Ortega sets Coatesville record
Week two was a very entertaining one on area football fields as Kennett came from 20 points down to defeat West Chester Henderson. Unionville made a major statement by shutting down West Chester Rustin and Downingtown West and Downingtown East both get quality wins.
But, a record was broken at Red Raider Stadium Friday night as Coatesville roared back in the second half behind junior quarterback Harrison Susi, to beat a good Perkiomen Valley squad 36-27. The big news beside the win, was that it was the 118th career victory for Coatesville head coach Matt Ortega. The win puts Ortega in first place as the all time winningest head coach in the storied tradition that is Coatesville football.
Ortega passed the likes of Coatesville legends like All Black and Jack Helm to become number one in the Red Raider record books. Ortega has won three District 1 championships, appeared in five District 1 finals and took his 2012 Red Raider team to the PIAA state final before bowing to North Allegheny.
Coatesville, under Ortega, has exhibited what the locals call the “Ville Mentality” which means the Red Raiders will fight you tooth and nail for the entire 48 minutes. Coatesville is currently 2-0 and the Red Raiders are in the small mix of 6A schools that has a legitimate shot to win another District 1 6A crown.
Great Valley downed West Chester East 24-7 Friday night to put the Patriots at 2-0 for the first time since 2016, under then head coach Dan Ellis. Great Valley, under head coach Jeff Martin, has a spring in its step and are led by the dual threat senior quarterback Andy Talone, who rushed for 115 yards and threw for 172 more in the impressive win over the Vikings.
Downingtown West faced a talented Haverford School squad and allowed the Fords just seven measly points in the Whippets 13-7 victory. Downingtown West quarterback Evan Wickersham is also the best punter in the Ches-Mont League. Wickersham unleashed a 71 yard bomb for the Whippets in a game that was ultimately decided by field position. Downingtown West will travel to Perkiomen Valley in week three to face quarterback Ethan Kohler, who gave Coatesville fits in the first half Friday night.
Downingtown East traveled to State College and doubled up the Little Lions, 42-21. Cougar running backs Josh Asante and Bo Horvath both rushed for over 100 yards and junior quarterback Jamy Jenkins threw for two scores. Downingtown East looks to stay undefeated in week three as the Cougars play their first home game against Delaware Valley.
Kennett spotted West Chester Henderson a 20 point lead but the Blue Demons roared backing the second half and took the home win, 26-20. Kennett quarterback Kalen Frazier rushed for 128 yards and three touchdowns and even found time to intercept a Warrior pass. Sophomore running back David Lillis, who may be the next great Ches-Mont League running back, rushed for 172 yards and a touchdown.
Unionville defeated arch-rival West Chester Rustin 21-7 as the geared up Longhorns defense held Golden Knights back Dayshawn Jacobs to under 100 yards on the ground. The Longhorns host West Chester East this Friday and the Vikings will bring another star back to Unionville in junior Mitch Ragni, who is expected back from an injury.
Around District 1, North Penn kept rolling as the Knights racked up a 55-7 win over Abington and Garnet Valley demolished Conestoga 54-14. These two 6A powers appear to be the main threats to Coatesville and both of the Downingtown teams come district playoff time.
Chesco Super Seven 1. Coatesville. 2. Malvern Prep. 3. Downingtown East. 4. Downingtown West. 5. Unionville. 6. WC Rustin. 7. Bishop Shanahan.
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