Harris turns in eye-popping run as Cougars close in on top district seed

By PETER DIGIOVANNI

cpn11716@comcast.net

If Downingtown East win out  the next three weeks they will either be the first or second seed in the Class AAAA District 1 playoffs and will be home all the way until the district final.
The Cougars look ready for all comers as they took apart Bishop Shanahan, 37-0, in a game where Jay Harris made one of the all-time greatest runs I have ever seen on any football field. Harris took a screen pass from Kyle Lauletta and appeared stopped at least three times, crossed the entire field and went 70 yards to the end zone.
And the best thing about Harris is that after the game all he wanted to do was talk about how good a job his blockers did on the play. Special talent, special young man.
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Kennett defeated Great Valley in overtime Saturday in what was the biggest win of the Scott Green era. The Blue Demons now have a chance, if they win the next two weeks, to play Unionville for the Ches-Mont League American Division crown. And a Class AAAA playoff spot could also be coming the Blue Demons’ way.
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Unionville gave up a surprising 34 points to Sun Valley, but quarterback Tom Pancoast rushed for over 200 yards and kept the Indians’ playoff hopes alive. Pancoast may be the most underrated player in the Ches-Mont.
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Henderson got the Rustin monkey off its backs with a 21-3 win over the Knights. Henderson has not allowed a touchdown in 11 periods, but that will be severly tested by the potent Coatesville attack this week. The Red Raiders have cruised the last three weeks, taking apart Unionville, W.C. East and Shanahan. This game will be a big measuring stick for both teams.
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Big matchup in District 1 this week with North Penn going to Pennridge. If the Knights lose, then North Penn will likely miss the playoffs. Yes, if the Knights lose, they will miss the playoffs. Let that sink in a little.
Speaking of District 1, it is bothering me that people are saying the district is down this year. Why is it down? Because North Penn is not undefeated? District 1 is as strong as ever, although I will admit it is also as wide open as ever.
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Defense is something the Ches-Mont League schools have not played well against their Suburban One foes in the recent past. High-powered offenses will only get you so far, that is why Mike Matta of Downingtown East and Coatesville’s Matt Ortega are happy that their teams are not only scoring, but stopping teams as well.
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Oxford is now 4-3 after getting big games from Musty Mahmud and Colton Turns against Octorara. The Hornets rolled to over 350 yards on the ground in the win over the Braves and now have a winning record. I know the schedule has not been that tough, but progress is progress.

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Records through Oct.13.

1. Downingtown East (7-0): Cougars get ready for D-West this week.
2. Coatesville (5-2): Red Raiders get big test at Henderson.
3. Malvern Prep (4-2): Friars open Inter-Ac play with win over GA.
4. Downingtown West (6-1): Whippets have big chance against East.
5. W.C. Henderson (6-1): Warriors get Rustin monkey off their backs.
6. Unionville (5-2): Indians brace for Great Valley this week.
7. W.C. Rustin (5-2): Golden Knights drop tough one to Henderson.
8. Kennett (5-2): Blue Demons may make Class AAAA playoffs.
9. Conestoga (4-3): Pioneers’ playoff hopes in jeopardy after loss to Strath Haven.
10. Great Valley (4-3): Patriots drop overtime game to Kennett.

Follow Peter DiGiovanni at twitter.com/dlnsports