North Penn saw its season end in Friday’s District 1 6A title game at Downingtown West. Photos courtesy of Ethan Sklut. Check back for a gallery of photos. CLICK HERE to view Suburban One Sports’ FOOTBALL GALLERIES.
District 1 6A title game
#2 DOWNINGTOWN WEST 35, #4 NORTH PENN 16
The weather was miserable – there was a cold mist when Friday’s District 1 6A title game began and an even colder rain when it ended, and the outcome certainly wasn’t the one the Knights had hoped for, but that’s not what the players will remember when they look back on a special season.
“It’s tough,” senior captain Dylan Webb-Dennis said. “We worked really hard this season.
“I’m just glad we got the opportunity to play here. We tried our hardest all season. It sucks to end like this, but I wouldn’t have wanted to be a part of any other team. I love these guys. They’ll always have a special place in my heart.”
That turned out to be a recurring theme after Friday’s loss.
“The hardest part is leaving all your buddies,” senior captain Aidan Eves said. “I’ve grown up with so many of these kids. The emotional attachment is by far the hardest part.
“Win or lose, if I get this bond separated with my brothers, that’s by far the hardest part.”
That bond was underscored in an emotional postgame scene that included a whole lot of hugs and tears.
“We made a great run,” Eves said. “We didn’t make it in the end, but I’m really proud of this team, I’m really proud of these coaches. All together just definitely the hardest part was losing all my buddies.”
“This was a really good group,” North Penn coach Dick Beck said. “We had a really special group of kids that were really likable and were good players and were hard workers.”
The final score doesn’t tell the story of this one. The Whippets had just a four-point lead at halftime and a five-point advantage heading into the final quarter after the Knights capitalized on a North Penn punt ricocheting off the back of a Downingtown West player that was recovered by Vinnie Montmore.
Four plays later – all runs by Matt Pownall, the junior standout scored to make it a 21-16 game. The Knights’ defense held, but a 64-yard punt flipped the field, and North Penn’s possession ended with an interception.
Again, the Knights’ defense stood tall, forcing the Whippets first three-and-out of the game. A 51-yard punt gave the Knights’ possession at their own nine. Two plays later, Downingtown West’s Andrew Brown sacked Bucksar, jarring the ball loose that Brown recovered in the end zone for a touchdown and a 28-16 Whippet lead with 6:55 remaining. It also gave the Whippets momentum they would not lose.
“Look, we got the ball – we were down 21-16, we’re in the fourth quarter, we got an opportunity there, and we just didn’t take advantage of it,” Beck said. “We didn’t play our best game offensively obviously. They got some really good guys up front that hurt us a little bit. It was tough for Matty (Bucksar) to get back and throw without good protection. We tried to make adjustments at halftime, but when you’re getting beat one-on-one, that’s what happens.”
In the opening half, the two teams battled to a 7-7 tie. The Whippets scored early in the first quarter, but the Knights forced a fumble at Downingtown West’s 14-yard line and turned it into a touchdown when Matt Pownall – who had 109 rushing yards – scored on a four-yard run.
The Knights took a 10-7 lead with 3:44 remaining in the half after Ryan Bocklet split the uprights for a 35-yard field goal after a drive that was highlighted by a 31-yard pass from Bucksar to Pownall.
The Whippets answered with a 77-yard scoring drive to go into halftime with a 14-10 lead. They upped that advantage to 21-10 with a TD drive on their opening possession of the second half.
“I think up front they kind of handled us,” Eves said. “I don’t know if we had the best mental game. We made a lot of mistakes. I’m just proud of how we played.”
Friday’s season-ending loss could not detract from the Knights’ memorable postseason run.
“(This was) super special,” said Webb-Dennis. “Getting the revenge on CB South.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t close it out in the end. I hope to play at the next level, so there is hope that this is not my last football game ever, but it is hard. I’ll probably never play with most of these guys ever again. It’s a real family here at North Penn.”
Bucksar was limited to just 81 yards against a stingy Downingtown West defense. Downingtown West’s Cole Bricker threw for a pair of touchdowns.
North Penn closed out its successful season with an 11-3 record.
“It was a fantastic group,” Beck said. “I think all the coaches had a great time. We loved the kids. They have a special place in my heart forever. We’ll always remember this team. This was a fun year.
“We have some young guys coming back, so hopefully, we can figure it out.”
North Penn 7-3-6-0 16
Downingtown West 7-7-7-14 35
About the Author
