Cougars Smother Vikings, Advance To Semifinals

Written by: Paul Sarpen on Saturday, November 11th, 2023. Follow Paul Sarpen on Twitter.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Second-seeded Downingtown East mercy-ruled and shut out seventh-seeded Perkiomen Valley by a score of 35-0. This was Downingtown East’s eighth shutout in their 11 games. The Cougars have allowed 39 points in 11 games this fall.

The way the Cougars won tonight, was the way they have won all season so far. Their suffocating, smothering defense, along with a power run game behind a massive offensive line has proved too much for many teams. Perkiomen Valley was only down 14-0 at halftime and was competitive for about 2-1/2 quarters before their defense got worn out.

Ayden Harris put Downingtown East on the scoreboard on their first possession with a one-yard run. The Cougars had an opportunity to go up 10-0, but chose to go for a fourth down and four inside the Vikings’ 15-yard line.  It did not work out however as JJ Helverson’s pass was intercepted, only his second interception of the season.

Owen Lammy put the Cougars up 14-0 before halftime on a 22-yard run, capitalizing off an interception.

After halftime, Downingtown East systematically wore out Perkiomen Valley. Ayden Harris added runs of three and then five yards to put Downingtown East up 28-0. Drew Virelli made the Cougars lead 35-0 with 3:40 left in the third quarter, putting the mercy rule into play again.

Ayden Harris had 41 carries for 252 yards and three touchdowns tonight, his second consecutive 200+ yard game. The Cougars ran for 346 yards on 58 yards.

Felix Mason of Downingtown East had three sacks in the game, “The coaches had another great game plan. We have a mental toughness that we can match other teams’ physicality.”

Mike Matta stated, “He couldn’t be blocked all night without being held.  Number 77 for them (Carter Eucker) is a hell of a player.”

Downingtown East’s defense suffocated Perkiomen Valley’s offense to 65 total yards (22 passing, 43 rushing), and six first downs.

Up next for Downingtown East (11-0), is a rematch of their week ten matchup with Downingtown West (10-2) in the District semifinals.

Perkiomen Valley’s season ends at 9-3.

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