Downingtown West (5-0) at WC Rustin (5-0)
This week’s matchup between Downingtown West and WC Rustin is shaping up to be a thrilling battle between two undefeated teams. Both sides have displayed dominant performances throughout the season, making this the game of the week. Rustin is riding high, having outscored its last two opponents 94-10, and their offense has been particularly hard to stop. On the other side, Downingtown West’s defense has been equally stingy, holding Avon Grove to minus 3 rushing yards in their last game.
Rustin’s offense is powered by a punishing ground game that racked up 320 yards in a 38-3 victory last week, led by Loper with 102 rushing yards and Chase Hatton contributing 67 more. The Golden Knights only punted once in that game, highlighting their ability to control possession. Defensively, they allowed just a field goal, showcasing their capability to shut down opponents.
Downingtown West counters with a potent rushing attack of their own. Last week, they piled up 341 rushing yards, including standout performances from Darian Smith, who gained 104 yards on just six carries, and Jackson Kobus, who set a stadium record with a 98-yard interception return. The Whippets’ quarterback, Cole Bricker, has been efficient and mistake-free, not throwing a single interception this season.
The key to this game will be in the trenches, as both teams rely heavily on their ability to control the line of scrimmage. This game is likely to be a physical battle!
Bishop Shanahan (4-1) travels to Henderson (2-3) for Homecoming
Ground Game Dominance
Bishop Shanahan enters after a 35-25 win over Unionville, powered by 250 rushing yards. Quarterback Aquila had 194 total yards, and running back Julian Haylock was a bruising force. While Shanahan’s offense shined, it was a clutch defensive play by Sam Conte that sealed the victory. His standout effort epitomized the Eagles’ ability to step up in key moments. Shanahan’s strong rushing attack will aim to exploit Henderson’s defense, which has given up 42 points in two games this season.
Homecoming Pressure for the Warriors
WC Henderson will be looking for redemption on their homecoming night after a 42-7 loss to an undefeated Upper Moreland. Brady Collins flashed big-play potential with a 52-yard touchdown, while quarterback Jackson Lewis showed promise, though the offense struggled to score. The Warriors will need a stronger defensive effort and better execution on offense to stay competitive in front of a fired-up home crowd.
Shanahan’s ground game is poised to control the tempo. Henderson will need defensive improvement and offensive consistency to keep pace.
Coatesville (3-2) takes on visiting Avon Grove (2-3) for Homecoming Game
Coatesville’s Momentum Building
The Red Raiders (3-2) are coming off their best performance of the season, a dominant 42-7 victory over West Chester East. Coatesville has been hot-and-cold this season, with three blowout wins offset by tough losses to Garnet Valley and Perkiomen Valley. Last week, however, they put it all together. Quarterback Matt Ortega Jr. threw for 172 yards, completing 17 of 20 passes with no interceptions on the season. Nasir Jordan chipped in with 44 rushing yards on six carries, including a 29-yard touchdown that triggered the mercy rule in the third quarter. With a strong run game and a team effort on both sides of the ball, Coatesville will look to build on that momentum.
Avon Grove Seeking Consistency
Avon Grove (2-3) showed flashes of competitiveness in their 40-19 loss to Downingtown West, particularly in the first half, but they were outgained 222-76 in the second half. Their defense will need to tighten up, especially against a Coatesville offense that’s finding its rhythm. Avon Grove’s challenge will be containing Coatesville’s balanced attack, led by Ortega and Jordan, as they aim to bounce back.
Homecoming Advantage
Coatesville will have the added boost of homecoming energy, and they’ll be looking to give their fans plenty to cheer about. With a strong run game and momentum on their side, the Red Raiders are in prime position to take control of the game.
Great Valley (1-4) at Academy Park (2-3)
Great Valley’s Resilience Tested:
Despite a 31-6 loss to Downingtown East last week, Great Valley showed plenty of fight. Wide receiver AJ Diamond was a standout, hauling in six passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Ty Callahan, filling in for the injured Johnny Campbell, had a solid game, completing 16 of 29 passes for 185 yards, including a connection with Diamond for the team’s lone score. Callahan has stepped up in Campbell’s absence, but the Patriots will need to be sharper to contend with Academy Park’s speed on both sides of the ball.
Academy Park’s Speed a Challenge
Facing a faster Academy Park team, the Patriots will have their hands full. Head coach Jeff Martin praised his team’s effort last week, emphasizing their character in the face of adversity: “This year has not gone well as far as wins or losses, but these kids have great character. Tonight I could not be more proud of them. We just need to clean up some things and become more consistent.”
For Great Valley to succeed, they’ll need to minimize mistakes and find ways to keep pace with Academy Park’s speed. Cleaning up their execution and finding offensive consistency will be crucial as they aim to turn things around.
Downingtown East (3-2) celebrates Senior Night against WC East (2-3)
Downingtown East Gaining Momentum
The Cougars (3-2) are riding a three-game winning streak, most recently overpowering Great Valley 31-6. Their ground game, led by Alex Rios’ 212-yard performance, has been key to their success. However, Downingtown East’s offense sputtered twice in the red zone last week, something they’ll need to fix against a WC East team looking to rebound.
Vikings Looking to Bounce Back
WC East (2-3) is coming off a tough 42-7 loss to Coatesville, and they’ll need to clean up their defense to stay competitive. Fenton Kulp had a solid performance, but more will be needed from both sides of the ball to challenge the surging Cougars.
Key Matchup
The Downingtown East defense, led by Jack Griffiths and Logan Litwinko, will look to dominate up front, making life difficult for the Vikings’ offense. WC East must find ways to slow down the Cougars’ rushing attack and step up defensively to avoid falling into an early hole.
Sun Valley (2-3) honors our Military Tonight against Kennett (1-3)
Honoring the Military at Sun Valley
Tonight, Sun Valley will honor service members with their Military Appreciation Night, adding extra emotion and energy to the atmosphere as the Vanguards (2-3) take on Kennett (1-3).
Kennett Looking for Offensive Spark:
The Blue Demons have struggled to score this season, and their offense managed only 144 total yards in a 38-3 loss to undefeated Rustin last week. Kicker Shay Barker was a bright spot, nailing a 41-yard field goal that earned him top performer recognition from Eastern PA Football. Running back Ian Guyer, returning from injury, will be key to getting Kennett’s ground game on track after being held to just 25 yards last week. Kennett needs to find offensive consistency, with Guyer’s return offering hope for the run game.
Sun Valley’s Defensive Leadership:
Sun Valley, led by linebacker Ben Romanoski, will look to stifle Kennett’s offensive threats. Romanoski had six solo tackles and two for loss last week, and his leadership has been vital. After last week’s loss, Romanoski emphasized the team’s belief in their potential, stating, “We have the talent on both ends to compete with anyone… We are our brothers’ keepers.” The Vanguards will lean on that camaraderie and determination as they aim to rebound in front of their home crowd.
Unionville (3-2) travels to Oxford (3-2) for Homecoming Night
Exciting Homecoming for Oxford
It’s homecoming night at Oxford, and the Hornets (3-2) are looking to celebrate in style against Unionville (3-2). Both teams are playing solid football, making this matchup particularly intriguing. Oxford is riding a two-game winning streak, while the Longhorns are eager to bounce back after a 35-25 loss to Bishop Shanahan last week.
Longhorns Looking for Offensive Firepower
Unionville’s offense, led by junior quarterback Tommy McGinnis, has shown promise, especially after he connected with Drew Puleo for a 35-yard touchdown that tied the game against Shanahan. Fullback Owen Simcox also had a notable performance, breaking free for a 62-yard touchdown run. With 281 total yards of offense last week, the Longhorns will look to regain their momentum and effectively move the ball against Oxford.
Hornets’ Strong Ground Game
Oxford’s offense is powered by quarterback Aidan Kane and an imposing ground attack. The offensive line has been opening up significant holes, allowing the Hornets to assert themselves in the second half of games. Kane, along with standout performances from Nate Winters and Joel McClain, has the Hornets firing on all cylinders. Winters, who contributed a touchdown and two interceptions last week, emphasized the importance of the offensive line, stating, “They do the dirty work and kept our QB clean all night.” As the Hornets prepare for homecoming, they’ll aim to maintain that same mentality.
Key to Victory:
Both teams will rely on their respective strengths: Unionville’s ability to generate explosive plays and Oxford’s powerful ground game. The homecoming atmosphere at Oxford could provide the Hornets with an extra edge as they look to keep their winning streak alive against a determined Unionville squad.
