(Downingtown) Through the first seven weeks of the season, there was only one loss between Bishop Shanahan and Downingtown West. As the season speeds up to its end, each game becomes even more magnified heading into the post season playoffs. These Ches-Mont foes played under a Thursday night spotlight in a key clash to determine league supremacy and district seeding. A back-and-forth battle came down to a gut check fourth quarter marathon drive and propelled Bishop Shanahan (7-1) to a 28-22 win over Downingtown West Thursday night.
Bishop Shanahan Junior QB Anthony Aquila grabbed a hold of this game in the second half and would not let his team lose. His two second half rushing scores made the difference. Aquila also had a TD pass on a nice catch and run to Nate Bracken in the first half.
Bishop Shanahan Head Coach Paul Meyers said his underclass laden squad is led by his seniors. “It’s our seniors that have pulled these young guys in,” said Meyers. “There’s only about five or six of them, but they bring the young guys in. Those seniors are the guys that keep the backbone here.”
Downingtown West got on the board first when a botched punt snap in the end zone led to a safety.
Opening @Bishop_Shanahan possession, a punt snap fumbled in the end zone for a safety for @FootballDwest 2-0 9:55 quarter 1 @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports @HSFBamerica @BNB_Media_ @CaryMoyer pic.twitter.com/c9n8dlxlO2
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 10, 2024
The turning point of the game was on the next Whippet possession. A long drive resulted in a turnover on downs inside the ten. Bishop Shanahan then drove the length of the field to take a 7-2 lead.
HUGE goal line turnover on downs for @Bishop_Shanahan ! @FootballDwest still up 2-0 4:51 quarter 1 @BadgleyBruce @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica @PremiunSports pic.twitter.com/tFlj2IVwvF
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 10, 2024
@Bishop_Shanahan Touchdown! Julian Haylock bulls it across on a 14 yard run. Eagles up 7-2 over @FootballDwest 9:04 until halftime @DWHSAthletics @BadgleyBruce @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica @PremiunSports pic.twitter.com/FcLrJmyRWu
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 10, 2024
Downingtown West came right back to lead at halftime. QB Cole Bricker to JD Weller to make it 8-7 at the break.
@FootballDwest comes right back! 23 yards from QB Cole Bricker to JD Weller. XP is no good so @DWHSAthletics up 8-7 over @Bishop_Shanahan 4:33 until halftime @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports pic.twitter.com/sOgw121imm
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 10, 2024
In their first possession of the second half, the Eagles took back the lead. Aquila to Bracken and it was 14-8 midway through quarter three.
It’s a 70 yard pitch and catch for @Bishop_Shanahan from QB Anthony Aquila to Nate Bracken! 14-8 now over @FootballDwest 6:39 quarter 3 @BadgleyBruce @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica @PremiunSports pic.twitter.com/MAzlf9ZXx8
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 11, 2024
It only took four plays for West’s QB Bricker to put the Whippets back on top.
It’s a 70 yard pitch and catch for @Bishop_Shanahan from QB Anthony Aquila to Nate Bracken! 14-8 now over @FootballDwest 6:39 quarter 3 @BadgleyBruce @CaryMoyer @HSFBamerica @PremiunSports pic.twitter.com/MAzlf9ZXx8
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 11, 2024
A wild fourth quarter got started with QB Aquila leading the Shanahan charge back into the lead to open the quarter.
@bishop_shanahan back on top! Anthony Aquila dives across! 2 pointer is no good. 20-15 now over @FootballDwest 11:32 quarter 4 @BadgleyBruce @HSFBamerica @CaryMoyer @PremiunSports @DWHSAthletics pic.twitter.com/Naagbr9bKO
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 11, 2024
Once again, a quick answer for Downingtown West to retake the lead.
A 6 play quick answer by @FootballDwest That’s Mike Taraschi with the finish! 22-20 over @Bishop_Shanahan 9:18 remaining @CaryMoyer @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports @HSFBamerica pic.twitter.com/VEhz2et6T6
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 11, 2024
Then came the drive for the ages that won this one for the Eagles, a 20 play, nine-minute drive and Anthony Aquila with the finish. A classic win for Bishop Shanahan.
A 20 play, 9 minute marathon drive that included 3 4th down conversions has QB Anthony Aquila getting in for @Bishop_Shanahan and a 28-22 lead over @FootballDwest :17 left. And that is your FINAL OH MY! @HSFBamerica @CaryMoyer @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports pic.twitter.com/X7PGI5zIe4
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 11, 2024
It does not get any easier for the Eagles. Shanahan will face Downingtown East next Friday. The Whippets host Coatesville.
