Titans’ Defense Dominates as Central Bucks South Seizes District One-6A Championship over Downingtown West

Tagged under: District 1, Gameday Hub, News, pfn, Playoffs

Michael Pietrangelo | November 25, 2023

Featured image courtesy of Tracy Valko Photography

Warrington, PA – In a thrilling District One-6A Championship game on Friday night, the Central Bucks South Titans (13-1) displayed a dominant ground game to secure a convincing 27-7 victory over the Downingtown West Whippets (11-3). Led by senior running back Anthony Leonardi’s outstanding performance, the Titans’ offense rushed for a daunting 286 yards, leaving their opponents struggling to keep up.

Right from the opening whistle, it was evident that the Titans meant business. The ground attack began to take shape early in the game, as Leonardi showcased his exceptional skills. Carrying the ball 16 times, he amassed an impressive 164 rushing yards and found the end zone twice, setting the tone for his team’s success.

Not to be outdone, senior running back Corey Moore also made significant contributions to the Titans’ rushing attack. Moore pounded the ground 16 times, gaining 61 yards and scoring a touchdown of his own. Owen Pinkerton, another key player in the Titans’ arsenal, added 54 yards on 16 carries, including a touchdown.

While the Titans’ offense was the star of the show, their defense played a crucial role in the victory as well. Seniors Jim Wade and Sean Moskowitz wreaked havoc on the opposing quarterback, registering sacks throughout the game at pivotal moments. Junior Danny Gies added to the defensive spectacle with two interceptions, showcasing the Titans’ ability to disrupt the Whippets’ passing game. Matt Harmon also stood out, recovering two fumbles to further bolster the team’s defensive effort.

The game’s scoring started in the first quarter when Pinkerton crossed the goal line on a rushing play. Leonardi then extended the lead later in the second quarter with a reverse end around that led to a touchdown, showcasing his agility and vision. Just before halftime, quarterback Quinn Henicle showed some gusto when he connected with Dean Hangey for a 21-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 13-7 leading into the break.

The third quarter proved to be a defensive battle, with both teams going scoreless. However, in the final quarter, it was Leonardi who stole the spotlight once again. Breaking a tackle at the line of scrimmage, he sprinted 79 yards untouched for a breathtaking touchdown that gave the Titans a comfortable lead. Moore sealed the victory with a one-yard touchdown plunge, while the Titans successfully converted a two-point conversion to extend their lead to 27-7.

Speaking after the game, head coach Tom Hetrick expressed his pride in his team’s performance and their season. “This whole season has been a magical journey; I wouldn’t have chosen a different group of guys to go on it with. They are special people, they are very good at the sport of football, and when you’re on the inside of it, you have to sort of stop and say, you know what we have something special here and we have a really good football team,” said Hetrick. He continued, “And here we are 13 wins into this season, and it’s surreal, this is what surreal feels like, it’s been a heck of a ride.”

With this victory, the Central Bucks South Titans can now proudly call themselves the District One-6A Champions for the first time in school history. Their exceptional display of skill and determination has earned them a place in local football history and secured their spot in the upcoming state semifinals against the winner of today’s matchup between Powerhouse St. Joe’s Prep and Nazareth. As they prepare to face their next challenge, the Titans will undoubtedly rely on their potent ground game to continue their triumphant journey. Downingtown’s season has come to end.

Scoring
1^st Quarter

CBS – Pinkerton 3 run (Hazell kick)

2^nd Quarter
CBS – Leonardi 20 run (kick failed)
DW – Hangey 21 pass from Henicle (Mehan kick)

4^th Quarter
CBS – Leonardi 80 run (Moore run)
CBS – Moore 1 run (kick failed)

Individual Statistics

Passing:

CBS- Pinkerton 1-1-0 11

DW- Henicle 9-26-2 131 TD
Rushing

CBS- Leonardi 16-164 2TDs; Moore 16-61TD; Pinkerton 16-54 TD; Gies 1-7.
DW- Alex 13-70; Henicle 6-8; Dunn 3-13; Kucera 3-8
Receiving:

CBS- Mauz 1-11.
DW- Campbell 2-45; Hangey 2-43 TD; Alex 3-25; Kucera 2-18

Sacks

CBS- Wade, Moskovitz
Interceptions