Stifling defense keys win, league title for Whippets
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
DOWNINGTOWN – In football, success means not just doing a few things well but being able to change the game plan and find yards even when the initial plan does not work.
Coatesville could not adjust to Downingtown West’s stifling defense or option running game, losing 24-7 in Friday night’s game at Downingtown for the ChesMont National Championship.
With starting sophomore quarterback Jordan Young week-to-week with a sprained finger and senior running back Daquan Worley out for the season with a torn ACL, Coatesville struggled to find yardage all night.
Defense dominated early. Junior quarterback Sami Warren and senior running back Isaiah Flamer found some success, utilizing passes to the flats and middle runs to put together an 11-play drive near the end of the first quarter but ended up having to punt near midfield.
“They had a great game plan. We’ve never really been shut down like that before,” said senior tight end Tyler Burke.
Coatesville’s run defense kept the Whippets in check in the first half, but the home team took advantage of the aggressive front seven on a big second quarter play.
From a third-and-ten, a West screen pass set up downfield blocking. Sophomore running back followed those blocks to the endzone for a 51-yard touchdown to put the home team up 7-0.
With Coatesville unable to stretch the field, West loaded up the box to stop the visitors’ strong running game.
On the other hand, West’s ground game set up soft coverage for passes. Near the end of the second quarter, senior quarterback Nick Pagel worked passes all over the field, eventually finding senior wide receiver Derrick Boyer in the endzone for a 33-yard touchdown pass.
“They outplayed us, they outcoached us, they played with more passion, more intensity,” said Coatesville Head Coach Matt Ortega.
Down 14-0 at halftime, Downingtown looked like the better side, but Coatesville was still in striking distance.
Coatesville’s defense sat back in the second half, limiting West’s success on screens while the offense pounded the ball up the middle. Though the visitors had some more success, a big third quarter play kept the Whippets rolling.
Coatesville’s defense forced a punt near the end of the third quarter, but a fumble on the return was recovered by West and taken for a touchdown to make the score 21-0.
At the end of the third quarter, Coatesville looked to take momentum and mount the beginning of a comeback.
After West drove deep into Coatesville territory, a gang tackle by the defense forced a fumble. Junior linebacker Stephon Pawling picked up the ball and took it 97 yards for the touchdown.
“That was the goal from halftime, a defensive touchdown and an offensive touchdown, and we’re back in the game,” said Ortega.
Forcing a three-and-out on the second drive, the visitors set themselves up to complete the second part of the halftime plan.
But once again, West’s defense held. Stopping Coatesville on a fourth down midway through the final quarter, the home team got the ball back and ran the clock down. Though Coatesville kept West out of the endzone, a 33-yard field goal put the score at 24-7 with 3:25 left.
“We got down 21-0, and now we’re playing catch up. It was just a little too much for us,” said Ortega.
A three-and-out gave the ball back to the Whippets, allowing them to run out the clock for the 24-7 victory, marking Coatesville’s first and only defeat of the regular season. At 9-1, Coatesville finishes second in the ChesMont National division to Downingtown.
Coatesville will look recover from the loss in the district playoffs next week.
“We have to bounce back next week,” said Ortega. “We have a lot to play for. We have to defend out district championship, and we have to go out there and take it one game at a time.”
The two teams could meet for a playoff matchup in two weeks depending on the results of their first round games.
