In many ways, 2020 has been a strange year. The 2020 version of the “Celebration of Downingtown Football” would be no different. In most years this passionate rivalry has massive playoff implications. This year is the first time in over 15 years that neither Downingtown school participated in the district playoffs.
In what was a great defensive game, the Cougars from Downingtown East won the Celebration of Downingtown Football over the Downingtown West Whippets for the first time since 2017, by a 21-7 score.
The defenses dominated the first half as Evan Wickersham had a 16-yard pass to Julian Williams for the half’s only score. This created a 7-0 lead for the Whippets. The Cougars were able to move the ball, but three turnovers (a lost fumble, and two interceptions) and a turnover on downs put a screeching halt to their early drives.
The second half, especially the third quarter, was a completely different story. Downingtown East wore out the Whippets, putting up 21 points out of halftime. A one-yard run by Josh Asante tied the game at seven, then a five-yard pass from Jenkins to Asante on fourth and four put the Cougars up for good. Stanley Bryant capped off the scoring from nine yards out.
Offensively, the story tonight was how effectively Stanley Bryant and Josh Asante ran behind Downingtown East’s massive line. The two of them ran for 300 yards on 54 carries. Asante had 151 yards on 28 carries, and Bryant had 149 yards on 26 carries.
Both quarterbacks struggled, as neither completed half their passes. Jamy Jenkins threw for 67 yards and two interceptions on 6-14 passing. Evan Wickersham was an uncharacteristic 10-25 passing for 102 yards.
After the game, West coach Mike Milano said, “They got after us and wore us out in the second half. We made too many mistakes.” His counterpart Mike Matta said, “We were the best version of ourselves tonight. Special teams were on point. We wore them out. This is just what we do. They are a fast-paced team, 16 (Julian Williams) is a heck of a player.”
