24 DAILY NEWS – Week Three of the scholastic football season kicks off tonight with Downingtown East traveling to Boyertown for a Thursday night game, an adjustment made due to an officiating shortage. The inter-league matchups between the Ches-Mont League and the Pioneer Athletic Conference continue to highlight the week’s schedule. Here’s a comprehensive look at the upcoming games:
Thursday Night Football
Downingtown East vs. Boyertown
Downingtown East (2-1) visits Boyertown (2-1) at 7 p.m. The Cougars narrowly escaped a loss against Spring-Ford last week. This week presents a potentially easier challenge, with Downingtown East’s defense, anchored by lineman Abe Sesay, expected to pressure the Bears throughout the game. Juelz Chiron-Robinson is coming off a strong performance, rushing for 196 yards on 39 carries. Boyertown is coming off a 17-7 victory over Avon Grove.
Prediction: Downingtown East
Friday Night Lights
Avon Grove vs. Owen J. Roberts
Avon Grove (1-2) faces Owen J. Roberts (3-0) at 7 p.m. Owen J. Roberts defeated Great Valley 32-12, while the Red Devils struggled to score in a loss to Boyertown. This poses a difficult situation for Avon Grove, who have struggled to generate points this season.
Prediction: Owen J. Roberts
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Bishop Shanahan vs. Pope John Paul II
Bishop Shanahan (3-0) clashes with Pope John Paul II (3-0) at 7 p.m. Shanahan’s defense has been dominant, allowing only seven points across three games. Pope John Paul II, also undefeated, has secured all of their wins by a single point. The Eagles will need to contain the hosts’ multifaceted offense.
Prediction: Pope John Paul II
Perkiomen Valley vs. Coatesville
Perkiomen Valley (2-1) takes on Coatesville (3-0) at 7 p.m. Coatesville’s offense has been explosive, scoring 129 points in three games. Quarterback Matt Ortega, Jr., has thrown for 11 touchdown passes and boasts a diverse array of targets. Perk Valley, fresh off a 17-6 victory over Downingtown West, will test the Red Raiders’ defense. This matchup promises to be closely contested.
Prediction: Coatesville
Spring-Ford vs. Downingtown West
Spring-Ford (0-3) travels to Downingtown West (1-2) for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Downingtown West finally returns to Kottmeyer Stadium after a 1-2 start on the road. Spring-Ford, despite their winless record, possesses a capable passing game, with junior quarterback Kayden Pickersgill throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns against Downingtown East. The Whippets’ pass rush will look to apply pressure, while quarterback Cole Bricker is poised for a significant performance for West.
Kennett vs. Phoenixville
Kennett (3-0) visits Phoenixville (1-2) at 7 p.m. Kennett’s defense has been formidable thus far. The Phantoms are struggling, making a road victory for the Blue Demons likely.
Prediction: Kennett
Oxford vs. Pottstown
Oxford (3-0) faces Pottstown (0-3) at 7 p.m. Oxford’s defense has been stingy, allowing only 32 points. The Hornets limited Pottsgrove to just 91 yards of total offense in a 7-6 win. Liam Bell is expected to disrupt Pottstown’s offensive line, while running back Joel McClain should have a productive night for Oxford.
Prediction: Oxford
Great Valley vs. Methacton
Great Valley (1-2) battles Methacton (1-2) at 7 p.m. Great Valley has more offensive weapons than the Warriors. Sophomore running back Beau Kosmalski should capitalize against a defense that surrendered 298 rushing yards in a loss to Bishop Shanahan.
Prediction: Great Valley
Unionville vs. Upper Perkiomen
Unionville (2-1) takes on Upper Perkiomen (2-1) at 7 p.m. Unionville is playing well, with Brody McLaughlin rushing for 100 yards on 10 carries in a 50-6 rout of Pottstown. Upper Perkiomen has victories over Fleetwood and Sun Valley. Unionville is expected to effectively move the ball against their defense.
Prediction: Unionville
West Chester Henderson vs. Upper Merion
West Chester Henderson (3-0) visits Upper Merion (0-3) at 7 p.m. Henderson’s offense is currently firing on all cylinders, averaging 31 points per game. Quarterback Jaxon Cherup and his receiving corps are poised for another strong performance against the winless Vikings.
Prediction: West Chester Henderson
West Chester East vs. Pottsgrove
West Chester East (3-0) faces Pottsgrove (1-2) at 7 p.m. The Vikings are off to their best start since 2019. Chase Szollose is considered one of the area’s top players. Pottsgrove narrowly lost to Oxford, but are always a formidable opponent at home. The Vikings will need to contain Damien Docktor on the edge for the Falcons.
Prediction: Pottsgrove
West Chester Rustin vs. Norristown
West Chester Rustin (2-1) takes on Norristown (1-2) at 7 p.m. The Golden Knights are coming off a narrow loss to Pope John Paul II. Their defense allowed only 149 yards of total offense in the defeat. Norristown has improved but may not be enough to overcome Rustin.
Prediction: West Chester Rustin
Conestoga vs. Ridley
Conestoga (0-3) travels to Ridley (2-1) for a 7 p.m. game. Conestoga has struggled to score, tallying just 21 points in their three losses. They were shut out by Radnor last week. Ridley is among the top teams in the Central League this season, and their defense is expected to dominate the line of scrimmage.
Prediction: Ridley
Imhotep Charter vs. Malvern Prep
Imhotep Charter (1-2) faces Malvern Prep (1-1) at 7 p.m. Imhotep’s losses came against Harrisburg and DeMatha of Maryland. The Friars shut out Delbarton of New Jersey. Imhotep is expected to test the Friars, but may not generate enough significant plays to secure a road victory. 24 DAILY NEWS will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of high school football action throughout the season.
Prediction: Malvern Prep
