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Sunday, October 21, 2012

Game Preivew - Cheyney

The Golden Rams (5-3, 5-2) conclude their 2012 home season when they host the Cheyney Wolves (1-7, 0-5) on Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon.

Although Cheyney has not defeated West Chester since 1979, keep in mind:
  • 2010 - The last time the two teams met at Farrell Stadium, Cheyney led at halftime 21-20 and West Chester held a 41-34 lead in the fourth quarter before adding another touchdown for the 48-34 final.
  • 2011 - West Chester led 9-7 late in the thrid quarter and Cheyney was driving before Bob Sabol picked off a pass at the Ram 16 yard line.
  • 2012 - Cheyney trailed #4 Bloomsburg by only one point as their game entered the fourth quarter last week.
Cheyney is not to be underestimated.


The Wolves are led by former Golden Ram receiver Blaze Wasserleben who has transitioned to quarterback at Cheyney. On the season, Wasserleben is 47-100 for 486 yards, 6 interceptions and 3 touchdowns. He's been more effective on the ground, with 427 yards and one touchdown on 101 carries, although he has fumbled 16 times already this season. The Wolves' top receivers are running back Justin Watkins (11 catches, 161 yards, 1 touchdown), South Carolina State transfer wide receiver Marquis Garcia-Palmer (13 catches, 110 yards), and wide receiver Khalif Dandy (9 catches, 100 yards, 1 touchdown). Marcus Jones has 434 yards and two touchdowns on 114 carries and Watkins has added 167 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Defensively, the Wolves are led by the men in the middle: linebacker Khalil Neal (35 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2 QB hurries and a forced fumble), linebacker Isaiah Fleming (67 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles), and linebacker Shannon Burch (50 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, an interception and 2 forced fumbles).

Notes - West Chester appeared at #10 in the first NCAA Super Region 1 rankings this season...Golden Ram quarterback Mike Mattei remains sixth in the country in passing efficiency...Rondell White is fourth in the country in all-purpose yards...Ronell Williams leads the nation in total tackles and is second in total tackles per game...It will be Senior Day for West Chester, when senior football players, cheerleaders and band members will be recognized during the game...WCU Football is teaming up with WCU's Catholic Newman Student Association to "Help Hungry Neighbors have a Happy Thanksgiving". All fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items (stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, gravy, boxed brown sugar, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, or canned items - sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, carrots, cranberry sauce, fruit, pumpkin pie filling) to the game for collection. The items will benefit two major food distributors in Chester County: St. Agnes Day Room and Project 1 which servers families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Daily Local News - WCU, Cheyney renew rivalry
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week 9 Preview