Game Report - Purple 23 - Gold 10

Spring games put such a strain on a fan's emotions. One play in the Spring Game in particular exemplifies the range of feelings that can be experienced. On the third possession of the second quarter, Gold had a fourth and four from their own 16. Do you feel good that the Purple defense had continued its spring dominance? Or do you feel bad that Gold failed to move the ball effectively yet again? Or do you feel good that punter Rich Bruno launched an 82-yard punt? Or do you feel bad that the Purple return team wasn't able to field the punt, allowing it to roll to their own two-yard line? Or do you feel good that the Gold punt team got down there to down it before it rolled into the end zone? Or do you feel bad that Purple was offside, nullifying the whole exchange? All that for nothing!!!

And so it was.

Purple was spotted a two-point lead to start the game, earning the points during the week's practice competitions. And based on the defensive performances, many wondered if that would be the final score. After a first quarter featuring Bruno, it was the first play of the second quarter that posted real points on the scoreboard. Red-shirt freshman quarterback Andrew Derr (15 of 25, 225 yards, 3 TD's, 1 int) lobbed a 33-yard scoring pass to fellow frosh Ted Patton. This highlighted the most notable observation of the spring - Derr was playing on the Purple squad which was featuring the first team offense. Although Sean McCartney has recovered from last year's ankle injury and has practiced throughout the spring, head coach Bill Zwaan has held McCartney out of contact drills including the spring game. However, last season's backup, Drew Loughery (18 of 23, 204 yards) who saw time in five games last season, was assigned to the Gold squad which had the second-team offense.

Justin Bathurst provides protection as Andrew Derr attempts a pass
(Photo Geoff Ruth)

After kicker Shawn Leo missed a 52-yard field goal attempt lake in the first half for Purple, Gold had their most efficient drive of the day. Loughery completed six passes including three to tight end Tim Brown (8 catches, 70 yards). But Purple's Teon Lee (5 tackles, 1 sack) and Brian Butler (5 tackles, 2 sacks) sacked Loughery, and Gold had to settle for a 31-yard Leo field goal.

The other most notable action came on the first play of the fourth quarter. Derr completed a long pass to Erick Brundidge (2 catches, 73 yards) who broke free of the defensive back and danced into the end zone. Literally, danced. Unfortunately for him, this drew flags for unsportsmanlike conduct and the points didn't go up on the scoreboard until four plays later when Derr found Jim Hurley (3 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD) for a nine-yard touchdown pass. Spring games are for learning, and hopefully the entire team learns from this incident.

Almost lost in the quarterback discussion was the effort of some of the established players, which is easy to take for granted. Rondell White (19 rushes, 77 yards; 6 catches, 58 yards) was his usual dual threat and Brandon Monk (9 rushes, 87 yards; 2 catches, 20 yards) has his trademark explosive play on a 61-yard run on Gold's first play of the second half. Defensively Ronell Williams (9 tackles, 1.5 TFL) and Shawn Krautzel (10 tackles) starred for Gold while Purple was led by Tyler Morrissey (7 tackles, 1 pass breakup) and Drew Persa (6 tackle, 1 forced fumble).

Rondell White looks for running room (Photo Bert Garbutt)

Linemen Antoine Bland, Justin Bathurst, Derek Schatz, and Doug Gilbert finally get a break at halftime (Photo Geoff Ruth)

Notes :

• Possession changes were delayed as the offensive lineman had to change jerseys since several of them, including Adam Citko and James Colivas, did not dress for the game
• In the second quarter, Coach Zwaan took a break from his usual spring game role of not coaching and made his way to the pressbox to chat with the WCHE broadcast crew
• The members of the 2013 recruiting class were introduced at halftime
• Many Golden Ram football alumni were among the crowd, including former San Francisco 49'er linebacker Lee Woodall and Calgary Stampeder defensive end Sam Scott
• The fourth quarter was played with a running clock
• Senior members of the Purple squad celebrated the victory by dousing Bill Zwaan, Jr.

2013 Recruiting Class (Photo Geoff Ruth)

Joe Szczerba

Prior to the Spring Game, the Geezer Game was played in Farrell Stadium. The "80's Older Rams" crushed the reportedly out-of-shape "90's Olden Rams". More importantly, however, as former Golden Ram wide receiver Jim Sheehan announced, the game's participants raised enough money to endow a scholarship in the name of Joe Szczerba. Lieutenant Szczerba of the New Castle County Police Department was fatally stabbed while struggling with a suspect in September of 2011. He was a two-time all-PSAC East guard for the Golden Rams in the mid 80's.

(Collage Bert Garbutt)

Box Score

West Chester Athletic Site - Purple Tops Gold, 23-10, In Annual Spring Game

The Quad - Golden Rams return for their annual Spring Game

Daily Local News - WCU football addresses depth, size with newest class

Daily Local News - Photo Gallery