West Chester lost last year's contest 34-23 at Hickox Field, in a game that wasn't as close as the score. The Golden Rams scored their two touchdowns - a 75-yard pass from Sean McCartney to Tim Keyser and a 81-yard pass from Matt Carroll to Erick Brundidge - in "drives" that totaled 102 seconds. Those two quick scores, coupled with four Golden Ram turnovers, gave Post a seven minute advantage in time of possession. Other significant statistics from that game - Post had 269 yards rushing, West Chester quarterbacks were sacked nine times, and three West Chester interceptions resulted in three Post touchdowns. West Chester also incurred two major injuries in that game. Running back Rondell White went down early in the second quarter and the Rams turned to a running back that had 21 career carries (none in 2011 prior to that game). Wide receiver Keyser was the Rams' leading rusher for the game. And on the last play of the first half, linebacker Mike Pereira made the tackle, but hasn't played a down since. The only consolation that can be found in Pereria's loss is that Ronell Williams has played well enough this season to be a serious candidate for PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year.
So what about this year's Pioneer squad? Reigning PSAC East Freshman of the Year Steven Laurino (84 carries, 259 yards, 7 TD's, 97-161, 898 yards, 10 TD's 1 int) doesn't have Zach Zulli type numbers, but the dual threat signal caller is extremely efficient. He looks for brother Grayson Laurino (19 catches, 140 yards, 1 TD), Joe Botti (18 catches, 159 yards, 1 TD) and Ryan Derham (13 catches, 218 yards, 3 TD's), although just about anybody in green and gold is a target as 13 different players have catches and seven different players have touchdown receptions. Diminutive Jeff Mack (72 carries, 297 yards, 1 TD) returns as the leading ball carrier.
Where LIU-Post is different this season is on defense. The Pioneers lost five all-PSAC East players to graduation and the effects are noticeable. Last season, Post had the 20th best rushing defense in the country (111 yards per game) and were fifth in Division II in sacks. This year, the Pioneers are yielding 204 yards per game on the ground and rank in the bottom 10% nationally in rushing defense, passing efficiency defense and total defense. They're led in the secondary by Antonio Powell-Fields (45 tackles, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups), in the middle by Rob Bright (40 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 QB hurry, 1 blocked kick) and up front by Joseph Thompson (17 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery).
Grayson Laurino also serves as the punter and has a 40 yard average including six punts of more than 50 yards. Freshman kicker Tim Sternfeld is two of three on field goal attempts with a long of 33 yards.
Notes - Saturday will mark Military and Veterans Appreciation Day benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. Those with a military ID and/or hat will receive free general admission. Donations and care package items (e.g. protein bars, sunflower seeds, any kind of nuts, wipes, hand sanitizer, gum, crackers, magazines, beef jerky) will be collected...Shawn Leo converted more field goals in last year's game against Post (39, 47, 48) than he has this entire season up to this point...LIU-Post leads the nation in turnover margin at +16...This may be the last time these two teams play each other on a regular basis. Seton Hill is due to enter the league next season as a full member and LIU Post is an associate member of the PSAC in football and field hockey only.
PSAC Site - Football - Week 7 Notes
LIU Post Pioneers Athletics - Football Travels This Week For Saturday Game At West Chester
KYW Newsradio - West Chester Back Home To Host LIU-Post
Daily Local News - Golden Rams need bounce back effort vs. C.W. Post
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week 7 Preview
