Championship fit for a king, Vikings win Ches-Mont Title, 28-7

Paul Sarpen- West Chester East HS

 

Friday night, West Chester East's football team got something it has not enjoyed since the days of a Virginia alum, and current Atlanta Falcon quarterback, Matt Schaub's playing days- its first Ches-Mont Championship since 1998.  The victory was made sweeter by it being on the Vikings' homecoming.

 

The cold weather, and steady downpour all game did not dampen the final touches on what Viking standouts John Ray and Bob Brice called their "Payback" tour through the Ches-Mont League.  What a payback it was, after only winning 1 league game last year (Downingtown West), and giving up 56 and 57 points to the top two finishers in the league last year (Coatesville, and 2005 champ Downingtown East).  In 2006, payback was a beautiful thing, as West Chester East silenced all the critics.  So far, the Vikings' only loss is to Delaware power, Newark.

 

This championship was "fit for a king", due to the fact that standout running back/receiver John Ray was elected Homecoming King by the student body.  What a kingly performance he had, on the receiving end of two Bob Brice passes over 20 yards, multiple 50 plus yard punt returns, encompassing 175 all purpose yards.

 

It did not start so bright for the Vikings though.  After Viking quarterback Bob Brice fumbled on the first drive of the game, Downingtown East drove 45 yards- converting two 4th down and shorts on the way and took a 7-0 lead on a Duron Wilson 1 yard run. 

 

After this, it was all Vikings.  West Chester East took a 14-7 lead into the half- courtesy of a 3 yard run by Jarrod Williams, and a 21 yard pass from Bob Brice to John Ray.  The Vikings closed out the scoring in the third quarter with a second touchdown run by Williams (11 yards, following a punt return by John Ray), and a second touchdown pass from Brice to Ray (26 yards).

 

Downingtown East had some key injuries to their star quarterback and running back.  Cougar quarterback Pete O'Connor broke his hand in the 'Battle of Downingtown' last week, and Richie Walls has shoulder problems.  According to coach Mike Matta, Walls is about 50% at best.

 

Up next for West Chester East (8-1, 6-0) is inter-district rival Rustin High School.  Up next for Downingtown East (6-3, 3-2) is West Chester Henderson.

 

QUOTABLE

East Running Back John Ray-

(on the two touchdown catches)- I was shocked that I was not double covered on either play.

(winning Ches-Mont title)- I knew this team was special Day 1 of camp, this year was the payback tour, after all these teams running up the score on us last year.

 

Viking quarterback Bob Brice-

(on effective passing game)- It was no suprise that our passing game was so effective today, the weather was a non-issue.

(on the 2 touchdowns to John Ray)- They played a 4-deep on both, that was a suprise.

(on winning the program's first Ches-Mont title since 1998)- This was a payback tour, particularly for our seniors.

 

Viking head coach Joe Carroll-

(winning the league title)- This is a tribute to the kids, battling back through adversity over the last 4 years.

 

Cougar head coach Mike Matta-

(the loss this week)- I think we played well, but we had some inexcusable penalties, the pass-interference, and they converted a lot of 3rd and longs.

(on Viking quarterback Bob Brice)- Brice is a good player, he has given us fits each of the years he has played.

(on the injuries to Walls, and O'Connor)- Pete O'Connor has a severely broken hand, broken in the game last week to Downingtown West, and Richie Walls has shoulder problems, and is at 50% tops.