After turbulent season, D-West football team looks to return to district playoffs
DOWNINGTOWN >> If there is a high school football team eager to put last year behind them and turn the page to 2022, it’s Downingtown West.
From off-the-field tragedy to on-the-field struggles, the Whippets suffered through an uncharacteristically subpar year, finishing 5-5 and missing the District 1 playoffs.
“Last year was tough for a lot of reasons,” said West coach Mike Milano. “We lost two heartbreaking games to our archrivals (Coatesville and Downingtown East). The deck was stacked against us last year.”
Milano will break in a new quarterback, Quinn Henicle, who was also on the D-West baseball team. Henicle takes over for the departed Evan Wickersham, and the 6-1, 180-pound junior is excited to take over the keys to the offense.
“The team looks good this year. I’m excited to to take over and see what the team can do,” said Henicle. “We seem to have a lot of flow together, it’s going good, executing well. I feel I have the offense memorized pretty well.”
“Quinn’s doing well,” added Milano. “He has a lot of physical talent, very good arm strength. He’s picking things up really well and I know he’s excited to get going and we’re excited to see him play.”
Returning running back John Mulville heaped praise on his QB.
“He has great placement, throws the ball great.” said Mulville. “He understands the pocket, he should be good. I’m excited to see how he plays.”
The senior is one of the top returning backs in the area, running for 751 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. He can also be a factor in the passing game.
“I’m excited to do what I can to help our team win as much as possible,” said Mulville. “As a senior, I want to have the ball in my hands to help us win.”
The run game should be fine with Mulville and the return of Jake Kucera, who was injured in the second game of the season last year. Harrison Hayford and Kam Alex will man the H-back spot. Ryan Campbell is a returning starter at tight end.
They will operate behind a huge offensive line anchored by massive tackles Cooper Young (6-5, 300), a West Virginia commit, and Ryan Howard (6-7, 310), along with guard Jake Kvech.
Newcomer Dean Hangey should be make an attractive receiving option for Henicle along with Kucera and Jordan Barry.
The defense will be big up front with Young and Howard. Hayford highlights the linebacking group.
The secondary should be speedy with Kucera and Carter Grear.
“We’re pumped,” said Milano. “We think we will be tough to beat.”
The Whippets will begin their season with a trip to the Jersey Shore to take on Highland Regional in the opener. They travel to Perkiomen Valley before opening up at Kottmeyer Stadium against Avon Grove on Sept. 9.
“The nonleague schedule is going to be brutal,” said Milano. “Highland Regional is going to be good. We play Perkiomen Valley in the second game and they’re always tough. Neshaminy is going to be big and physical. Our Chester County schedule is not going to be a cakewalk either.”
Milano is entering his 30th season as a coach and 20th at West and is still juiced to be on the sidelines.
“I love this,” said Milano. “I get asked all the time how long will I do this. I’m getting older, but I love this. I love high school football. I think it’s the greatest game on earth. Absolutely I’m juiced. I’m looking forward to get it going.”
Downingtown West Schedule
Fri., Aug. 26 — vs. Highland Regional(NJ) at Ocean City, NJ, 4 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 2 — at Perkiomen Valley, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 9 — vs. Neshaminy, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 16 — vs. Avon Grove, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 23 — at West Chester Henderson, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 30 — vs. West Chester East, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 7 — at Coatesville, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 14 — vs. Chester, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 21 — at Bishop Shanahan, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 28 — at Downingtown East, 7 p.m.
