In our opening week of high school football, Downingtown East played about as complete a game as a team could play against Pennridge.
The Cougars shut down and shut out the Rams by a score of 43-0. It could have been much worse than the score indicated.
Downingtown East scored 17 first-quarter points and had a short field each time. The Cougars scored on a ten-yard drive, capped by a Mason Ippolito quarterback sneak. The 7-0 lead became 14-0 on a 15-yard run by Ayden Harris (younger son of former NFL running back Arlen Harris). Ryan Hornak made a 24-yard field goal for the 17-0 lead.
Things went from bad to worse for the Rams in the second quarter. Owen Lammy scored on a short run, then Ayden Harris scored two more touchdowns to put the Cougars up 37-0 at the half.
Downingtown East’s backups added a score in the fourth quarter when John Morrin scored from seven yards out.
Offensively, Downingtown East ran for 374 yards and had 417 total. Ayden Harris ran for 163 and three scores.
What was most impressive was the complete desecration of Pennridge’s offense by Downingtown East’s defense. The Rams managed a total of ten total yards (17 passing), one first down, and didn’t cross midfield. The one first down didn’t come until four minutes left in the game.
Mike Matta stated this game was won in January, “Our lines paid their dues, and were unbelievable.”
Ayden Harris admitted he has big shoes to fill, with his dad and uncle playing here. “It feels amazing, with the community behind us.”
| Final | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | T |
| Pennridge | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Downingtown East | 17 | 20 | 0 | 6 | 43 |
