Week 4 Notebook: Strong QB play making Ches-Mont elite

The football being played in Chester County so far this season is among the best you will see in all of Pennsylvania. And this past weekend, quarterback play, especially quarterback efficiency was very evident and on display throughout the area.
With Thomas Mattioni of Downingtown West, Nick Skulski of Bishop Shanahan, Brendan Boyle of Unionville and Saunders Healy of Downingtown East all having great completion percentage games the area takes a backseat to no one when it comes to the most important position on the gridiron.
And don’t forget Jon Jon Roberts of West Chester East going over the 6,000 yard mark for passing in his fine career as well.
All Skulski did was go 14 of 17 for 230 yards and two touchdowns in Bishop Shanahan’s thrilling 33-28 win over west Chester East that was not decided until the Eagles Doug Costin stripped Roberts of the football late in the game.
And the weekly stats of Mattioni continue to impress. West’s signal caller shredded Kennett by completing five of seven passes for 175 yards and three scores in a little more than a period of action. Mattioni and the Whippets get a very big test this week when the big bad Red Raiders of Coatesville come calling.
Speaking of Coatesville, future Division 1 quarterback Jordan Young had his usual superb performance as the Red Raiders defeated West Chester Henderson 41-26 to remain perfect for the season at 4-0. Young completed 11 of 16 passes through the air for 237 yards and two touchdowns, while picking up 34 more yards and a rushing touchdown also.
Brendan Boyle went five of eight through the air in Unionville’s 28-21 win over West Chester Rustin. Boyle also was the Indians leading rusher with 124 yards on the ground and his field leadership against the Golden Knights was invaluable. Boyle is a very emotional player and he is one of the leaders for head coach Pat Clark. Unionville travels to Downingtown East to take on the undefeated Cougars on Friday.
A quarterback that is often overlooked by a lot of people is Saunders Healy of undefeated Downingtown East. Healy seems to relish pressure situations. In the Cougars 38-0 shutout of Avon Grove, the first year starter completed 10 of 13 passes for 148 yards and a superb four touchdowns. Healy has done everything head coach Mike Matta has expected and is a key reason for the Cougars fast start.
So, quarterback play means winning football and it also means an advantage in the district playoffs. These area quarterbacks are the reason so many area teams have very high hopes for this November and possibly beyond.
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Friday night, Downingtown East head coach Mike Matta netted his 100th career win in the Cougars shutout of Avon Grove. The victory puts Matta’s record at 100-18 and gives recognition to a head coach that does so much for his kids on and off the field. Most area coaches work very hard, but it’s hard to imagine anyone taking losses so personally as Matta does. When the Cougars lose, you might think Matta is at a funeral.
Another area head coach closing in on 100 career wins is Coatesville’s Matt Ortega, who sits at 98 wins and number 99 will be a tough one as the Red Raiders take on Downingtown West at Kottmeyer Stadium Saturday night. Ortega took Coatesville to the PIAA Class AAAA title game in 2012 and the District 1 Class AAAA title game against Pennsbury in 2014 and has had nothing but success at Coatesville after his first season at the helm.
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The land mine that is Malvern Prep’s nonleague schedule continues this week as the Friars take on two time defending PIAA Class AAAA champion, St. Joseph’s Prep. The Friars lost a tough one to a very good LaSalle team last week, 21-14, and were right in the game the whole way. Some dropped passes did not help Aaron Brady’s squad. The Hawks will be tougher.
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Tragic story out of New Jersey as senior and three-year starter Evan Murray, a quarterback for his high school team, died tragically after being tackled during a game. This should be a reminder to everyone that life, even young life, is precious and to enjoy every moment of it.

Daily Local News
Football Top 10

1. Downingtown East (4-0): Cougars look ahead to Unionville.
2. Downingtown West (4-0): Can anybody slow down the Whippets?
3. Coatesville (4-0): Red Raiders stay perfect with win over Henderson.
4. Malvern Prep (2-1): Friars look ahead to mighty St. Joseph’s Prep.
5. Unionville (3-1): Indians travel to Downingtown East Friday.
6. Great Valley (4-0): Patriots roll over Octorara.
7. W.C. Rustin (2-2): Golden Knights lose heartbreaker to Unionville.
8. Bishop Shanahan (2-2): Eagles defeat West Chester East.
9. Conestoga (2-2): Pioneers shutout in loss to Haverford.
10. West Chester Henderson (1-3): Warriors host Bishop Shanahan Friday.