Cheltenham excited for the next step

It was unprecedented success for Cheltenham in 2019, a postseason joyride that included not one, but two trips to Hershey.
In one of the most wildly entertaining games in recent years, the Panthers outlasted Cocalico 56-49 in the Class 5A State Semis, then returned the following week for their first ever State Final, falling 19-15 to Archbishop Wood in another thriller.
It was certainly a season to remember for the Panthers, but head coach Ryan Nase was already on to 2020.
“You’d think with as much time away as we’ve had recently, I would have had a lot of time to reflect on last season but to be honest, I haven’t,” he said. “As great a thrill as it was, in typical coach fashion, I was concerned about our preparedness for 2020. Playing until Dec. 6 and playing 16 games was a unique challenge.
“Now, since we’ve been out of school and so much is up in the air – we’re constantly planning and trying to keep the guys positive and motivated – I’m not sure I ever really enjoyed 2019. One day, maybe in 2039, I’ll get the chance to do so.”
A big part of the magic last year for the Panthers was their focus: their ability to bring everything to the next play, the next tackle, the next practice, the next game. It’s a big reason they’re beginning to build something special over in Wyncote.
“We’re not necessarily thinking about a ‘new era.’ Our goal and our success will never be measured by a finite target such as a state championship,” Nase said. “Our goal is to continuously improve each week as players, coaches, and as a program. Our goal for 2020 is ‘…and another one.’
“We still have things we want to accomplish as a program before we look and start to think about legacy and things like that. We’re very excited about the opportunity to play Abington and Archbishop Wood – the two teams that beat us last year – in the first three weeks of the season.”
Quite a ride >> The 2019 squad began its postseason run with a 41-7 rout of Springfield-Delco.
The Panthers then won 35-21 over Unionville and beat Kennett 42-20 before holding on to edge Academy Park 43-42. Back-to-back trips to Hershey followed.
But it was back in the regular season that this Cheltenham squad began to carve a new path. The Panthers went a perfect 6-0 in the Suburban One League American Conference a year ago.
“I think the district championship and an undefeated conference schedule were the two accomplishments that perhaps meant as much or more than the state final appearance that have gone a bit unrecognized,” said Nase, a Father Judge grad who enters his fourth season with the Panthers. “It’s much easier to celebrate games we won than the one we lost. They were also two accomplishments that have never been done before in school history.”
Another change at Cheltenham is the program’s ability to groom players for the college level.
“The year before I arrived, they had one player I believe continue his career in college. Our first year, we also only had one,” Nase said. “This is the second straight year we had a Division 1 player sign a full scholarship (Marcus Winfield to Delaware State in 2019 and Jamir Barnes to Monmouth in 2020). In addition, we have six other players that will be continuing their careers.
“It’s unfortunate they didn’t get the opportunity to showcase their abilities at the state level but we were very excited Jamir, T.J. Harris, and Nate Edwards were selected to play in the East vs. West All-Star Game.”
On to 2020 >> Barely a month after his team’s landmark season came to a close, Nase already liked what he saw for this year.
Their work ethic had not left and their focus was as sharp as ever.
“When we started to prepare in January for 2020, I was worried about what our mentality would be like,” the head coach said. “I was fearful of being content. However, I think the way we lost the state final provided many of our kids with a taste of bitterness that fueled them.
“We were extremely hungry and having by far our best offseason since I took over in 2017.”
The Panthers made it all the way to the state final a year ago, but intend to go further, in every aspect.
“As I mentioned before, our guys coming back are hungry. They have a bitter taste in their mouth from that last play, and they’re ready for their opportunity to shine,” Nase said. “We had a number of players – Zachary Gaffin and Sam Sykes in particular – that were integral parts of that run and made some of the most important and biggest plays of the season but never got much attention.
“We’re well aware that over 90% of our stats on offense are graduating and in most cases, that’s impossible to come back from. But in addition to Zach and Sam, we have guys like Amani Ezell, Darren Bennett, Tyzeem Kinney, Jaquan Paige, and Matthew Hoffman that would start at the skill positions for just about every other team in the Suburban One League regardless of conference.”
Another change at Cheltenham? The Panthers have built depth, quality depth.
“They’re more than ready and able. In addition, and I know this from my playing experience, while the line doesn’t get the media attention or the accolades of the guys scoring touchdowns, we have six different offensive/defensive linemen returning that started at some point last year,” Nase said.
“They will be the catalyst of our team on both sides and our skill guys can go score on offense or go create a turnover on defense. I also have a feeling that teams may kick the ball out of bounds to us because we legitimately have six guys on our back two lines that can hurt you on kickoff return. It’s not just smoke but I think I’m so desperate for this 2020 season because I truly believe we can be better this year than last year. We just need the opportunity.”