Soup, here's research done Feb/Mar wrapping up 2018 season. Haven't added to or researched SE PA teams since, per taking a break (!!) and working on Mid State teams. But they seem set for BIG things.
Downingtown West 183.26, D1, 11-2
The Whippets were one of the best turnarounds in the East last year, getting their highest win total in ten years and advancing to the district semifinal before losing to North Penn 35-21. In 2008 at 11-2 they also lost to North Penn (13-1) in the semifinal 51-21. But those were different times with the program rolling out double digit winning seasons in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 (41-8), after the school split in 2003. In contrast, 2018’s team was rebounding from two non-winning seasons, having gone 4-6 in 2016 and 5-5 in 2017. Coach Milano is 116-64. But last year had its challenges with a relatively young group and the loss of quarterback Will Howard (6-4, 210, jr) for the year against Coatesville (fractured wrist) late in the first half of game seven. He was having a strong year, completing 61% for 1306 yards with a Td/Pick ratio of 12 to 2. Another big story is how well MLB Ryan Wetzel stepped in for Howard, completing 59% for 774 yards while adding another dimension with his running ability. At 6-2, 230, he was a load, rumbling for 306 yards. Heck of a job! Speaking of fullbacks, Tyler Alston returns (6-1, 220. Jr, 568 yards) with a nice back in Tyriq Lewis (5-8, 160, jr, 1264 yards). Add in a recovered and healthy Qb Howard, a few lineman featuring Beau Bryan (6-2, 275, jr) and a strong D corps (+400 tackles back) including egs….TE/DE Jackson Lunburg (6-6, 215), DE Max Hale (6-0, 195), DL Sean Pelkisson (6-2, 240) to know they’ll threaten again next year. They graduated just 15 seniors, making them and St. Joe’s two of the most successful young teams in the East. Last year’s team reversed the failures of 2017 (5-5) where they fielded their worst offense at 23ppg since 2005’s 4-7 team that scored 22 points a game. The defense was improved by 9 points a game, making it one of the most significant turnarounds in the state. They should be a legitimate threat to Coatesville’s dominance in the Ches Mont and beyond this season.
