Resurgent Downingtown West aims for upset against Coatesville
Downingtown West hosts Coatesville in the Ches-Mont League National Division football opener for both squads on Friday.
Downingtown West coach Mike Milano knows Coatesville has many speedy weapons on offense.
But he makes it perfectly clear that the Whippets' focus against the explosive Red Raiders is slowing dynamic running back Aaron Young.
"The No. 1 concern is that they have one of the best running backs in the state," Milano said.
Downingtown West (2-1) hosts Young and Coatesville (2-1) in the Ches-Mont League National Division opener for both squads at 7 p.m. Friday at Kottmeyer Stadium.
Young, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound junior, rushed for five touchdowns in last Friday's 48-15 nonleague romp over Reading. He has scholarship offers from Army, Connecticut, Nebraska, Rutgers, and Syracuse, among others.
The Red Raiders, who average 32 points per game, also have threats in quarterback Ricky Ortega and wide receivers Avery Young, Aaron's brother, and Dapree Bryant.
It looked like it might be a long and disappointing season for the Whippets when they opened with a 38-0 loss at Perkiomen Valley. But they bounced back with a 24-13 win over Wayne (N.J.) and a 37-33 defeat of Neshaminy.
Downingtown West's offense is directed by sophomore QB Will Howard. The first-year starter has completed 35 of 57 passes for 381 yards and two scores. "He's very cool under fire and makes great decisions," Milano said.
The Whippets' Andrew Ciliberto, T.J. Simmons, and Owen Landis share the load at running back. Wideout Dan Byrnes, wingback Josh Willenbrock, and tight end Ryan Wetzel are Howard's primary targets.
Howard hooked up with Willenbrock and Byrnes for scores of 73 and 56 yards in last Friday's upset of Neshaminy.
Downingtown West's offensive line is led by center Andrew Hibbs (6-2, 250) and guards Chris Yaksich (5-10, 200) and Nolan Hale (5-10, 235).
A 4-2-5 defense is spearheaded by end Ryan Fahey, tackle Tejan Wilson, linebackers Wetzel and Evan Richard, free safety Byrnes, and strong safety Nick Sicilia.
Pick Six
Friday
No. 16 Neumann-Goretti (1-0) at Northeast (1-1), 3. Can the Vikings defense keep the Saints' Leddie Brown and Chris Wells from running wild? Pick: N-G, 33-18.
No. 5 Coatesville (2-1) at No. 21 Downingtown West (2-1), 7. The host Whippets seek to avenge last season's 48-9 loss to the Red Raiders. Pick: Coatesville, 46-23.
No. 23 Marple Newtown (2-1) at Ridley (1-2), 7. The Green Raiders look to apply steady pressure on Tigers QB Anthony Paoletti. Pick: Marple Newtown, 23-16.
No. 7 North Penn (2-1) at Central Bucks West (3-0), 7. The Knights' Justis Henley, a multipurpose standout, has committed to Delaware. Pick: North Penn, 28-7.
Archbishop Ryan (1-2) vs. Father Judge (1-2), at Northeast, 7:30. It's the Catholic League Red Division opener for the Northeast Philly rivals. Pick: Judge, 21-13.
Saturday
No. 10 Central Bucks South (3-0) at Central Bucks East (1-2), 11. The Titans' Ryan Watson has rushed for 319 yards and seven TDs. Pick: C.B. South, 31-14.