Breaking down a sprint to the Ches- Mont finish

A shortened slate of games with fewer playoff spots available magnifies an already exciting month.

Ches- Mont League football is back, and while fans hold their collective breaths the season can be completed, the idea of a shortened slate with fewer playoff spots available magnifies an alreadyexciting month.

The fourgame schedule was released this week, making it a sprint to the District 1 postseason, which will likely only include four teams, possibly selected by a committee. Those who don’t make playoffs have the option to schedule more games in November.

That makes every game that much more meaningful, though the Week 1 battle between Downingtown East and Downingtown West rarely needs added fuel.

West, the reigning District 1 Class 6A champs, will be the visitor against the Cougars, as the Whippets go for their third straight win in the series. Things don’t get much easier, with a trip to Coatesville in back- to- back weeks.

Of all seasons to have the COVID19 pandemic cancel training camps and normal preseasons and scrimmages, this is a tough one for the Ches- Mont, which graduated so many impact players.

There are no returning starters at quarterback in the National Division, with Bishop Shanahan currently unable to return to play, and West will have to lean on receiver Julian Williams and its terrific junior trio of Drew Shelton, Will Mahmud and Ryan Waters.

The last time Coatesville’s starting quarterback wasn’t Ricky Ortega was November 16, 2015. After four seasons as known quantities, the Red Raiders begin their newquest with plenty of uncertainty.

Coatesville gets a gentler start than its division foes, with a trip to Avon Grove to kick things off. The Raiders also get to host West and East in weeks 2 and 3, before finishing at Kennett.

Downingtown East boasts the top returning rusher in the league in Stanley Bryant and a huge offensive line, led by Caelen Krasley, in front of him. That combo could serve the Cougars well in a weird season like this, and they will certainly be tested with West off the bat, Coatesville in Week 3 andW est Chester Rustin in Week 4.

The Golden Knights look primed tomake a run, with speedy back Drew Gallen and some good size, but they got no favors with the schedule. They start with old rival, Unionville, which Rustin is 8- 5 against all- time, having also won two straight.

Rustin then travels to West Chester East, which is 3- 2 against the Knights the last four years, before getting Great Valley and another huge challenge in Downingtown East.

West Chester East is big, with tight end Scott Cummings and tackle Max Boaman, and returns quarterback Ryan Duell and speedster, Joey Wileczek. The Vikings get to host both West Chester foes, with trips to Oxford and Downingtown West bookending their slate.

Kennett threw itself in the mix in the American Division last year, and though there was a lot lost to graduation, quarterback Sam Forte is back for his third year as a starter. That will help, as the Blue Demons face an improving West Chester Henderson on the road in the opener.

There is no Kennett- Unionville dual on the current schedule, but Unionville gets a couple rivalry games, with Rustin Week 1 and Avon Grove in Week 4. With Henderson and Oxford scheduled as home games, Rustin appears to be Unionville’s biggest test.

Henderson seems to be getting some footing after a couple of dismal seasons. With QB Eddie Smink back and some size returning, Henderson avoided the hammers on this month, though Kennett, Unionville and WC East would all be good wins if the Warriors can get one.

Oxford starts with two home games against WC East and Sun Valley and then goes on the road for Unionville and Great Valley. The Patriots start on the road with Sun Valley, with Rustin on its home slate.

Avon Grove gets tasked with taking on the three powers in the National Division, and then Unionville at home.

Bishop Shanahan is currently without a schedule, due to COVID, but is are expected to be able to schedule games in November.