Hornets Stung By Cougars

Week 6 brought another Ches-Mont crossover game for Downingtown East, after last week’s 42-0 thrashing of Kennett.

Tonight, the crossover opponent was the Oxford Hornets.  They were tonight’s Homecoming victim for the Cougars, and the Hornets were stung by the same 42-0 score as Kennett.  The Cougars improved to 6-0, and Oxford is now 1-5.

This week was more of the same for the Cougars using the simple philosophy of running the ball and playing defense.  Downingtown East’s defense held their fifth opposing offense scoreless in six weeks. Only State College had any sustained success offensively on the Cougars, and Delaware Valley’s only score came on a kickoff return.  Meanwhile, the Cougars dominated Oxford for over 294 yards on the ground and 412 total.

Downingtown East stung Oxford for a 14-0 first-quarter lead following two short Oxford punts of 20 and 18 yards. The second one set up a short field for Downingtown East. Ayden Harris scored from three yards out to cap off a seven-play, 57-yard drive. Then JJ Helverson hit Jackson Noble for a 24-yard touchdown pass.

The Cougars added 21 points in the second quarter to ensure the mercy rule for the entire second half. Helverson hit Alex Rios for a 20-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-0. Then Owen Lammy scored from eight yards out to make it 28-0. The final nail in Oxford’s coffin in the first half occurred when the Cougar offense capitalized on a short field due to a fumble. Ayden Harris scored from seven yards out.

In the second half, the Cougar backups tacked on the final touchdown on the night. Lalit More scored on a three-yard run.

While forcing two turnovers, Downingtown East’s defense held the Hornets’ spread offense to nine first downs, 11-21 passing for 97 yards and 24 yards rushing on the night.

Ayden Harris ran for 153 yards and two touchdowns for Downingtown East.  JJ Helverson threw for 105 yards.

After the game, Mike Matta stated, “There were a lot of good things to build upon. They gave us the business last year, and we wanted to send them a message.”