In a matchup between undefeated and top-10 teams, Coatesville and Downingtown East will square off at 7 p.m. Friday at Downingtown West's Kottmeyer Stadium.
No. 5-ranked Coatesville has won its first three games by a combined score of 110-33; No. 2 East has triumphed by 133-82.
The Red Raiders are looking to snap a three-game losing streak against East. Their last victory came in 2007, 28-14.
Here is a closer look at the Ches-Mont League National Conference opener for both teams.
Last year. With workhorse Drew Harris rushing for 147 yards on 33 carries, East beat host Coatesville, 21-14.
Quick fact I. In his third year at the helm, Coatesville's Matt Ortega, previously at York High, has compiled a 15-8 record.
Quick fact II. Mike Matta's Cougars have earned a share of the National Conference title in each of the last three seasons. Last year, with a 5-1 mark, they shared the crown with Coatesville.
Rugged rusher. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Harris has carried 84 times for 557 yards and nine touchdowns. A Division I-A recruit, he is considering Miami, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia, among others,
Likewise dangerous. Coatesville's Dae-Hon Cheung, a speedy halfback, has carried 56 times for 511 yards and seven TDs. The 5-11, 170-pounder has a scholarship offer from Division I-AA Tennessee-Martin.
Signal-callers. Coatesville's Manny Stocker, a North Carolina State recruit, has completed 27 of 39 passes for 453 yards and five TDs. East's Kyle Lauletta has hit on 38 of 51 throws for 639 yards and eight scores.
Top target. East wideout Jay Harris, an up-and-coming junior, has 18 catches for 424 yards and three TDs.
Many options. Stocker can throw to any one of three wideouts: Michigan State recruit Kyle Kerrick (8 catches for 118 yards, 1 TD), Chris Jones (11 for 221, 4), and Farrell Boyd.
Anchors. The leaders of East's 4-3 defense include ends Joe Wetty and Elijah Griffin, outside linebacker Dillan Martin, and safety Nick Dudley.
New approach. In each of the last two seasons, the Red Raiders went with a triple option/pro-style scheme on offense. They have scrapped the option and now use a spread/pro-style attack.
Stalwarts. The headliners of East's offensive line are Jack Willenbrock, a 6-3, 260-pound tackle and Virginia Tech recruit, and 6-1, 245-pound guard Zach Chiappini.
Stingy group. Coatesville's 4-3 defense has yielded an average of 11 points per game. The unit is headed by linemen Jevante and Jerelle Huggins, linebacker Ryan Valentino, and strong safety Marquis Weathington.
Pick: East, 31-20.
Contact staff writer Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019, robrien@phillynews.com, or @ozoneinq on Twitter.
