Downingtown East’s second half overpowers Unionville, 45-21

Downingtown East’s Nicolas Hesel closes in on Unionville’s Alex Gorgone as he loses the handle on a first-quarter fumble. By Al Tustin, Staff Writer, The Times DOWNINGTOWN — For a half, it was truly epic, but the second half proved that depth and school size matters in high school football. Undefeated Unionville was giving undefeated Downingtown East all it could handle for two quarters...

Coatesville, Ortega overpower Rustin, 49-0

By Chris Sheehan, Correspondent, The Times West Chester Rustin could not cope with Coatesville’s speed and power, Friday night. CALN — On paper, it should have been an interesting matchup: one of the top Ches Mont National Division teams, Coatesville, versus one of the top Ches Mont American Division teams, West Chester Rustin. But the gap between the two divisions showed clearly this past...

Shanahan opens season with powerful win over W. Philly, 48-6

By Chris Sheehan, Correspondent, The Times The Bishop Shanahan defense closes in on a West Philadelphia runner — the Eagles were able to shut down the Speedboys for almost the entire game. DOWNINGTOWN — With the end of summer near, a few things are certain:  school is starting soon, the night air feels crisp, and high school football is back under the lights.  That was the scene this past...

Unionville shuts down Oxford, 14-0

Win sets up showdown for 1st place with Great Valley Unionville’s James Watson closes in on Oxford quarterback Chandler England. Jim Gill photo. By Al Tustin, Staff Writer, The Times OXFORD — You could almost hear the echoes of the legendary John Fascenda carried on the the driving wind and drizzle. Two teams engaged in a hard-hitting defensive struggle, covered in mud, soaked to the skin —...

Coatesville’s late flurry dooms D-Town East, 31-12

Red Raiders advance to District One AAAA final next week versus Pennsbury CALN — Matching a stifling defense with its usual explosive offense, Coatesville turned a nailbiter at halftime into an 31-12 win over rival Downingtown East, to advance to next week’s AAAA District One final against Pennsbury. The Red Raiders (13-0) were matched almost play for play in the first half by the Cougars...

Football Preview: Shanahan looks for playoff return

Veteran-laden team looks to build on strong 2013 By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times DOWNINGTOWN — After years of dormancy, Bishop Shanahan’s football program was rescued from suspended animation and brought back to life a few years ago. Now, the program not only has come to life, it is well on its way to establishing itself as one of the school’s top athletic programs. Last year, Shanahan...

Coatesville routs MLK, 45-19

CALN — And the beat goes on. Coatesville pounded visiting Martin Luther King, 45-19, in the season opener for both teams, Friday night. The Red Raiders served notice early — as James Clark raced 57 yards with the opening kickoff, setting up a short drive capped by Jordan Young’s TD run. Three plays later, Amir Ealey recovered a fumble and scored. Coatesville never looked back. Young would...

Downingtown West overpowers Haverford, 31-2

Quarterback Tyler McNulty threw for a pair of touchdowns as Downingtown East raced out to a 28-0 halftime lead over Haverford — points all scored in the second quarter —as the Whippets sent notice they will again be one of the top teams in the county and possibly southeastern Pennsylvania. Downingtown East (1-0) completely dominated the Ford (0-1), as McNulty was nearly unstoppable throwing the...

Valor Bowl 2014 seeking sponsors

EAST MARLBOROUGH — The 2014 edition of the Valor Bowl, which pits Chester County’s top high school senior football players in a charity game, is seeking local businesses to sponsor the event. The game will be played May 29 at Unionville High School. Over the last 16 years, the Valor Bowl, in addition to honoring some of the top football players in the area, has raised more than $450,000 for...