It was one of those muggy late-August mornings when you can see the transparent heat waves rising from the asphalt. The kind of draining day that would make anyone question why they’re buried under football pads.

But there they were working, Imhotep Charter, with their omnipresent coach, Albie Crosby, beaming at them as they tried to keep up with St. Joseph’s Prep that morning.

In past years, these summer scrimmages usually went the other way. It was the Panthers taking it to Prep. Not this time. The younger Hawks were flying to the ball looking like they were in mid-September form, and Imhotep seemed a step behind.

So after running through the first, second and third teams, Crosby addressed his guys. He reminded them what was at stake this year. He let them know the history they could make—and that days like that wouldn’t be tolerated.

If there was a slight crinkle in the impregnable 2015 Imhotep Charter veneer it shown briefly that afternoon.

And then it disappeared.

The Panthers fulfilled Crosby’s expectations and went on to finish 15-0, becoming the first Philadelphia Public League team to win a state championship in football, rather easily handling Erie Cathedral Prep in the Class AAA championship, 40-3.

The Panthers also became something else: CBS Philly’s Team of the Year.

Imhotep’s historic run included vanquishing two-time defending PIAA Class AAA state champion Archbishop Wood in the District 12 (city) championship game this season to reach the state finals.

Crosby always had an idea this team could accomplish great things. But back in August, there were still some traces of doubt.

“We have to get out of the way of ourselves, that’s the biggest concern I have if we can do this and take the state title,” Crosby said. “There’s talent on this team, but the most talented teams don’t always win. We just have to cut down on our mistakes.”

A perfect 15-0 season means very few mistakes were made. In fact, by the end of the season, after the Panthers ran over Erie Cathedral Prep, Imhotep Charter was the best in the state, regardless of classification.

Pittsburgh Central Catholic wound up winning the Class AAAA state title, though the Vikings were not on the same level as Imhotep Charter.

One of the driving forces behind Imhotep’s success was senior tailback Mike Waters, who rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the state championship.

Waters stepped in for Arizona commit Tyliek Raynor, who broke his ankle in the state quarterfinals against Academy Park. Waters finished the season rushing for an amazing 1,889 yards and 45 touchdowns.

Add on the contributions of Penn State-bound defensive end Shaka Toney, who ended his senior year with 97 total tackles, 21 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles, and 5 pass breakups, and thePanthers were steeped in talent on both sides of the ball.

“This was a special group,” Crosby said. “They were a pleasure to coach and they had a goal in mind. They weren’t going to let anyone get in their way.”

Nothing did. Not even the sweltering August heat.

Original Source: Here