Three area teams still in playoff hunt
The District 1 football playoffs swing into the second round with three area teams still alive in their quest for a title. In a regular season contest, Malvern Prep goes for an outright Inter-Academic League title when they host Springside Chestnut Hill. Here is a look at all the local action. 6A
Owen J.Roberts (9-2) at Downingtown West (10-1), 7 p.m. Downingtown West defeated Coatesville, 28-21, in the opening round while the Wildcats downed Neshaminy, 38-24. The Wildcats' two losses have come against Perkiomen Valley, who West defeated, and 24-0 defeat to Phoenixville. Owen J. has scored over 40 points four times this season. The defense allows 14.5 points per game. They had six interceptions against Neshaminy, converting four of them into touchdowns. Mekhi Graham ran for 81 yards and two touchdowns.
The Whippets should be able to run the football with Spencer Dunn, Darian Smith and Mike Taraschi leading the rushing brigade. Quarterback Cole Bricker threw for 146 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Coatesville. The Whippets will have the advantage up front. Pick: Downingtown West
Downingtown East (6-4) at Central Bucks West (10-2), 7 p.m. Downingtown East rallied from a 10-point deficit to down Perkiomen Valley, 17-10, in the first round. The Cougars received a big game from quarterback Mason Ippolito, who completed nine of 15 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. The Bucks like to play pressure defense and allow just a little over 10 points per game. The Bucks feature one of the best players in District 1 in running back/ linebacker, Ryan Clemens. In their 17-0 victory over Pennsbury, Clemens rushed for 101 yards, kicked a 23-yard field goal and played tough defense at his linebacker position.
The Bucks held Pennsbury to just 19 yards rushing. In the one common opponent the two teams have, the Cougars dropped a 27-24 decision to North Penn in a week zero matchup, while the Bucks edged the Knights, 17-14 in week seven. Pick: Downingtown East 5A
Chester (10-1) at WC Rustin (10-1), 7 p.m. This is a rematch of the 5A semifinal last season where Chester ended the Golden Knights' season. Chester has scored over 40 points eight times this season, including last week in a 48-14 thrashing of Upper Moreland. Both teams are very adept at running the ball, Chester is averaging over 220 yards on the ground. Junior dual-threat quarterback Jalen Harris is going to be a problem for the Rustin defense along with running back Dayshon Jackson, who needs 16 yards to become the school's all-time leading ground gainer. The Clippers' only loss was to 6A power Imhotep Charter, 28-24, in overtime.
The Golden Knights are going to have to control the football with Chase Hatton, who has over 1,100 yards on the year, and Ryan Loper leading the way. In last week's 42-7 win over Oxford, quarterback David McClain passed for 98 yards and completed four of his five passes.
Pick: WC Rustin
Regular season
