Before tonight, the Downingtown West Whippets had been unable to beat Coatesville since the 2015 season, and they have been unable to win a District 1 title in football since the state championship team of 1996. Both droughts were put to a convincing end this year, as the Whippets defeated the Red Raiders 48-36.
The Whippets jumped out on Coatesville from the start, forcing the Red Raiders to a three and out to start the game. It took the Whippets seven plays to take a 7-0 lead, when Will Mahmoud scored from two yards out. Mahmoud struck again almost immediately, returning a Ricky Ortega fumble 42 yards to paydirt making it 14-0. The Red Raiders were forced to punt later. They were in a 21-0 hole following a one-yard run from Will Howard. Coatesville got on the scoreboard late in the first, on a 24-yard run by Ricky Ortega.
The teams traded touchdowns in the second frame, when Alex Rosano put the Whippets up 27-7. Right before halftime, Ortega hit Abdul-Sabur Stewart on an 80-yard pass, for the 27-14 halftime score.The touchdown pass put Ortega over 10,000 yards for his high school career.
Coatesville was able to cut the lead to 27-21 after halftime and eventually 34-28 with big plays in the passing game. Touchdown passes to Dapree Bryant (70 & 59 yards, his only two catches) sandwiched a six-yard run by Tyriq Lewis.
The Whippets scored twice in the final frame, Will Howard threw his first touchdown pass ever against Coatesville to Lewis (37 yards), and Lewis scored from two yards out to make it 48-28. A 40-yard pass to Artie Burgess made it 48-36.
Although Ortega threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns on the night, that number is very deceptive. Most of the yards, 289, were on five completions. Ortega and the Coatesville offense looked out of sync all night.
After the game, Matt Ortega lamented on their season. “It was the best three year run at Coatesville. We battled adversity in injuries. They fought, never quit, but they were better tonight.”
Whippets players Alex Rosano and Will Howard stated, “It was our turn. It was gratifying to finally beat them for a district title.” Howard added that line defense made big stands, receivers made crazy plays.
Observations from the press box: Ortega was 13-31 passing and had some uncharacteristic turnovers. He was outshined by Will Howard (19-28, 302 yards). Tyriq Lewis had 176 offensive yards (60 rushing, 116 receiving) and three scores. Alex Rosano had nine catches (115 yards).
