Downingtown West looks to upend Coatesville in battle of Ches-Mont League unbeatens

Downingtown West coach Mike Milano is well aware of how explosive Coatesville's offense has been the last two seasons.

The Whippets bowed to the speedy and talented Red Raiders by 42-6 last season and 48-9 in 2016.

"They're hard to defend," Milano said. "They do a great job of making big plays in open spaces, they can beat you with the run game, and they're very dangerous through the air."

Downingtown West gets its shot at redemption when it visits Coatesville in a pivotal Ches-Mont League National Division contest at 7 p.m. Friday. Both squads are 6-0 overall and 2-0 in division action.

"We're not surprised by our record or how well we're playing," said Milano, whose squad went 9-0 to start the 2015 campaign.

Coatesville, which last season reached the PIAA Class 6A state semifinals before losing a taut thriller against St. Joseph's Prep, is averaging 48.3 points.

Matt Ortega's squad, which is coming off a 52-21 romp over West Chester Rustin, is again scoring in bunches.

Coatesville's terrific offensive trio is made up of savvy quarterback Ricky Ortega, the coach's son, shifty running back Aaron Young, and fleet receiver Dapree Bryant. "They're pretty amazing," Milano said.

Downingtown West has likewise been impressive on offense, averaging 41.7 points

The Whippets' Will Howard, a junior and Division I prospect, has hit on 81 of 127 throws for 1,240 yards and 12 touchdowns.

"He's one of the most physically talented quarterbacks I've coached in 26 years," Milano said of the 6-foot-4, 205-pounder. "He's the total package."

Howard is supported by handyman Tyriq Lewis, bruising rusher Tyler Alston, receivers Dan Byrnes and Alex Rosano, and tight ends Ryan Wetzel and Jackson Luneburg.

Lewis has carried 81 times for 592 yards and 15 TDs; Byrnes, a do-everything type, has 25 receptions for 523 yards and eight scores.

Downingtown West's defense is headed by end Sean Pelkisson, tackle Nolan Hale, linebackers Wetzel and Brad Peszek, safety Byrnes, and cornerbacks and twin brothers Marcus and Terrence Gainer.

Despite their perfect record, the Whippets are underdogs against a team that many expect to see playing for top state honors on Dec. 8 in Hershey.

"Our kids are pumped up, obviously," Milano said. "We've taken our lumps the last two seasons, and we're excited about this opportunity."

No. 5-ranked Downingtown West at No. 2 Coatesville, Friday at 7 p.m.

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Dual-threat QB. Coatesville's Ricky Ortega has passed for 1,134 yards and 16 TDs. The junior has rushed for 426 yards and seven scores.

Up front. West's offensive line is anchored by center Chris Yaksich, guard Nolan Hale, and tackle Marc Villano.

Other options. In addition to Dapree Bryant, the Red Raiders have solid wide receivers in Dymere Miller and Shamaur Hall.

Possible return. West linebacker Evan Richard may be back in the lineup after missing the last three games due to a leg injury

Pick. Coatesville, 42-24.