Ches-Mont’s Fab Five press on

Having half of the semifinalists in the District 1-5A and 6A brackets, along with Bishop Shanahan’s class 4A title from a week ago, has the Ches-Mont League thinking sweep.

But there is much work to be done and it doesn’t’t figure to be easy at this point.

Here’s a look at the remaining five teams’ matchups:

Class 6A

No. 1 Downingtown West (11-1) v. No. 12 Haverford (10-2)

The Fords marched into Kottmeyer Stadium, last Saturday, waved their Delco flag and had Downingtown East beat by halftime. They hope for a repeat performance, six days later. With two potent offenses, whatever Las Vegas has for the over/under, take the over. Haverford is led by the do-it-all Buffalo commit, Trey Blair. The senior quarterback leads Delco with 1,684 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground and is an explosive runner. He’s averaged 52.8 yards on his six postseason rushing TDs (including a one-yarder). Blair runs more than he passes, and with a big, physical offensive line, Haverford has been hard to stop on its 10-game winning streak. 

A hip pointer took Blair out of the game in the second half last week, though he reportedly could’ve played if it was close. If that doesn’t slow him down at all, West’s defensive ends, Sean Pelkisson and Max Hale, will try their best to do so. The key will be limiting run lanes up the middle. The Whippets did a much better job against the run last week against North Penn than in the first round against Pennsbury. West has never shied away from trading big plays, but containing Blair would help, as Haverford’s help is not nearly as explosive.

The Whippets have more options, offensively, which has helped them outscore their foes thus far. West’s 66 points allowed is the most by a big-school semifinalist since Pennsbury in 2014. Its 103 points scored is the most since Coatesville in 2017. Running back Tyriq Lewis has been the bell cow, rushing for 200-plus yards two straight weeks, with nine TDs. Quarterback Will Howard, Blair’s Division 1 counterpart, has been very efficient with less being asked of him, so far, completing 13 of 20 for 235 yards and three scores these playoffs.

Julian Williams has been a major weapon on special teams for the Whippets. He returned his fourth return TD (three kick, one punt) last week. Blair returned a kick for a score against East and also has a punt return TD this season.

No. 7 Coatesville (9-2) at No. 3 Garnet Valley (11-1)

For the third straight postseason, these two powers face each other. In 2017, Coatesville won with a last-minute pick six in an all-time classic. Last year, the Red Raiders rolled their way to the district finals. On paper, this looks closer to the 2017 version. Garnet has won 11 straight while Coatesville has bounced back from a week 10 loss. As always, the contrast in styles makes this an intriguing pairing.

Garnet employs the option offense and running backs Greg Reynolds (975 yards, 16 TDs) and Jake Morin (718, 13) and QB Ryan Gallagher (667, 11) constantly attack. The Jaguars average 345.1 rush yards per game, but Gallagher has only attempted 56 passes all season. It’s vital that Garnet controls the clock and plays in front of the chains because Coatesville would love to get out running and make the Jags play catchup without a pass game.

The Raiders have trailed in both playoff games but have found plenty of offense when needed. After averaging 33.6 points and 334.8 yards per game in the regular season, Coatesville has put up 90 points and 959 yards the last two weeks. Receiver Dapree Bryant had a career-high 12 carries and 167 yards on the ground last week, taking handoffs from motion or lining up in the wildcat. Ricky Ortega has been his typical self, leading the Raiders, winners of 10 straight district playoff games. He is 329 pass yards away from 10,000 for his career (according to Daily Local stats). If Coatesville can get some contributions from Abdul-Sabur Stewart and/or Artie Burgess in the pass game, as well as another strong defensive effort, it will be in a position to play for a third straight district title next week.

Class 5A

No. 4 Kennett (11-1) at No. 1 Cheltenham (11-1)

This is uncharted waters for both teams, playing for a spot in the district final. After knocking off No. 9 Unionville last week, Cheltenham readies for its next route 82 opponent. Kennett goes on the road for the first time this postseason after a thrilling overtime victory against No. 5 Strath Haven last week. It will be the first time the Blue Demons play on grass this season.

Kennett hopes to bring its defense, once again. The 14 points allowed last week were the first points given up since week eight of the regular season. The Demons are also plus-five in turnovers these playoffs. Running back Garrett Cox has gone over 100 yards five straight weeks, but he will have some tough sledding against a big Cheltenham line. Unionville rushed for 201 yards, making hay on QB runs, so expect Kennett’s Sam Forte to hear his name called.

Jamir Barnes was the catalyst for the Panthers, against Unionville, totaling almost 200 yards of offense and four TDs. He will be the best back Kennett has faced in awhile. The Panthers also forced four turnovers against the Indians. Kennett would love to make this game a brawl, so if Cheltenham can get out and running, advantage Panthers.

No. 7 West Chester Rustin (9-3) at No. 2 Academy Park (10-2)

If you’re taking the over for the West-Haverford game, take the under here. Two defensive-minded teams on a chilly, grass/dirt field screams low-scoring grinder. Rustin beat the Knights 42-6 in the first round of the 2018 playoffs, but the matchups don’t point to déjà vu.

Academy Park has been carried by QB Barry Brown, with injuries at key spots. Brown has been a problem for opposing defenses, with 1,040 yards and 14 TDs on the ground and 1,436 yards and 15 scores through the air. The defense, led by linemen Isaiah Rogers and Xavier Newman, has allowed just six points in two weeks The unit hasn’t allowed more than 90 rushing yards since week four.

That sounds like a challenge for Rustin, who relies almost exclusively on its run game. Junior back Drew Gallen had his best game last week against West Chester East, with 150 yards and two TDs, and he is a very good complement to Nick Madonna, who leads the team with 1,474 yards. Rustin has only given up seven points its last three games, and surrendered a total of 204 yards this postseason. Matt Montgomery has led the charge from the defensive end position. Rustin is 8-0 when giving up less than 100 rush yards, this season, but 1-3 when teams crack the century mark.

Class 4A

Bishop Shanahan (7-5) v. Jersey Shore (9-3) at Selinsgrove High

The Eagles are high off their first District 1-4A title and will take on a Jersey Shore team who’s won two straight District 4 titles, and four in seven years. Both teams are looking for their first state tournament win.

The Bulldogs scored 72 points in the first round and average 38 per game this season. They go as QB Tanner Lorson goes. Lorson has passed for 2,695 yards and 27 TDs, and also leads the team in rushing with 992 yards and 18 scores. Running back Josh Malicky is right behind with 920 and 11 TDs. Four Bulldogs have at least 30 receptions.

Shanahan is as hot as it’s been this season. The Eagles have scored 81 points and given up 17 in two playoff games. Led by senior linemen, Lenny Kresefski and Jack Lyons, the Eagles have created seven turnovers in two games, and the Eagles are plus-six. The competition spikes dramatically for Shanahan, but a young team has some experience under its wings and should be ready to compete.