PETE’S PICKS: Downingtown West will finally give Coatesville a test, but won’t get over the hump
Tonight, Week 7 of the scholastic football season kicks in and we have two very big games on tap.
In the Ches-Mont League National Division, it is a matchup between two undefeated squads, as Downingtown West visits the big, bad Red Raiders of Coatesvile. In the American Division, Oxford goes to West Chester Rustin a week after the Hornets defeated Sun Valley, 50-49.
Downingtown West at Coatesville
No one has challenged Coatesville, but Downingtown West has a legitimate shot to stay in the game with the Red Raiders, and Whippet boss Mike Milano talked about how tough it is to go up against the District 1 Class 6A favorites.
“Coatesville has not yet been challenged,” Milano said. “On offense they have size up front and they are highly skilled at running back, quarterback and wide receiver. To successfully defend them, you almost need to pick your poison by committing to the run and expose your secondary or commit to the pass and get gashed with big runs inside. They had had their way for six games almost at will.
“On defense, they are fast and they cover up mistakes quickly. Their defense does not get as much publicity as they deserve because their offense is so good. Most teams are forced to scrap their gameplan and throw nearly every down in an attempt to catch up. This will be our biggest challenge to date.”
Coatesville is a well-oiled offensive machine, as the Red Raiders are averaging more than 46 points per game, and really have not yet kept their starters in for an entire game. Coatesville can either have Aaron Young go wild on a defense or let Dapree Bryant catch about 10 balls. But, the player who makes the Red Raiders go is junior quarterback Ricky Ortega, who has thrown 15 touchdown passes with just two interceptions this season.
“Those guys are the top dogs,” said Downingtown West quarterback Will Howard. “Everyone has been saying they’re going to be state champs and I think we’re really prepared. I know for myself and my teammates, this is one we had circled on our schedule to prove to everyone what we can do.”
Downingtown West is one of the top teams in District 1, but this is going to be a tall order for the Whippet defense. I believe the Whippets will have success moving the football on the ground as Tyriq Lewis is one of the best backs in the district, so it will be a competitive game. But not an upset.
Pick: Coatesville 35, Downingtown West 24
Oxford at West Chester Rustin
In the American Division, Oxford invades West Chester Rustin coming off a 50-49 wild victory over Sun Valley last week, while the Golden Knights were Coatesville’s latest victim. Oxford quarterback Brett Kochmansky had a career game against Sun Valley, throwing for 328 yards and rushing for another 186 and being involved in seven touchdowns for the Hornets. Oxford head coach Mike Means has put the Hornets on the map in his three years at the helm, but he knows West Chester Rustin will be very tough at home.
“Rustin is going to be a great challenge for us,” Means said. “They are strong and physical up front and have a lot of team speed. We are going to have to match their physicality and do a much better job tackling than we did last week against Sun Valley. If we allow them to control the line of scrimmage it is going to be a long night. I was really proud of our guys showing some resolve last week and overcoming some adversity, but we need to play better to have a shot to win.”
The Golden Knights were just outmanned against Coatesville but they did defeat a good Penn Wood team two weeks ago, a Penn Wood team that defeated Oxford. Kochmansky is the real deal and I am looking for an upset here.
Pick: Oxford 28, West Chester Rustin 27
Malvern Prep at Avon Grove
This is a tough matchup for the host Red Devils. Malvern Prep quarterback Drew Gunther became the Friars’ all time passing leader last week in Malvern’s 28-25 win over Peddie School. The Friars just have too many playmakers for the Red Devils.
Pick: Malvern Prep 34, Avon Grove 14
Bishop Shanahan at West Chester East
West Chester East has the Ches-Mont League’s leading rusher in Pierre Marchant and the Vikings star went for 220 yards on the ground last week in a 60-27 loss to Downingtown East. The Vikings may be too fast for the Eagles defense. Receiver Mike Gray is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Pick: West Chester East 34, Bishop Shanahan 21
Downingtown East at West Chester Henderson
Downingtown East piled up 477 yards on the ground last week in a blowout of West Chester East. Look for more of the same this week.
Pick: Downingtown East 48, West Chester Henderson 13
Sun Valley at Great Valley
Great Valley is reeling as the Patriots have lost five straight games after opening the season with a win over Phoenixville. The Patriots are giving up a lot of yardage and with the Vanguards’ duo of running back Julz Kelly and signal caller Anthony Ellis, I think the visitors can get a road win here. Watch out for the Patriots’ Brendan O’Donnell, who is one of the most underrated receivers in the Ches-Mont.
Pick: Sun Valley 34, Great Valley 28
Kennett at Unionville
This is a rivalry game so anything can happen. Kennett has won two in a row this season and Mitch Kosara caught six balls last week for 76 yards, while Unionville badly needs a win to keep its 5A playoff hopes alive.
Pick: Unionville 27, Kennett 17
Marple Newtown at Conestoga
Conestoga may have hit rock bottom last week in a 51-7 loss to ridley last week. In that game, the Pioneers tried five different players at quarterback.
Pick: Marple Newtown 28, Conestoga 14
