PETE’S PICKS: Henderson, Unionville hold slight edge in toss-up Week 1 matchups
The 2020 high school football season is finally here, and Week 1 action sees what we’ll see for the rest of October (as long as COVID-19 cooperates): Ches-Mont League play.
The only two Ches-Mont schools who will not play this week are Downingtown West and Bishop Shanahan, who were both hit with positive COVID-19 tests.
Here is a look and some picks for Week 1 across Chester County.
TONIGHT
La Salle at Downingtown East
With original opponent Downingtown West on hold due to positive COVID tests, the Cougars ended up with one of the top Class 6A teams in the state coming to Kottmeyer for what is likely to be the only non-league game any Ches-Mont team plays this year.
La Salle is 2-0 and the Explorers are big up front and have an explosive running game. Downingtown East will try to play ball control with senior running back Stanley Bryant and keep the ball out of the Explorers’ hands. This will be a very tough test for the Cougars.
The Pick: La Salle 28, Downingtown East 21
Coatesville at Avon Grove
The Joe Coffey era begins at Avon Grove and the Red Devils’ new head coach and his squad will have its hands full with the explosive Coatesville offense. Look for the Red Raiders’ Abdul Sabur-Stewart to make a few big plays in the running and receiving game. This will be our first chance to see what Coatesville looks like without graduated quarterback Ricky Ortega.
The Pick: Coatesville 35, Avon Grove 14
Kennett at West Chester Henderson
Kennett is coming off its best year ever and quarterback Sam Forte is back after throwing 30 touchdown passes last season. Henderson’s offense is led by Eddie Smink. Warriors defensive end and Temple University recruit Jordan Laudato will have to dial up some pressure on Forte.
The Pick: West Chester Henderson 21, Kennett 20
Great Valley at Sun Valley
This is a matchup of two teams that struggled last season. Great Valley has improved its running game, and the offensive line should be the difference here.
The Pick: Great Valley 28, Sun Valley 21
West Chester Rustin at Unionville
Most years this is the game that decides the Ches-Mont League American Division title, and this year could be no different. West Chester Rustin was dealt a big blow when running back Drew Gallen suffered a season-ending knee injury last week. Look for unionville tight end Nate Holt to make a couple of big plays.
The Pick: Unionville 21, West Chester Rustin 20
West Chester East at Oxford
West Chester East is the defending Ches-Mont American Division champion, and senior quarterback Ryan Duell will be the key to the Vikings’ success this season. Duell has Jack McAnally and Joey Wileczek to throw to as well as big tight end Scott Cummings.
The Pick: West Chester East 28, Oxford 14
