Coatesville remains perfect with win over Kennett

KENNETT SQUARE – Coatesville’s football game with West Chester Henderson next week is one of the most anticipated games this season, but they did not want to take Friday night’s game against Kennett lightly.

Coatesville (7-0) maintained its perfect season with a 42-7 win over Kennett (1-6) in their nonleague game at Kennett High School.

The 21-0 score at halftime did not tell the story of the Red Raiders’ lackluster start.

“We had four starters out today that will be back next week, so that threw us off a little bit,’ said Coatesville coach Matt Ortega. “We came out and took care of business tonight. We are healthy and on to next week (against Henderson).’

Coatesville’s quarterback Jordan Young threw for 233 yards and picked up three touchdowns — two in the air and one on the ground.

“He’s been playing solid for us all year. He’s been the guy that makes the motor go,’ said Ortega. “Each week he comes out and executes the game plan and that’s what he did tonight.’

Despite the impressive night, Young felt his team was lackadaisical to begin the game.

“The slow start was because we just started playing with them and took it too lightly,’ said Young. “We picked it up in the second half and were fine.’

Young had 156 yards passing in the first half, but picked it up in the second half connecting with James Clark and Jay Stocker for touchdown passes in the third.

Coatesville’s last touchdown came on a blocked punt on that Brandon Talbott picked up on the Kennett 3-yard line and waltzed into the end zone.

“Ronnell (Knight), he blocked the punt and I was looking for the ball,’ said Talbott. “I fought in the pile for the ball and got to it at the end.’

Kennett finally scored their only points early in the fourth quarter. Following the blocked punt, Frankie Perigo returned the ensuing kickoff 69 yards to the Coatesville 15.

“Our kickoff return had some good blocks and I just saw a hole and took the opportunity,’ said Perigo.

Within seconds freshman Kevin Wessels scored on a seven-yard run.

Next week’s game against Henderson is proving to be a true test for the unbeaten Red Raiders who are well aware of the stakes.

“We’ve had this game circled on our calendar because we know how good Henderson is going to be,’ said Ortega. “They are a very impressive team, with a solid front and great skill kids. Next week is going to be a great game and I expect the best effort out of both teams.’