CALN >> After a strange 2022 season in which the Coatesville High School football team had its share of highs and lows, the Red Raider squad comes into the new season with a renewed purpose and expectations to regain its perch as one of the best teams in District 1.
“Last season was just a tough one overall,” said Coatesville coach Matt Ortega. “The obstacles that we had to overcome as a team took its toll on us by the end, but hats off to that group. I feel that no one knows how resilient and mentally tough they were just to get to that point. It’s definitely a motivating point heading into this year. We definitely have high expectations with this team.”
This year, the Red Raiders will be led by their defense, which will be one of the leading units in the area.
“Absolutely,” said Ortega. “I think it’s almost all seniors. It was a good group last year and our defense has the potential to be one of the best we ever had here. So, that’s the expectations we have for our defense.”
The charge will be headed upfront by senior linemen Matt Luton and Francisco Hall. Luton (6-1, 200 pounds) was a second-team member of the Daily Local News All-Area football teamm. His quickness gives opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks fits.
“Everything’s been looking pretty strong,” said Luton. “We have some replacements coming in and we’re hoping to pick up where we left off last year. We got all of the big stuff done last year; now it’s just the little things we have to concentrate on to make our defense better.”
Hall (5-11, 240) is the anchor in the middle of the line, making it difficult for the opposition’s running game to get any traction. He was a disruptive force lining up inside or outside.
“Most of our defeanse is back, so there’s a lot more exeperience around,” said Hall. “Since our defensive line is all coming back, I think we all have gotten better.”
The secondary is led by the strong safety tandem of Amir Haskett and Armon Richardson. Both are excellent in coverage, can hit and are big-time ball hawkers.
“Because we took an early-round loss, we all have been motivated to not have that happen again,” said Haskett. “I’ve grown as a player, being able to read the game. I’ve gotten stronger and faster. I’ve been working my tail off all offseason.”
The Red Raiders will be breaking in a new quarterback with a familiar name, Matt Ortega Jr. The sophomore takes over for the graduated Harrison Susi. He might not have the exeperince, but with an accomplished father and being the brother of one of the better QBs of recent Coatesville vintage in Ricky Ortega, he definitely has the pedigree to be successful.
“It’s kind of just developed the last couple of years, when he played Little League, we weren’t sure of what position he was going to play,” said coach Ortega. “The last two years he’s developed into a quarterback. He’s definitely different than anybody we’ve had since I’ve been here, so I hope he’s able to take his skill set and allow us to be able to get back to throwing the football a bit more.”
The youthfulness of his signal caller doesn’t faze Haskett.
“We have trust in him and he has trust in us,” he said.
If he does throw the ball more, he has two of the better targets in Haskett and Donte London.
“We definitely feel like our wide receiver group will go from one of the bottom groups in the league last year, to one of the strongest groups around.”
Ortega said Haskett has put on 15 pounds from last season without losing any of his speed and explosiveness.
Coatesville became renowned for its running ability the last couple of seasons. Samaj Turner returns from lacrosse to help with the load at running back. Turner saw time as a freshman and sophomore before getting hurt. Damon Watson returns to provide speed along with a willingness to run between the tackles and be explosive every time he touches the ball.
“Our o-line coach, Mick Bonner, does a great job. He takes what we have and utilizes the things they’re good at it,” said Ortega.
The nonleague schedule starts off with a trip to Pennsbury followed by games with Academy Park, Central Dauphin and Penn Wood along with Ches-Mont crossover contests with Unionville and West Chester Rustin.
“We’re real good. We’re ready. Getting there slowly,” said Haskett. “Game week next Friday, we can’t wait. All of the guys can’t wait. It’s going to be a show.”
One that they hope will be a long-running one statewide.
Coatesville
Fri., Aug. 25 – at Pennsbury, 7 p.m.
Thurs., Aug. 31 – vs. Academy Park, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 8 – at Central Dauphin, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 15 – vs. Penn Wood, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 22 – at Unionville, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 29 – vs. West Chester Rustin, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 6 – at Downingtown West, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 13 – vs. Bishop Shanahan, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 20 – vs. Downingtown East, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 27 – at Avon Grove, 7 p.m.
Coach: Matt Ortega
2022 record: 9-1 overall, 4-0 Ches-Mont National
