Downingtown West stifles Avon Grove

DOWNINGTOWN >> With a dependable run game and a stout defense, Downingtown West scored the game’s first five touchdowns en route to a suffocating 35-7 win over Avon Grove at Kottmeyer Stadium on Friday.
The Whippets improved to 2-0 in the Ches-Mont League National Division, and 6-0 overall.
“My kids played hard,” said Downingtown West coach Mike Milano. “They made us grind.”
Two weeks ago, Avon Grove scored on its first play from scrimmage on the same field against Downingtown East. Friday, they had another big play to start as quarterback JT McDonald hit wide receiver Tyre Stead for 33 yards to the AG 48-yard line. But the big play went for naught as two penalties helped set the Red Devils back, and they were forced to punt.
The Whippets broke through shortly after the second quarter started, marching 71 yards in 10 plays. Tyriq Lewis slipped in from the three to make it 7-0.
Avon Grove punted on its next series and Dan Byrnes set the Whippets up with an 18-yard return to the Avon Grove 22. Four plays later, Tyler Alston scampered in from the 11 to make it 14-0 midway through the quarter.
West took advantage of another short field to tack on another TD. Lewis dragged a couple of tacklers into the end zone from six yards out to make it 21-0.
The Red Devils (0-2, 3-3) did have their chances to score.
On the Whippets’ second series, Matthew Walsh intercepted quarterback Will Howard at the West 33. Three plays later, Byrnes sprinted across the field to make the interception. West scored on the ensuing drive. Both coaches deemed the pick a big play.
“It was a huge play in the game,” said Milano. “We had a cornerback kind of get lost and Danny erased the mistake in the back like great free safeties do. It was a big play.”
“We don’t score a lot of points like they do, so we have to take our shots when we can,” said Avon Grove coach Harry O’Neill. “Their safety made a hell of a play because he came from the left hash all the way to the numbers to pick that off.”
The Red Devils moved the ball late in the half, but a field goal attempt was thwarted due to a fumble on the hold. They did get on the ball in the fourth quarter, as Colby Riddell broke through and raced 73 yards to avoid the shutout.
The Whippets continued their fine run on defense, holding the Red Devils to 235 total yards.
“The defense has been as good as its been in, maybe, 10 years,” said Milano.
Now, the Whippets look forward to two monumental tests ahead of them. They travel to Coatesville next week before hosting Downingtown East in the Battle of the Brandywine.
“We’ve got two challenges ahead of us and we’re not afraid of a challenge,” said Lewis, who ran for 112 yards on 15 carries. “We’re not backing down.”