Blue Demons unable to take advantage of Red Raiders’ sluggish start
By Emily Adelman, Correspondent, The Times
KENNETT SQUARE — Kennett High School was no match for a powerhouse Coatesville (7-0) football squad, as the Blue Demons (1-6) dropped their sixth consecutive game of the season to the undefeated Red Raiders by a score of 42-7 late Friday night.
Even though both teams were plagued by injuries, with four Coatesville starters sitting out Friday’s game, it was Kennett that was unable to capitalize on the Red Raiders’ uncharacteristically slow offensive start to the game. The only score in the first quarter came off a four yard touchdown rush by Coatesville senior running back Akhema Evans.
Experience and talent, however, would serve Coatesville well as its slowly managed to put this contest away. The Red Raiders, whose average margin of victory is over 16 points, were led by junior quarterback Jordan Young. Young, who averages almost 200 all purpose yards per game, ended up throwing for 233 yards and tallied three touchdowns — two in the air and one on the ground.
The second quarter saw Coatesville pick it up a bit with junior Ronnell Knight and QB Young each contributing a three-yard touchdown rush to make the score 21-0 at the half. Jordan’s impressive night would continue into the second half with TD passes to seniors Jay Stocker and James Clark in the third quarter. Coatesville’s final score would come off a blocked punt by Knight that sophomore Brandon Talbot would walk three yards into the endzone.
On the other side of the ball, Kennett’s offense was stymied by Coatesville’s defense most of the night and did not have much of an opportunity to get on the field. Kennett ended up with more punts (5) than first downs (3). Kennett’s only score came early in the fourth quarter when junior Frankie Perigo returned a Coatesville kickoff 69 yards to the Coatesville 15. Freshman Kevin Wessels would then rush seven-yards to post the Demons only TD of the night.
Kennett is looking to reverse their fortunes when they travel to Octorara High School next Friday night at 7pm to take on the at Octorara.
