Ches-Mont National teams open up division play in Week 4

By Peter DiGiovanni
pdgiovanni07@gmail.com
@PeteDLN on Twitter

We are already at Week Four of the area scholastic football season and league games begin in earnest tonight. A Ches-Mont National Division clash of unbeatens — Downingtown East and Bishop Shanahan — highlight tonight’s slate, while a battle of two of the most highly regarded teams in Pennsylvania, Malvern Prep and Archbishop Wood, do battle at Franklin Field on Saturday afternoon. Also, a big Ches-Mont American Division clash between unbeaten Kennett and West Chester Rustin is on the docket. Here is a look at all the games on tap.
Bishop Shanahan (3-0) at Downingtown East (3-0)
Bishop Shanahan is 3-0 and has gotten big offensive contributions from senior quarterback Cooper Jordan, who is a dual threat signal caller. Downingtown East is also 3-0 and the Cougars have beaten three very good teams. Last week in a 39-14 win over Delaware Valley, junior quarterback Jamy Jenkins threw for 295 yards and three scores. receiver Mike Giordino had a big night, catching six balls for 130 yards. The strength of the Eagles defense is up front and they game will be decided by if the Bishop Shanahan front line, led by Liam Blakely and Kenny Daniels, can stand up to the Cougars offensive front.
Pick: Downingtown East 27, Bishop Shanahan 14
Downingtown West (1-2) at Penn Wood (0-2)
Downingtown West is 1-2, but the Whippets take a big drop in class this week against Penn Wood. Look for the Whippets to take out some frustration on a young Patriots squad. Downingtown West will have a huge size advantage up front. Penn Wood has lost its two games by a combined 5-8-16 margin.
Pick: Downingtown West 42, Penn Wood 14
Great Valley (2-1) at West Chester Henderson (1-2)
Both teams come off bad losses and we will see who can bounce back. For the Warriors, Eddie Smink can throw the football, but he has to have better ball security as does the rest of the West Chester Henderson offense. The Warriors fumbled six times in a 42-14,loss to West Chester Rustin. Great Valley quarterback Andy Talone will be the main threat for the Warriors defense.
Pick: W.C. Henderson 21, Great Valley 17
Coatesville (2-1) at Avon Grove (1-2)
The Coatesville defense has had a tough last two weeks, but the Red Devils do not possess the firepower of Perkiomen Valley or York High. Coatesville rushed the football for 401 yards against York High last week and should have another good offensive night. Quarterback Harrison Susi ran for 246 yards and five scores in the 44-39 loss to York.
Pick: Coatesville 42, Avon Grove 14
Oxford (2-1) at WC East (0-3)
West Chester East may get running back Mitch Ragni back from a concussion injury this week and that would be a huge plus for the Vikings’ attack. Oxford played Kennett very tough last week before folding in the fourth period. I expect this to be a close game.
Pick: Oxford 21, West Chester East 20
West Chester Rustin (1-1) at Kennett (3-0)
Kennett is 3-0 on the season and having another successful year. Rustin running back Dayshawn Jacobs gaines 246 yards on the ground last week on just 10 carries against Henderson. The Kennett defense will have its hands full with the Rustin ground attack as will the Golden Knights defense with running back David Lillis and exciting QB Kalen Frazier.
Pick: W.C. Rustin 28, Kennett 21
Unionville (3-0) at Sun Valley (2-1)
The Unionville defense has been on fire the entire season. The 3-0 Longhorns shut down West Chester East last week, limiting the Vikings to just 15 yards rushing. Sun Valley is not a pushover anymore, but the Longhorns look too balanced to be upset here.
Pick: Unionville 34, Sun Valley 13
Saturday’s games
Archbishop Wood (3-0) vs. Malvern Prep (1-1) at Franklin Field
A matchup of two the best programs in the state. Archbishop Wood has allowed just six points in its three wins, including two shutouts. Linebacker John Pergrine had two interceptions and 11 tackles last week. Malvern Prep got back on the winning track last week by destroying West Catholic, 46-0. This should be a very well played, fairly low-scoring game. The Malvern Prep defense will be led by Coltin Deery.
Pick: Malvern Prep 24, Archbishop Wood 21
Conestoga (2-1) at Lower Merion (2-1)
This game pits two the most improved teams in the Central League. Both teams come in at 2-1. Conestoga’s offense put up 55 points in a rout over Penncrest last week. This will be much tougher.
Pick: Conestoga 28, Lower Merion 14