Downingtown West continued their impressive season with a 21-12 win over Spring-Ford on Friday night at Coach McNelly Stadium, pushing their record to a perfect 4-0. The Whippets’ success was propelled by junior quarterback Cole Bricker, who delivered a standout performance both passing and rushing.
Bricker Shines in All Phases
Junior quarterback Cole Bricker was instrumental in the Whippets’ victory, throwing for 132 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for another score. Despite missing their top two running backs, Downingtown West adapted their game plan effectively. “We had to rely more on the passing game than usual,” Bricker noted. “Spring-Ford is a solid team, but we adapted to what their defense allowed and it worked out for us.”
Defensive Domination
The Whippets’ defense played a crucial role in the victory, limiting the Rams to just 250 total yards and stifling their offensive efforts for most of the game. Spring-Ford’s senior quarterback Matt Zollers threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns but was sidelined late in the game after an injury sustained during a sack.
Game Highlights
Spring-Ford took an early lead with a 66-yard drive, culminating in a 28-yard touchdown pass from Zollers to Jordan Marsilio with 8:58 left in the first quarter. However, the Rams struggled to add to their score as the game progressed.
Downingtown West responded late in the first quarter with a 39-yard drive, ending with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Bricker to sophomore Marcus McComsey. In the second quarter, Bricker scored on a 1-yard sneak, extending the lead to 14-6. A pivotal moment came in the third quarter when a muffed punt by Spring-Ford set up Bricker’s 31-yard touchdown pass to Darian Smith, making it 21-6.
Rams’ Struggles and Bricker’s Poise
Spring-Ford mounted a late comeback attempt, scoring early in the fourth quarter with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Zollers to Marsilio. However, a critical fumble on 4th-and-goal at the 3-yard line and Zollers’ injury thwarted their chances.
Jamal Lewis led the Rams’ rushing attack with 70 yards, and Blake Turner caught five passes for 40 yards, but their efforts fell short against the well-conditioned Whippets.
Looking Ahead
Kline praised his team’s preparation and resilience. “We focused on applying pressure and mixing up our defense. Our conditioning is the best it’s been, and our players are fully committed to maintaining our tradition of excellence.”
With 280 total yards (148 rushing, 132 passing), Downingtown West showcased both offensive and defensive strengths. Bricker reflected on the team’s progress, “We’re more disciplined and better conditioned than last year. Our mentality is strong, and we always hustle to the ball.”
The Whippets will aim to continue their winning streak as they face Avon Grove at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Downingtown West’s defense has only allowed 11.2 points per game this season, so Avon Grove’s offense will have their work cut out for them.
Scoring Summary:
- Spring-Ford scored first with a 27-yard pass from Zollers to Marsilio (kick failed).
- Downingtown West responded with a 26-yard pass from Bricker to McComsey (Sharp kick).
- Bricker added a 1-yard touchdown run and a 31-yard pass to Smith, both followed by Sharp’s successful extra points.
- Spring-Ford scored again in the 4th quarter with a 38-yard pass from Zollers to Marsilio (kick failed).
Team Stats:
- Both teams had 13 first downs.
- Downingtown West had 148 rushing yards, while Spring-Ford managed just 68.
- Spring-Ford had an edge in passing yards (182 vs 132), but Downingtown West had a more balanced attack with a total of 280 yards compared to Spring-Ford’s 250.
- Neither team threw an interception, but Spring-Ford lost 2 fumbles.
- Downingtown West had more penalties (6 for 37 yards vs 2 for 10 yards).
Individual Performances:
- Downingtown West:
- McComsey led with 13 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown catch.
- Bricker threw for 132 yards, completing 9 of 15 passes, with 2 TDs.
- Smith had 2 catches for 37 yards and a touchdown.
- Spring-Ford:
- Marsilio was the standout, catching 5 passes for 106 yards and 2 TDs.
- Zollers threw for 182 yards, completing 16 of 29 passes, with 2 TDs.
