The District 1 4A playoffs brought a rematch from week three, between the Downingtown East Cougars and North Penn Knights. The playoff matchup was completely different from the regular season matchup, as the ninth seeded Knights eliminated the top seed 27-14.
The game was not as close as the 27-14 indicated. North Penn moved the ball like a bull in a china shop, to the tune of 511 yards of offense.
Tonight’s game started as eerily as the week three matchup, as North Penn was able to gash Downingtown East early to establish a two score lead. Knights’ fullback Nick Isabella scored on a 44 yard run, and a 27 yard pass from Reece Udinski to Owen Thomas provided the 13-0 lead.
Downingtown East’s inability to move the ball, combined with a rare 16 yard punt by Drew Brennan, gave North Penn a short field to cash in to points, when Nyfease West scored from five yards out.
Downingtown East’s lone first half score, a 61 yard pass from Saunders Healy to Jeremy Jennings, was neutralized by a nine-yard pass from Udinski to Justin Ostopowicz, making the halftime score 27-7 in North Penn’s favor.
Jack Kincade scored the lone second half touchdown on an eight yard run.
After the game, North Penn tailback Nyfease West said, “Our line blocked great tonight. They were just huge. We felt we had to patch up mistakes from week three, and get them back.” Coach Dick Beck echoed West’s sentiments, “We made fewer mistakes. Reece had his best game tonight.”
Statistically- Reece Udinski threw for 230 yards and two scores, Nyfease West rushed for 242 yards, and Ricky Johns had 167 yards on seven catches to lead North Penn. Downingtown East was lead by Saunders Healy’s 201 yards passing & Cary Angeline’s 103 yards.
North Penn (10-2) hosts Neshaminy (9-3) in one semifinal game. Downingtown East’s season ends at 11-1.
