A lot is on the line as Ches-Mont rivals clash

The latest chapter in the 12-year series between Downingtown East and Coatesville is likely to be even more intense and physical than usual.

That's because the Ches-Mont League National Conference rivals will be vying for a spot in the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA championship game.

The Cougars, 9-3 and ranked No. 8 in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer, will visit the No. 4 Red Raiders (12-0) in a semifinal at 7 p.m. Friday.

East holds a 7-5 lead in the series, but Coatesville has won the last two contests. On Oct. 3 at Kottmeyer Stadium in Downingtown, with a successful fake punt and last-minute touchdown, Coatesville escaped, 15-9.

Ignited by quarterback Jordan Young, who has thrown for 2,563 yards and 18 touchdowns, the top-seeded Red Raiders average 36.5 points.

Also in the mix for the National Conference champs are tailback Jalen Hudson, tight end Amir Ealey, and wideouts Jay Stocker, James Clark, and Keenan Coleman.

The fifth-seeded Cougars, seeking their first trip to the district final since 2005, have won four straight since a 17-10 defeat at Bishop Shanahan. East is sparked on offense by QB Andrew Hudson, running back Keith Conner, 6-foot-7 tight end Cary Angeline, and fleet wideout Dan Chisena.

Coatesville's defense is keyed by Ealey, an end; linebacker Stephen Pawling; safety Ricky Southcott; and cornerback Ahkema Evans.

The Cougars' bid to slow Young and company will be led by tackle Thad Stevenson-Panchisin, end Pat Matta, and linebacker Tyler Buban.

Pick: The Red Raiders move closer to their second district crown in three seasons. Coatesville, 38-24.

Last week: 10-2. Overall: 89-36 (.712).

No. 6 seed Upper Dublin (11-1) at No. 2 Pennsbury (11-1), 7 p.m. The visiting Cardinals, mixing the run and pass efficiently, have made a surprise run to the semis.

Continued success for Bret Stover's team hinges largely on the play of QB Ryan Stover, running backs Kaleif Lee and John Lee, and wideout Matt Thompson.

Pennsbury's red-hot wing-T attack is spurred by Charles Snorweah, a 2,100-yard rusher with 32 TDs.

Pick: Pennsbury, 42-21.

No. 2 Great Valley (11-1) vs. No. 1 Springfield, Delco (12-0), at Plymouth Whitemarsh, 7 p.m. Dan Ellis, Great Valley's coach, guided Springfield from 2008 to 2010. His former defensive coordinator, Chris Britton, is in charge of the Cougars.

Pick: Great Valley, 23-7.

Delco Christian (9-2) vs. Pius X (10-2), at Nazareth, 7 p.m. Behind junior rusher Nazim Trammell-Wells, the Knights will look to upend the District 11 titlists.

Pick: Pius X, 41-14.

St. Joseph's Prep (7-3) vs. Ben Franklin (10-0), at Northeast, 11:30 a.m. Can QB Kevin Campbell and the unbeaten Electrons keep the favored Hawks from retaining the title?

Pick: Prep, 45-13.

Springfield, Montco (6-6) vs. Neumann-Goretti (8-4), at South Philly Super Site, 1 p.m. Another strong effort by workhorse Khalil Roane lifts the Saints past the Spartans.

Pick: Neumann-Goretti, 26-12.