2014 preview

By BRYAN DAVIS

bdavis@dailylocal.com

@btdavis25

Coming off a 2012 season that saw Coatesville make a thrilling run to the state final, optimism was high for 2013, but the postseason was a bit of a arid desert.

Of the six teams that made the District 1 playoffs in Class AAAA and AAA, five lost in the first round. The lone survivor was West Chester Henderson, which beat Bishop Shanahan in the first round before falling in the second round.

For 2014, some teams will be in flux, trying to recover from graduation losses, while sidelines will have a different look as four teams will have new men at the top of the coaching charts.

Over in the Ches-Mont League National Division, Coatesville hopes for a quieter season after a year overshadowed by scandal and a late season slump that saw lose the division to Downingtown West and a first-round playoff matchup to North Penn.

Finding explosive athletes isn’t very hard to find for the Red Raiders. This year’s major playmaker is expected to be senior Jay Stocker, who caught 38 passes as a junior and has

Jordan Young returning at quarterback. Coach Matt Ortega has to find replacements for Mike Boykin, Tyler Burke and Daquan Worley on his defense.

Downingtown West was a surprise winner of the National Division, but suffered a disappointing loss to Spring-Ford in the playoffs.

The Whippets may not have a lot of star-studded names but they are scrappy who find a way to win. Running back Jake Barr is expected to be the main man in the running attack and will get help from Jimmy DiSantis. Tyler McNulty should be the starting quarterback.

Defensively, linebacker Lucas McMahon returns to head a unit that should be very good. Head coach Mike Milano feels McMahon is the best linebacker in the league.

Downingtown East suffered through a sub-par 4-6 season in 2013 and is extremely hopeful for a bounce-back year.

The Cougars boast one of the best players around in tight end Cary Angeline. The senior caught 33 balls last year -- six for touchdowns -- and should have a bigger role this season.

West Chester Henderson running attack will be an high octane one fueled by the tandem of Noah Richard and Tre Green along with quarterback Matt Dinacci. Bryan White will be a key cog for the Warriors along the defensive front. Henderson goes back up to Class AAAA this year.

West Chester East has a new coach as Dave Gueriera takes over for Dan Ellis. The up-tempo offense should remain which is good news for fans of QB Jon Jon Roberts. The junior threw for over 2,000 yards last season and ran for 800 yards. Kevin Murphy will be a key member on both lines for the Vikings.

Avon Grove tries to turn it around again as former Unionville defensive coordinator Harry O’Neill takes over with a directive to make his team bigger and stronger. Beau Kush is the main offensive weapon for the Red Devils.

In the Ches-Mont American, the question is the same it has been for the last couple of seasons -- Will anybody break up the stranglehold West Chester Rustin and Unionville have on the title?

Rustin ran the table last season, going 6-0 en route to a 10-0 regular season before falling to Perkiomen Valley in districts.

The Golden Knights’ wing-T will be powered by the leading rusher in the county in 2013, Terry Loper. He ran for 1,755 yards and 22 touchdowns to become one of the breakout stars of season.

Graduation hit Rustin hard, so it will be interesting to see how Mike St. Clair reloads for 2014.

Unionville returns Alex Pechin, one of the more experienced QBs in the league. The senior is a threat not only running and throwing the football, but kicking it as well. He will operate behind a big, veteran line headed by center Andrew Jones.

Great Valley and Oxford both had dreams of challenging the top two last season but will undergo major changes this year.

Dan Ellis takes over for Mike Choi on the sidelines. Ellis is expected to bring his no-huddle offense with him, which could mean big numbers for the winner of the quarterback job between Zach Ludwig and Nick Cianci.

One key to their fortunes could be the emergence of speedy Nasir Adderley, the grandson of NFL Hall of Famer Herb Adderley. The senior should make an impact on both sides of the ball. Another difference maker will be defensive lineman Ryan Buchholz, who committed to Penn State.

Oxford brings back Ryan Hubley, one of the more underrated receivers around, but now thay have to settle on someone to get him the ball following the graduation of quarterback Ethan Herb.

The Hornets also lost running back Musty Mahmud.

Kennett’s biggest enemy this year may be youth. Scott Green may have to suffer growing pains with his team. Talent is there, however, namely in the form of Matt Petrick, who will anchor the defensive line.

Octorara is looking to make strides in its fifth year as a varsity program. The Braves will have talented dual-threat Alex Gooden back to run the offense. The junior will have the comfort of handing off to workhorse running back Charles Cooper, who came on strong during second half of 2013.

In the Central League, Conestoga should once again find itself in a mad scramble for the title. Veteran coach John Voga will have star receiver Martin Dorsey, but who throws him the ball is still unclear. Tim Miller is expected to start, but John Logantore may get significant minutes.

The defense will be headed by linebackers Eddie Jean and Matt Prespitino.

Malvern Prep heads into uncharted territory as someone other than a Pellegrini will man the sidelines. Aaron Brady comes from having success in the District of Columbia to take over for Kevin Pellegrini. His first order of business is to replace Troy Gallen, who had a tremendous 2013. Dymond Wright, who shares Gallen’s elusiveness, will most likely help in that area.

This may mean more of an air attack from quarterback Alex Hornibrook, something the Pittsburgh recruit should be able to handle.

A talented offensive line, led by Hayden Mahoney should give ample protection for Hornibrook and open holes for the runners. Malvern lost 21 seniors from 2013 but they are one of the few teams in the area who can absorb that kind of a loss and keep moving forward.