Philadelphia sports teams have not been living up to what most fans expect from them.
First, we have the disappointing Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies started off their season strong, and almost everyone thought that they would have a high chance of making it all the way to the World Series. At the season’s end, the Phillies were the top seed in the National League East, defeating the reigning Atlanta Braves, who had won the division six times in a row.
This was a huge accomplishment for the team, and I know that it brought a lot of joy to the school community.
Going into the first round of the playoffs against the New York Mets, the team felt confident, and fans thought that they were going to win this battle. Turns out, that was not the case. The Phillies went cold and ended up losing in four games.
How can you root for a team that has “star” players show up to the games 45 minutes before tipoff?
Nick canuso ’28
The Phillies dress-down day that Haverford students were looking forward to suddenly turned into a day of shock—just one day after the tragic loss. All we can do now is just hope for next year, and try to stay positive, although I know that will be hard to do for most fans.
Second, we have the injured and annoying Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers’ start to the season has been not at all what any of the fans wanted. Having two out of our three stars—Joel Embiid and Paul George—injured and sitting out of the first couple of games is not ideal.
The limited information given to the people about when Embiid and George are coming back is frustrating to the fans who are watching at home. How can you root for a team that has “star” players show up to the games 45 minutes before tipoff?
It is even more frustrating for the fans and Haverford community members who buy tickets to these games to go to see one of the best players in the world and find out that he isn’t even touching the floor.
To add to Embiid missing the first couple of games, we now know that he won’t be playing in any of the second games in the back-to-backs. Does this sound like another second-round exit for the Sixers? To me, it sure does.
Third, we have the improving Philadelphia Eagles. During the first games of the season, the fans were scared that their Eagles were going to fall back into the team we witnessed at the end of last season. Turns out, the bye week could not have come at a better time.
We will rally together as a school and community to support this team, hopefully, all the way to another Super Bowl win.
Nick Canuso ’28
Coming out of the bye week, the Eagles turned into a new team, becoming a run-first team, using the strengths of newly acquired running back Saquon Barkley. Our franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts has cut down his passing attempts and stopped turning the ball over, which has led to a three-game winning streak for the team.
Even though we are the only team left in the NFL yet to score in the first quarter, the offense is starting to show the talent that they have and is currently on a three-game winning streak. Many students and teachers are fans of the team and look forward to a long playoff run. We will rally together as a school and community to support this team, hopefully, all the way to another Super Bowl win.
A popular debate I have with my family and friends is which of our four professional sports franchises will be the next to win our city a world championship.
In my opinion, the Phillies have the best shot to win. Their lineup is filled with many all-star caliber players, but some are getting up in age, so their window is closing. My second-choice prediction is the Eagles. Even though it was not looking good going into the bye week, the team has rallied around coach Nick Sirianni, and is ready to go on a Super Bowl run. Third, I’ll go with the Sixers because, after everything, they still have on the roster one of the best players in the world: Joel Embiid. Additionally, the Sixers now have big-time free agent Paul George to go along with our budding superstar Tyrese Maxey.
This team is ready to win. Finally, I’ll put the Flyers fourth only because they are still a very young team that is just learning how to win, but the future looks bright.
