Lewis scores six TDs as Downingtown West rolls over Oxford
DOWNINGTOWN >> With two high-scoring offenses on the Kottmeyer Stadium field on a gorgeous Friday night, you figured there would be fireworks on the scoreboard. But, the flashiest arsenal belonged to Downingtown West.
Led by a six-touchdown performance from Tyriq Lewis, the Whippets took control in the second quarter en route to a 56-20 Ches-Mont League nonleague crossover game against Oxford.
“Not bad at all,” Lewis said of his night, which included four TD runs, a touchdown catcch and a punt return for a score. He could’ve had seven, but a second punt return touchdown was brought back for a penalty. Lewis finished the night with 121 yards on 18 carries.
The Whippets continued to roll, improving to 5-0, outscoring their opponents, 213-75. Having survived playing some of the better teams in District 1, West was happy to play somebody a little closer to home. Although, it is the first time they faced the Hornets.
Oxford had one first down on its first possession before punting to West. They set sail on a 75-yard scoring drive. Lewis gained 64 yards passing and receiving on the march. He capped it off by rumbling over the left side for a 27-yard score.
Oxford had the ball for five plays, then punted again. This time Lewis brought the crowd to its feet by breaking off a 72-yarder to extend the lead to 14-0.
“Our coaches preach all week to catch the punt and then make something to happen,” said Lewis. “I was coming back to the left side, I was running for my life, then I found an opening and took off.”
Oxford got its no-huddle, quick-tempo offense goiung toward the end of the quarter to get on the board. Senior quarterback Thomas Repetz led them down the field thanks to two passes to Joey Morton totaling 63 yards. Repetz then found Justin Neskie from nine-yards out for the score.
“Mike Means is a hell of a coach,” said Downingtown West coach Mike Milano. “He’s mastered that Chip Kelly style offense and they make things tough for teams”
The Whippets went on another long drive, punctuated by a one-yard sneak by Will Howard on the first play of the second quarter to make it 21-7.
But, the Hornets (1-4) answered as Repetz hit Morton with a 40-yard bomb in the zone to once again cut the deficit to 21-14.
However, from there, the Whippets took over. They took advantage of a short punt as Lewis went up the middle, cut right as jogged in for a 15-yard score.
On their next posession, West went on another lengthy drive, Lewis punched it in from the three for his third rushing TD and a 35-15 lead.
West put one more TD on its ledger before the half as QB Will Howard lofted a throw to Will Mahmud in the left flat. He delivered a crunching stiff arm to free him to complete a 48-yard pass as the Whippets wrapped up a 28-point second quarter.
“We have a lot of weapons,” said Milano. I’m blessed.”
Oxford closed out the half with a 37-yard scoring pass from Repetz to Justin Neskie to close out the half trailing, 42-20.
Oxford was shut out in the second half as the Whippets scored twice, both by Lewis, to continue the undefeated season.
West turns its attention to the National Division of the Ches-Mont, hosting Bishop Shanahan in the division opener next Friday. Oxford looks to get back on track when it visits Sun Valley in an American contest.
Notes >> Repetz was 18-of-43 for 318 yards and two touchdowns for Oxford. Neskie had nine reception for 82 yards, Morton racked up 11 yards on seven receptions. … West ran for 224 yards in the first half with Lewis accounting for 108 of them. … Alex Rosano and Heath Williams recorded interceptions for the Whippets.
