Class 6A team Haverford next week in the Central Leagues Runners-up Bowl.

Postseason or not, this is a year Clancy always will remember. His trunk is full of footballs and other gear the Panthers practice with, one of the sacrifices made to play football. The Panthers locker room is full of desks that were taken out of classrooms to satisfy the social distancing protocol for students.

Far and away Ive never seen this, Clancy said with a grin. For a while the buildings werent open. Now the buildings are open but the kids dont keep their equipment in them. The kids come dressed to practice. Its very much like CYO. Im just proud of the kids. Theyve done all the things weve asked of them. And I mean, the on-field part has been about as much fun as Ive had in years.

Adams never will forget this season as well. Like his teammates, he kept hope alive that they would be together again on a football field doing the things they felt destined to do.

Weve gone through some adversity this season but other than that its been great, Adams said. I love these guys. I love them like theyre my brothers. I cant do what I do without them.

Barlow, who wrestled in the PIAA state tournament last year, recalled how the 2019 football season ended in the District 1 semifinals with a heartbreaking loss in overtime. This season has worth every ache, pain and sacrifice.

Were thankful to have these games, Barlow said. Some schools arent having them. Were making the best out of it. Weve had a great season.

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Craziness of season makes Media Bowl more memorable for Clancy, Strath Haven - papreplive.com