In a thrilling contest that came down to the final moments, Pottsgrove narrowly defeated West Chester East 13-12 on Friday night. The game, held at Pottsgrove’s home field, was a defensive battle that saw both teams struggle to convert opportunities into points, but Pottsgrove’s critical plays proved decisive.
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Game Overview
Pottsgrove took an early lead in the second quarter when running back Dargan punched in a 2-yard touchdown run. However, the extra point attempt was blocked, leaving the score at 6-0. The score remained unchanged until the third quarter, when Pottsgrove’s defensive standout, Grinnage, made a pivotal play. He intercepted a pass and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown, with Gondos successfully adding the extra point to push Pottsgrove’s lead to 13-0.
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West Chester East’s Late Surge
West Chester East mounted a fierce comeback attempt in the fourth quarter. Kulp led the charge with a 1-yard touchdown run at eight minutes, 53 seconds left, though the extra point attempt was blocked. The Vikings halted the following drive and then orchestrated their most successful series of the night, covering 75 yards in seven plays. Nate DeRosa finished it off with a seven-yard touchdown run.Â
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East coach Scott Stephen initially signaled to go for the win with two fingers, but after Pottsgrove called a timeout, the kicking team took the field. Dante Bibbs Jr. blocked the kick, and the Falcons drained the final 2 minutes and 25 seconds off the clock.
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Despite a strong effort, West Chester East was unable to score again, and Pottsgrove held on for the victory. The Rams’ late surge was not enough to overcome Pottsgrove’s initial advantage.
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Statistical Breakdown
Pottsgrove outpaced West Chester East in several key statistical categories. The Falcons accumulated 274 total yards, with 143 rushing yards and 131 passing yards. Pottsgrove’s Dargan led the rushing attack with 101 yards on 18 carries, while Hawthorne added 80 yards through the air, connecting on 6 of 10 passes. Dargan also contributed as a passer, completing a 51-yard pass.
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West Chester East, on the other hand, struggled with rushing efficiency, managing only 18 yards on the ground. However, DeRosa excelled in the passing game, completing 11 of 17 passes for 174 yards. Szollose was a standout receiver with 10 catches for 157 yards.
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Defensive Highlights and Key Moments
Pottsgrove’s defense played a crucial role, with Grinnage’s interception return proving to be a game-changer. Despite a few struggles of their own, Pottsgrove’s defense managed to stifle West Chester East’s offense when it mattered most. West Chester East had difficulty capitalizing on their opportunities, including a missed extra point attempt on both of their touchdowns.
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Team Statistics
- Pottsgrove: 13 first downs, 143 rushing yards, 131 passing yards, 274 total yards, 7-11 passing, 2 fumbles lost, 3 punts for an average of 33 yards, 6 penalties for 60 yards.

- West Chester East: 5 first downs, 18 rushing yards, 174 passing yards, 192 total yards, 11-17 passing, 2 fumbles lost, 2 punts for an average of 44 yards, 2 penalties for 15 yards.

Looking Ahead
Pottsgrove’s narrow win improves their record to 3-1 for the season, showcasing their resilience and defensive strength. West Chester East falls to 2-2 but demonstrated their ability to mount a late comeback. Both teams will look to build on this game as they prepare for their upcoming matches.
A big thank you to @GoodSpotPhotography for capturing all the action from the game!
