Cougars dismiss visitors

Due to the increase in classifications in the PIAA, the opening weekend of Pennsylvania High School football is this weekend, compared to Labor Day weekend in past years.

That being said, there is a third Lauletta at quarterback for Downingtown East. Bryce Lauletta had a solid outing in his first high school start- throwing for 186 yards and three touchdowns, in a 23-6 win over Delaware Valley HS.

Downingtown East laid claim to a early 7-0 lead when Bryce Lauletta hit Ethan Harris on a five-yard fade pattern to cap off a five-play 59 yard drive, the key play being a 43 yard pass to Noah Hahn.

The teams exchanged punts, and defensive stands for most of the first quarter into the second. Delaware Valley got stuffed on a third and fourth and goal at the Downingtown East one-yard line, then stiffened when East moved the ball inside their 35.

The Warriors’ inability to score inside the ten-yard line proved to be crucial, as an interception by Brassir Stocker was turned into a nine-play, 90 yard drive; capped off by a second of three Lauletta to Harris touchdowns, this time from 41 yards.

Not far after, Downingtown East made it 21-0, on the final Lauletta to Harris score on a crossing pattern. Downingtown East’s final score came on a safety, when a snap went through the punter’s hands for a 23-0 lead.

The second half was a glorified scrimmage, but Delaware Valley was able to avert the shutout when Matt Cavallaro score from four yards out.

Some observations I had from tonight’s game, Delaware Valley was able to hit some big plays with screen passes to counter Downingtown East’s aggressive defense. Three screens went for over 30 yards, two more went over 20.

Downingtown East coach Mike Matta stated after the game that “Bryce played well. It was what we expected. He had a good game. Our defense capitalized on mistakes, and special teams were solid.”