Football Friday: Coatesville to host Harrisburg in battle of titans
The night area football fans have been eagerly awaiting since last December is finally here. Scholastic football kicks off tonight for every area team except Malvern Prep, who begins play next week.
There are a lot of compelling games on the opening weekend slate but no game brings as much anticipation than the Harrisburg Cougars invading Coatesville. Last season Harrisburg defeated Coatesville 27-24 in the PIAA 6A semifinal, overturning an opening week 37-6 win by the Red Raiders.
Coatesville head coach Matt Ortega and senior quarterback Ricky Ortega talked about the matchup.
“Harrisburg is very athletic as usual,” Matt Ortega said. “The program has had a lot of success and they will be playing with a lot of confidence because they broke through last year and made it to the state final.
“We lost a lot from last year, but our defensive line, a place where we thought may be a work in progress, is actually one of our strengths. They worked so hard in the off season. Harrisburg is big up front but we feel good about our line.”
Ricky Ortega, who has thrown for over 7,700 yards in his Coatesville career, along with 103 touchdown passes, said he is looking forward to the revenge game.
“I am really glad Harrisburg is our week one game,” Ricky Ortega said. “ I am 1-1 agains them and want to go to 2-1. We are young in some spots but we have a really talented team and we have confidence and will be ready for them.”
Pick: Harrisburg has some stars like WR/DB Donte Kent, who caught 37 passes last year to go along with his six interceptions. But, the quarterback position will be the difference. The Cougars lost Kane Everson to graduation and Everson was the big reason the Cougars defeated Coatesville in the semifinal last season.
Ricky Ortega and Dapree Bryant should be the difference for the Red Raiders as both teams are young and will be better later in the season but Coatesville is better tonight.
Coatesville 35, Harrisburg 21.
Other Friday games
Archbishop Ryan at Downingtown East: The Cougars unveil their new quarterback Drew Person against Ryan, a team which won eight games last season. Linebackers Spencer Uggla and Stately Bryant are two of the best in District 1, while James Basilli heads up a veteran secondary.
Pick: Downingtown East 28, Archbishop Ryan 13.
Council Rock North at West Chester East: West Chester East may be the surprise team of the Ches-Mont League and rock is on its third new head coach in four years. The Vikings unveil their new quarterback in Ryan Duell, and running back Kyle Cichanowsky should have over 100 yards rushing on the Indians defense.
Pick: West Chester East 34, Council Rock North 13.
Unionville at West Chester Henderson: West Chester Henderson is coming off a 0-10 season while Unionville returns quarterback Blake Charlton and talented running back Connor Schilling. Henderson will be improved this season but Unionville seems to have too many skill people for the Warriors. Look for a lot of caries by Henderson’s Jay Pierce.
Pick: Unionville 28, West Chester Henderson 14.
Phoenixville at Great Valley: Great Valley will run senior James Thompson a ton in this game, as the Phantoms are weak against the run. The Great Valley defense will be the difference with linebacker Jake Ruppert leading the charge.
Pick: Great Valley 21, Phoenixville 14.
West Chester Rustin at Sun Valley: West Chester Rustin is just too big and strong up front for the Vanguards. Look for Tommy Dougherty to have a big game running the football for the Golden Knights. The Golden Knights should also be able to put pressure on the Sun Valley quarterback.
Pick: West Chester Rustin 31, Sun Valley 14.
Perkiomen Valley at Avon Grove: Perkiomen Valley returns nine starters from an offense that averaged 33 points per game last season and led Perk to the Pioneer Athletic Conference title. The Vikings have a big offensive line that returns four starters and the Red Devils will have to not get manhandled at the line of scrimmage. Look for Avon Grove to try to control the football behind its big, experienced offensive line with fullback Wyatt Kirby getting the bulk of the carries.
Pick: upset. Avon Grove 28, Perkiomen Valley 24.
Oxford at Kennett: Kennett has most of its skill people back from last year. Blue Demons quarterback Sam Forte has thrown for 1,798 yards and 11 touchdowns in his Kennett career. Oxford will not have feature running back Tim Faber for this game and his absence will hurt the Oxford offense. I like Kennett in a close one.
Pick: Kennett 21, Oxford 17.
John Bartram at Bishop Shanahan: In a game that was originally scheduled against Ben Franklin, Bishop Shanahan will be breaking in a lot of young players but Bartram will not seriously challenge the Eagles at the line of scrimmage where Bishop Shanahan will have a huge advantage. Garrett Glendeninng is a playmaker for Bishop Shanahan, Glendenning can run and catch the ball out of the backfield.
Pick: Bishop Shanahan 35, John Bartram 7.
Conestoga at Owen J. Roberts: Conestoga is hoping to rebound from a 2-8 season and the strength of the pioneers is their four returning offensive linemen led by All Central League Scott Smith. The Wildcats seem to be on the way up and appear to be able to move the ball well enough on the Conestoga defense to get the home win.
Pick: Owen J. Roberts 24, Conestoga 14.
Saturday’s game
Garnet Valley at Downingtown West: This marquee matchup features two teams that advanced to the District 1 6A semifinals last season and are traditionally at or near the top of the district. Garnet Valley is the defending Central League champion while the talented Whippets have high hopes this season with the return of quarterback Will Howard from injury. Downingtown West will have to slow down the Jaguars vaunted triple option. West should be able to move the ball with Tyriq Lewis getting a lot of carries and senior quarterback Will Howard threading the needle.
Pick: Downingtown West 28, Garnet Valley 21.
