The Whippets unleashed a powerful performance, overpowering Avon Grove 40-19 in a thrilling Ches-Mont League crossover clash. With a mix of explosive plays and a dominating second half, Downingtown West proved they’re a force to be reckoned with this season.
Stellar Performances
With key running backs sidelined by injuries, including standout Spencer Dunn, junior Jacob Barry rose to the occasion, racking up 69 yards on 16 carries and finding the end zone twice. His impressive performance was a crucial factor in the Whippets’ success.
Game Highlights
The action kicked off with Avon Grove (2-3) making a modest start, gaining a first down before punting. On their next possession, disaster struck for West as Cole Bricker was sacked by linebacker Jack Reilly, who knocked the ball loose. The Red Devils recovered on the West 32-yard line and quickly capitalized. A series of sharp pass plays set up a touchdown as QB Frank Hoogerwerff delivered a perfectly timed screen pass to the wide-open Jose Sabastro. Despite the blocked extra point, Avon Grove shocked everyone with a 6-0 lead.
But the Whippets responded in style. They orchestrated a stunning drive that showcased their ground game, methodically advancing 74 yards over 16 plays and consuming nearly the entire first quarter. A crucial pass interference call on a 4th-and-17 kept the drive alive, and Barry plunged in from three yards out for his first touchdown, tying the game at 6-6 after another blocked extra point.
Avon Grove momentarily regained momentum, fueled by a 35-yard kickoff return from Sebastian Binstead. They marched downfield and, on the next play, Hoogerwerff found tight end Dylan Laganelli for a 12-yard touchdown, putting the Red Devils back in front.
However, the see-saw battle tipped in West’s favor when Smith broke free on a dazzling 61-yard run, sprinting down the left sideline to score. Avon Grove was poised for another drive that reached the West 4-yard line, but in a game-changing moment, Hoogerwerff’s pass was intercepted by Jackson Kobus, who dashed 98 yards for a touchdown—setting a stadium record and giving West a 20-13 lead at halftime.
Dominating the Second Half
The Whippets didn’t let up in the second half. They pounded the ball against a weary Avon Grove defense, extending their lead to 27-13 with a three-yard touchdown run from Tommy Miller. Barry then capped off his night with another score, this time from 9 yards out early in the fourth quarter.
Though Avon Grove managed a glimmer of hope with a 74-yard touchdown pass from Hoogerwerff to Binstead, it wasn’t enough to stop West’s momentum. Mike Taraschi sealed the victory with a 22-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes left on the clock.
In a stunning display of strength, the Whippets outgained the Red Devils 222-76 in the second half, with nearly all of those yards coming on the ground.
Looking Ahead
Coach Kline praised his offensive line’s performance, highlighting Drew O’Connor’s leadership: “They’re doing a great job for us. If we need to, we run right behind him, and he is just doing an awesome job for us.”
Next week, the Whippets (5-0) will face off against West Chester Rustin in a highly anticipated matchup of unbeaten teams—setting the stage for what promises to be another electrifying game!
