Haven’s Hussein runs over, around Lower Merion

LOWER MERION » A week after having 95 yards on the ground, Zack Hussein was ready for another opportunity to show what he can do.

While Strath Haven’s offense has been predicated on controlling the clock and moving the ball primarily on the ground, the Panthers gave the ball to Hussein early and often.

Behind Hussein’s 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns, Strath Haven dismantled Lower Merion, 36-14 in a Central League game at Harriton High School. Hussein’s tough running fueled all of the Panthers’ first-half scoring drives.

He rumbled for 35 yards on the opening drive before quarterback Jake Fisher found tight end Dan Reeves for a 13-yard score. Hussein finished off the second drive with a six-yard touchdown run, and two drives later, he added his second score on a 10-yard scamper.

Hussein said his running style is more geared toward going downhill and finishing off runs at the end.

“I just take what the defense gives me, run hard and hold onto the ball. I keep on grinding,” Hussein said.

Strath Haven (2-1, 1-0) head coach Kevin Clancy’s offensive philosophy has always been to pound the ball up and down the field, and he’s found another solid, downhill runner in Hussein.

“He has a good forward lean when he runs and he finishes runs. He knows the value of a four-yard play,” Clancy said.