Rick's Picks: Friday, Saturday games
La Salle vs. Archbishop Wood isn't the only Friday night game between top-10 teams. In the continuation of their heated Ches-Mont League National Conference rivalry, No. 5 Coatesville will play No. 8 Downingtown East at 7 p.m. at Downingtown West's Kottmeyer Stadium.
La Salle vs. Archbishop Wood isn't the only Friday night game between top-10 teams.
In the continuation of their heated Ches-Mont League National Conference rivalry, No. 5 Coatesville will play No. 8 Downingtown East at 7 p.m. at Downingtown West's Kottmeyer Stadium.
Close games between the undefeated Red Raiders (5-0 overall, 2-0 league) and Downingtown East (4-1, 1-0) have been the norm over the last four seasons, with the average margin of victory only 5.3 points.
Coatesville triumphed by 20-14 in 2011 and 14-7 last season.
Downingtown East won by 21-14 in 2010 and 35-34 in the final seconds in 2012.
"Playing Downingtown East, like it is with Downingtown West, is always big for our kids," Red Raiders coach Matt Ortega said.
Spurred by junior quarterback Jordan Young, Coatesville is averaging 37.6 points. The second-year starter has completed 81 of 120 passes for 1,050 yards and eight touchdowns.
"I think he's improved in one year more than any other quarterback I've ever seen," said Downingtown East coach Mike Matta, whose squad rebounded from a 28-point loss to Haverford School with victories over West Chester Rustin and West Chester East.
In last week's 26-14 win over Bishop Shanahan, Young completed 19 of 23 throws for 279 yards. His top target is wideout James Clark, who has 21 catches for 293 yards and two TDs.
"He's more experienced, a heck of an athlete," Ortega said of Young. "I knew he would be one of the most improved players in the conference."
The Cougars offense is fueled by quarterback Andrew Hudson, running backs Jack Kincade (79 carries for 424 yards, three TDs) and Keith Conner (45 for 203, two), tight end Cary Angeline, and wideout Dan Chisena.
The 6-foot-7, 235-pound Angeline has 26 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns. Chisena (10 for 252, two) is next in line.
The Red Raiders defense is headed by end Amir Ealey, middle linebacker Stephen Pawling, strong safety Ricky Southcott, and Temple-bound cornerback Ahkema Evans.
With an eye on slowing Young, East's defense, which has struggled at stopping the pass, is anchored by tackle Thad Stevenson-Panchisin, end Pat Matta, and middle linebacker Tyler Buban.
Pick: Young finds the holes in East's vulnerable secondary and sparks another win. Coatesville, 27-21.
Other Friday games
Bishop Shanahan (4-1, 1-1 Ches-Mont National) at No. 10 West Chester Henderson (4-1, 1-0), 7 p.m. The visiting Eagles have a solid one-two punch in halfback Kevin Stine (33 carries for 303 yards, three TDs) and QB Dan Murphy (37-for-56 passing, 470 yards, four TDs).
Pick: West Chester Henderson, 23-14.
No. 7 St. Joseph's Prep (1-3) vs. No. 14 Malvern Prep (2-2), at Villanova, 7:30 p.m. Can the Hawks recover from three consecutive losses to out-of-state powers? Malvern, idle last weekend, looks to bounce back from a 27-8 loss to La Salle.
Pick: St. Joe's Prep, 28-14.
Saturday
Bonner-Prendergast (5-0, 1-0 Catholic AAA) vs. No. 20 Archbishop Ryan (2-3, 0-1), at George Washington, 1 p.m. The Friars, guided by quarterback Collin DiGalbo, have flown under the radar while staying perfect. Their chance for a noticeable win comes against running back Samir Bullock and the Raiders.
Pick: Archbishop Ryan, 31-13.