The similarities between Chester coach Dennis Shaw and Springfield’s Chris Britton are easier to spot than you may think.

Both run programs rooted deep in their communities. Shaw paid his dues as a longtime Chester assistant before taking over in 2023. Britton did the same at Springfield, taking the helm in 2014 after years on the Cougars’ staff.

They coach with the same edge. Direct. Locked in. Tough. Detail-oriented. Neither has time for sloppy habits or excuses. They’re not screamers, but their players know exactly where they stand. One look from Shaw or Britton is enough to get a message across.

Shaw didn’t attend Chester High, but the city has claimed him. He starred at West Catholic, where he rushed for over 3,000 yards, and worked his way up through youth teams, then joined the C

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