Shanahan, Malvern Prep win titles; Coatesville, Rustin still alive in districts
By Peter DiGiovanni
@PeteDLNontwitter
With the district playoffs in full swing this past weekend we saw some interesting games and wild finishes. The only team to win a championship this past weekend was in the District 1 4A bracket where Bishop Shanahan claimed its second district title in school history.
In the Inter-Ac league, Malvern Prep finished off a very impressive campaign with a dominating 14-0 win over Springside Chestnut Hill to claim its first league title since 2018.
For Bishop Shanahan, senior quarterback Cooper Jordan went wild, throwing for 344 yards and three touchdowns in the Eagles 40-6 wipeout of Pottsgrove in the district title game. Shanahan has a very diverse offense with Jordan capable of throwing or running with the football, and a good backfield with Colin McGrory and Brandon Choi capable of gaining yardage. The Eagles’ defense is allowing a little less than 10 points per game this season and have given up just 13 points in two playoff games.
Malvern Prep breezed through its inter-Ac slate with a perfect 5-0 mark and the Friars were only seriously challenged in their 17-7 win over Episcopal Academy. Malvern Prep won its games up front on both sides of the football as its offensive and defensive lines were dominate. University of Maryland-bound lineman Coltin Deery should be voted Inter-Ac Player of the Year as he was a major force on both sides of the football. Malvern Prep only allowed eight points per game this season.
Coatesville continued to roll and the Red Raiders are starting to have the look of a team that can win a district title. Red Raiders’ quarterback Harrison Susi is very elusive and is giving opposing defenses fits. Lately, Coatesville has committed to the run a little more and Ashon Wesley has more than filled the bill for the Red Raiders running game.
West Chester Rustin senior running back Dayshawn Jacobs is now the leading rusher in school history as he rolled for 325 yards and an incredible six touchdowns in the Golden Knights’ 41-21 win over Kennett in the 5A second round result. Jacobs is quick, hard to bring down, and can run effectively inside behind the mammoth Golden Knights’ offensive line. The old rushing mark for yards and touchdowns was held by Terry Loper.
Downingtown East’s season is over thanks to a 42-21 loss to Quakertown. The most surprising thing about the Cougars loss was the fact that the Panthers allowed the vaunted Cougars running game just 52 yards on 26 carries. Quakertown was the more physical team and the Panthers truly deserved the victory. Downingtown East ends its season at 9-3.
Around District 1, Plymouth-Whitemarsh came from behind in the final minute to upset defending 5A champion, Upper Dublin. And for the effort the Colonials have the pleasure of trying to slow down Rustin runner Dayshwan Jacobs in the 5A semifinal round.
In the 6A bracket, Ridley surprised North Penn 56-55 in overtime, no doubt shocking the Knights and head coach Dick Beck. North Penn firmly believed they were headed to the district final, but a leaky defense that has haunted the Knights all season, came back to finally cost them a game. With a school as big as North Penn, one could wonder how the Knights’ defense could be so porous? The Knights survived this season by outscoring everyone, and couldn’t stop Ridley at all Friday night.
