East prevails in Brandywine battle

In the latest Battle of the Brandywine, one of the most heated neighborhood rivalries around, Downingtown West did not have to contend with Drew Harris, Downingtown East's prolific rusher.

Harris, a Virginia Tech recruit who starred for the Cougars in a 42-28 victory over West last season, has been out since going down with a knee injury in a Week 4 loss to Coatesville.

Dealing with another Harris from East, this one a quick-footed and high-leaping wideout, proved just as frustrating.

The 5-foot-11, 165-pound Jay Harris (no relation to Drew) caught four touchdown passes from fellow junior Kyle Lauletta as the Cougars hammered the Whippets, 44-14, Friday night in a Ches-Mont League National Conference clash at packed Kottmeyer Stadium.

"It felt great to have a good game in a big contest like this," said Harris, who made five catches for 112 yards. "I have to give a lot of credit to the offensive line and our offensive coordinator [Tom Wolf]."

East, ranked No. 6 in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer, improved to 7-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference. West slipped to 6-2 and 2-2.

In the second quarter, when the Cougars built a 30-7 advantage, Harris scored on catches of 28, 31, and 25 yards.

Said East coach Mike Matta of Harris: "First of all, he wants to be good. The second thing is that he's explosive and elusive in the open field."

Sophomore Ryley Angeline, who has taken over as East's go-to halfback, carried 31 times for 113 yards and two TDs. Lauletta hit on 10 of 17 throws for 182 yards.

"Our program was never about one guy," Lauletta said. "We miss Drew Harris, but we have other weapons. We can still pound the ball and throw it when it's there."

A defense that forced four turnovers was keyed by tackle Elijah Griffin, end Joe Wetty, linebacker Dillan Martin, and safeties Jamie Como (two interceptions) and Nick Dudley (one pick).

"The pass defense was great," said Lauletta, whose brother Trey quarterbacked the Cougars last year and is now playing at Bucknell. "All across the board, it was a big game for us."

Early in the fourth quarter, Lauletta found Harris for a fourth time to make it 37-14. For the season, Harris has 32 catches for 494 yards and eight scores.

East evened the series at 4-4. It was the biggest point differential since the Cougars won, 28-0, in 2005.

Downingtown West   0 7 7 0 – 14

Downingtown East   9 21 0 14 – 44

DE: Safety, intentional grounding in end zone

DE: Angeline 1 run (White kick)

DE: J. Harris 28 pass from Lauletta (White kick)

DE: J. Harris 31 pass from Lauletta (White kick)

DW: Harrell 83 run (Caruso kick)

DE: J. Harris 25 pass from Lauletta (White kick)

DW: Harrell 18 run (Caruso kick)

DE: Harris 5 pass from Lauletta (White kick)

DE: Angeline 3 run (White kick)