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 (9-4), who were able to move the ball in the early going against the stout Coatesville defense. East grabbed an early 3-0 lead on a 32-yard Drew Brennan field goal, but Coatesville roared back on Jalen Hudson’s 44-yard run up the right sideline.
The gritty Cougars fought right back, though, when Cary Angeline caught a 66-yard TD pass from Andrew Hudson, setting up a two-yard run by Keith Connor, to make it 10-7, East. But after a sack and fumble set up the Raiders on the Cougars’ 35, Coatesville took the lead for good when Jordan Young hit Keenan Coleman for a scoring pass, to make it 13-10, after the extra point attempt was blocked.
Downingtown East closed to within 13-12 when Jalen Hudson was tackled in the end zone after losing a pitch from Young, for a safety.
The tense contest would stay a tight 13-12 affair until the final quarter when Coatesville exploded for three scores to seal the contest.
Young scored from 15 out on a keeper, then Jalen Hudson scored on a 33-yard run and Ahkeema Evans returned an interception, off Saunders Healey, who came in for Andrew Hudson, for the final score.
