Team News - 2013 Second Scrimmage Report

West Chester's second scrimmage of the summer was very similar to a final NFL preseason game. Just about everyone knows what the starters can do, so after a brief performance by them, they got to enjoy the rest of the action from the sidelines. From what they showed, they looked fine. Rondell White took the opening handoff and went 70 yards to the endzone and Brandon Monk gained some hard earned yards.

But with injuries creeping into the locker room, and memories of last year's final scrimmage, most of the play was focused on getting the younger guys plenty of live game reps. And Jarel Elder delighted the fans by giving them a peek into WCU's future.

The Golden Rams' 2013 season opens on Saturday, September 7 at noon against New Haven in Farrell Stadium.

LaRonn Lee struggles to escape a tackle (Photo Geoff Ruth)

Jarel Elder finds running room around the right side (Photo Geoff Ruth)

Alumni News - DePalma to Injured Reserve

Former Golden Ram wide receiver Dan DePalma has been placed on the injured reserve list by the San Diego Chargers. The move likely has as much to do with clearing a roster spot as it does the shoulder injury that he incurred during Saturday night's game against Arizona. Through the first three preseason games, DePalma had 7 catches for 70 yards to lead all Charger wide receivers.

Chargers.com - DePalma, Gronkowski and Willie Placed on IR

ESPN - Chargers cut down to 75

Team News - Roster Update

Reading the school's official season preview and updated roster provides some insight into unexpected and previously unannounced changes in player personnel. The most notable departures are cornerback Dante Devine and kicker Will Huff. Devine (38 tackles, 2 TFL, 4 pass breakups) played in nine games last season and started two. His absence exasperates the loss of experience in the secondary for the Golden Rams. Huff was the Golden Rams' kickoff specialist last season and there's a reason for it - he had the best leg on the squad for that purpose. His departure means that punter Rich Bruno will likely handle kickoffs while Bruno and kicker Shawn Leo will back up each other as they are the only two kickers listed on the current roster. Sure professional teams only carry one punter and one kicker on their team. But in the pro ranks, a catastrophic issue with a kicker lasts only one game until they pluck a free agent off the street. College teams have larger rosters since they don't have that same luxury. Maintaining healthy kickers now becomes another concern for West Chester this season.

John McGilligan

There are a host of players here this season that neither appeared on last year's roster nor were they in high school. Among them is R-Fr. John McGilligan who had reportedly committed to Shippensburg but did not appear on any football roster last season. McGilligan was First Team All-Catholic at wide receiver and ranked #59 on the Philadelphia Inquirer's Preseason Top 150 list. He is listed as a defensive back for the Golden Rams.

Kyle Keyser

Also new to West Chester this season is R-Fr. Kyle Keyser, who is the younger brother of wide receiver Tim Keyser. Kyle was First Team All-Central League at wide receiver, First Team All-Delco as an all-purpose player and ranked #149 on the Philadelphia Inquirer's Preseason Top 150 list. After redshirting last season at Holy Cross, he is listed as a defensive back with the Golden Rams.



The other new faces are R-Fr. defensive back Justin Howe (Shippensburg), R-Fr. defensive back Byron Cooper (Massachusetts), R-Fr. defensive back Jeremy Irving (Bloomsburg), So. fullback Mike Hagan (originally committed to Towson), Jr. defensive lineman Jamiel Sims (Wagner), and So. defensive lineman Matt Sanderson (Bloomsburg).

Club News - Membership Appeal

Thanks to all of you for your support of West Chester University football and the Golden Ram Football Club. Just like the Golden Ram football team, the Golden Ram Football Club strives to improve every year. In late 2011, we started the Golden Ram Football Club web site. It has become the single, most comprehensive source regarding every aspect - past, present or future - about the West Chester University football team. Stories pertaining to West Chester football - current players receiving awards, alumni achieving success in their professional playing careers and incoming recruits participating in high school all-star games - it all can be found on the Golden Ram Football Club web site.

While visiting and reading the host of stories here, hopefully you've had an opportunity to review the club membership information. As is stated there, besides providing enthusiasm for the football team, the primary goal of the Golden Ram Football Club is to sponsor the year-end team banquet. That's right, the largest WCU athletic team banquet (largest both in number of participants and the size of their appetites) is not performed by the university. It is the Golden Ram Football Club that plans, executes and pays for the players to participate in a post-season awards banquet that routinely has 300 attendees. Additionally, the club pays for the sports beverages for both teams for all football games at Farrell Stadium.

So if you're a fan of West Chester football and you enjoy what the club has to offer on this site, please consider becoming a member of the Golden Ram Football Club. With a Golden level membership, you receive a hat that you can wear to all of the West Chester football games.


Your support is greatly appreciated. See you at the game!!!

Team News - 2013 First Scrimmage Report

The Golden Rams enjoyed great weather for their first scrimmage of the summer. The modified-rules game saw the offense move the ball fairly well, but settle only for a Shawn Leo field goal in the "first half". The most memorable play was a nice fingertip interception by R-Fr. defensive back Kevin Malone.

In general, the offense opened up for more scoring in the "second half". If only head coach Bill Zwaan could nullify holding calls against his offensive line by merely making such a request of the officials during the regular season. Leo later converted on a 46-yard field goal, So. running back Eddie Elliot showed what he can do when he gets in the open field, Fr. defensive back Pete Galiano had a nice interception and So. James Rusenko might be a dual threat both throwing and catching the ball.

The best thing about the scrimmage is that everybody that was in uniform played. So the coaches have game action film on E-V-E-R-Y-B-O-D-Y.

The second and last scrimmage of the summer is scheduled for Saturday, August 31 at 10:00 am in Farrell Stadium.

Sean McCartney releases a pass as Brandon Spatz closes in (Photo Geoff Ruth)

A sea of purple and gold helmets (Photo Geoff Ruth)

Jarel Elder is swarmed over by the Golden Ram defense (Photo Geoff Ruth)

Eddie Elliot takes the handoff from Drew Loughery (Photo Geoff Ruth)

West Chester Athletic Site - Football Scrimmage Highlights First Rally With Rams At Farrell Stadium

Alumni News - Pribula to ChesCo Sports Hall of Fame

Former Golden Ram football player Jim Pribula has been named to the 2013 Inductee Class of the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame. Pribula made his initial splash on the Golden Ram grid iron when he returned an interception 98 yards for a touchdown at East Stroudsburg which still stands as the longest in West Chester history. Against Millersville in 1960, he became the first Golden Ram to score five touchdowns in a game, which has since been done by three others, most recently Mike Washington in 2005. In both 1960 and 1961, he led West Chester in receiving yards, he led West Chester in scoring, was named All-PSAC (and this was back when they only named 11 players for the entire conference), and was named NAIA All-American. Both the 1960 squad (9-0) and the 1961 team (7-2) captured the PSAC championship.

Pribula, a member of the Killinger Hall of Fame, earned both his undergraduate and masters degrees from West Chester and went on to receive his doctorate from the University of Maryland. He was a member of the faculty at Shippensburg University from 1964 to 2001, also serving as athletic director there from 1982 to 2001. He was enshrined as an honorary member of the Shippensburg University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.

The 2013 Annual Induction Banquet will be held on Saturday, November 16th at the Downingtown Country Club.

Daily Local News - Chester County Sports Hall of Fame announces 12 new inductees

Team News - 2013 Season Preview

Is This The Year?

As was discussed in last season's review, just a few plays separated the Golden Rams from the postseason. After losing only a handful of players from last season's 7-4 squad, and returning a couple of All-Americans, could this be the year that West Chester returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2008?

Offense

The 2012 Golden Ram offense was greatly improved over recent years, racking up 433 yards per game which is the most since the 2003 season. A large part of this offensive explosion was running back Rondell White. The All-American rushed for over 140 yards per game and had over 56 yards per game receiving. There is reason for concern that last season 30 offensive touches per game and 45% of the team's yardage came from one player. But that concern is somewhat offset since that player returns for his senior season. Getting White support this season will be crucial.

LaRonn Lee

In the receiving area, gone are top receiver Jim Kelly and fellow wideout Sean Beahan. Together they accounted for almost 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns. Returning will be Sr. LaRonn Lee (15 catches, 225 yards, 2 TD's) and Sr. Tim Keyser (6 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD). Both were plagued by injuries last year, Keyser's causing him to miss half the season. After Jr. Erick Brundidge (22 catches, 414 yards, 6 TD's) and So. Adam Dempsey (15 catches, 162 yards, 1 TD), the offense will look to R-Fr. like Shannon Mayer, A.J. DePietro and Jim Hurley.

At tight end, All-PSAC performer Justin Curry is gone, although he didn't factor much into the passing game with only three receptions on the season. Shawn Driggins saw a lot of time last season in two tight end sets and it will be interesting to see how he and Tim Brown will be used as receivers this year.

Sean McCartney

Sean McCartney was named the starting quarterback last spring, but his 2012 season lasted only 51 snaps as he incurred a season ending injury at Delaware. In that game, after some early jitters, McCartney settled down to throw for 89 yards and a touchdown and rush for 26 yards and a touchdown. Unlike last year when senior Mike Mattei stepped in and had an outstanding season, depth at the quarterback position is a concern as all of the other QB's on the team have combined for five pass attempts, all of those coming from the arm of Drew Loughery. How well McCartney has recovered from last year's injury and how healthy he stays this season will be key for the Rams.

Spelling White or occupying the running back position when Deli is in the slot will be So. Brandon Monk (37 carries, 235 yards, 1 TD) and So. Eddie Elliott (21 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD). Leading the way will be multi-purpose fullback Sr. Jared Bonacquisti (5 carries, 13 yards 2 TD's, 3 catches, 42 yards).

Derek Schatz

The line lost All-PSAC performers Brian Margetich and Blair Gower as well as left tackle Erik Pratt. The two starters that are returning are All-PSAC guard Sr. Trey Farmer and right tackle Sr. Adam Citko. However, center Jr. Derek Schatz and tackle Sr. Justin Bathurst saw action in every game last season while Jr. James Colivas and Jr. Antoine Bland saw plenty of game time. Beyond the starting five, very few downs of college football have been experienced by the line.

Special Teams

Brandon Monk

On special teams, White, Monk and Elliot will handle the return duties, while All-PSAC punter Jr. Rich Bruno returns for that duty. Sr. Shawn Leo will continue his assault on the WCU kicking records. Not to be overlooked is the return of dedicated long snapper So. Charles Kuklinski. Gone, however, is kickoff specialist Will Huff. Monk demonstrated how electric he can be in the return game when he returned a Kutztown punt 47 yards which led to a Golden Ram touchdown.

Defense

Eric Edwers

The defensive front four that was 35th best in the nation against the run last season lost only All-PSAC end Lew Esposito. Returning in the middle is All-PSAC tackle Sr. Anthony McCloskey (28 tackles, 5.0 TFL's, 1 int and 2 fumble recoveries), So. Andrew Cohen (33 tackles, 7.5 TFL's, 2 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery) and Sr. Demrick Cook (41 tackles, 4.0 TFL's). Returning on the outside are Sr. Eric Edwers (44 tackles, 6.5 TFL's, 1 pass breakup and 5 QB hurries), Sr. Chris DiValentino (20 tackles, 1 TFL) and Jr. Kayo Bakare (18 tackles, 1.5 TFL in just 4 games).

The linebacking corps is another area that needed little offseason consideration. All-American Jr. Ronell Williams (119 tackles, 7.0 TFL's, 3 interceptions) leads the way with Jr. Mike Labor (48 tackles, 4.5 TFL's in just 8 games) by his side. Backing them up will be Jr. Mike Culbreath (47 tackles, 3.5 TFL's) and So. Drew Persa (14 tackles) who both saw plenty of action due to injuries. Pushing them will be R-Fr. Ralph Reeves. So. Drew Formica (10 tackles), and So. Teon Lee (10 tackles, 1 TFL) will battle for the rover position vacated by Shawn Krautzel as he returns to the strong safety position.

Al-Hajj Shabazz

The WCU pass defense struggled last year - 126th in the country yielding almost 250 yards per game - and lost three seniors: All-PSAC safety John O'Donnell, cornerback Bob Sabol, and the other safety Carl Barnes. As mentioned earlier, Sr. Shawn Krautzel (62 tackles, 2.5 TFL's, 2 interceptions) will return to safety after earning All-PSAC honors at rover last season. Although the free safety position appears to be up for grabs, the most experience goes to So. Brandon Pepper who saw some time there last season. Jr. Al-Hajj Shabazz (38 tackles, 2 TFL's, 1 interception) started most of last season and will likely secure one corner position this year. The other corner spot will go to someone that certainly has not seen time there for the Golden Rams.

Conclusion

While the team has plenty of players returning from last year's squad, how well many of them recover from last season's injuries will be interesting. And with there being a lack of depth at several positions, how healthy the team stays throughout the season will also be telling.

West Chester Athletic Site - Football Season Preview

CBS Philly.com- West Chester Hungry For Return To Postseason

Daily Local News- Golden Rams at a glance

Team News - Assistant Coaches Named

West Chester University head football coach Bill Zwaan announced the addition of Joe Walsh and Pat Spadaro to his coaching staff. Walsh, long-time coach of West Chester Henderson High School and Killinger Hall of Fame member, will guide the defensive line while Spadaro, a St Joseph's Prep and Bloomsburg University product, will lead the tight ends and offensive tackles.

West Chester Athletic Site - Two New Assistants Added To West Chester's Football Staff

Daily Local News - For Walsh, WCU post is a homecoming

Alumni News - DePalma Completes Second Preseason Game

Dan DePalma

Former Golden Ram wide receiver Dan DePalma played the entire second half in the Chargers' 33-28 loss to the Bears. He made two catches for a total of 27 yards, including a 22-yard pickup for a first down. For the 2013 preseason, DePalma is tied for the team lead with 7 receptions and second on the team in receiving yards with 70.

The game will be re-broadcast on the NFL Network on Saturday at 3:00 am and again Monday at midnight.

San Diego's next game is slated for Saturday, August 24 at the Arizona Cardinals.

Team News - Golden Rams Picked Third

The West Chester University Golden Rams were picked to finish third in the division by the conference coaches at the PSAC's annual Football Media Day. With the addition of Pitt-Johnstown and Seton Hill to the conference, LIU-Post is no longer in the PSAC and Lock Haven has moved from the West division to the East division. Seton Hill takes Lock Haven's place in the West. Pitt-Johnstown does not offer football.

Predicted order with first place votes in parentheses.

Eastern Division
1. Shippensburg (6)
2. Bloomsburg (1)
3. West Chester (1)
4. Kutztown
5. East Stroudsburg
6. Lock Haven
7. Millersville
8. Cheyney

PSAC Site - Shippensburg and IUP Picked as Favorites in 2013 PSAC Coaches Preseason Football Poll

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Picked Third In PSAC East Preseason Coaches Poll

Zwaan's Take - 2013 PSAC Football Preseason Outlook: West Chester

Player News - Williams, White Among Top 100 in Division 2

Two Golden Rams are among the top 100 players in the country. Junior Ronell Williams and senior Rondell White both appear on the list found produced by Josh Buchanan and found on on D2football.com. Williams, the 6-1, 230lb linebacker from Chester checks in on the list at #43 while White, the 5-10, 190lb versatile running back from West Chester appears at #50.

Williams

As a sophomore last season, Williams led the PSAC in tackles with 119 which was also 15th best in all of Division II. He was named first team All-PSAC East, second team Daktronics Division II All-Super Region 1, Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All Super Region 1, AFCA 2012 Division II Coaches' All-American, Associated Press Little All-American, D2Football.com All-American honorable mention and Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-America honorable mention.

White

White set the single season West Chester rushing record with 1,548 yards which was also 6th best in all of Division II. He also led the country with 200.2 all-purpose yards per game. White was named first team All-PSAC East, 2012 Daktronics Division II All-Super Region 1 second team, Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All Super Region 1, Beyond Sports Network Division II All-American second team, Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-America second team and D2Football.com All-American honorable mention.

D2football.com - Top 100 Division II Players - 2013

Alumni News - DePalma in First Preseason Game with Chargers

Dan DePalma

Although former Golden Ram wide receiver Dan DePalma's name appears on Chargers' depth chart in the column labeled "other", he certainly made an impression in San Diego's first preseason game this year. DePalma led all San Diego receivers with five catches for 43 yards. All five of his receptions, three of them for first downs, came in the second quarter from backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst.

The game will be re-broadcast on the NFL Network on Tuesday at 8:00 pm.

San Diego's next game is slated for Thursday, August 15 at 8:00pm in Chicago.

Chargers - Chargers vs. Seahawks In-Game Reports

Global Post - San Diego Chargers - PlayerWatch

San Diego Union-Tribune - Grading Bolts generously early

West Chester Athletic Site - DePalma Shines In First Preseason Contest With San Diego

Event News - PSAC Football Media Day

The PSAC will hold its annual Football Media Day on Monday, August 12. The schools from the East Division will be hosted by Kutztown University while the West Division schools will gather at Slippery Rock University. Along with head coach Bill Zwaan, the Golden Rams will be represented by two of its captains: Sr. running back Rondell White and Sr. offensive guard Trey Farmer.

PSAC Site - 2013 PSAC Football Media Day

Team News - Freshmen Prospects

Zwaan

So here it is August and training camp opens in ten days. One of the most oft asked questions at this time of year is "which of the incoming freshmen has a chance to play this season?" Ten years ago, when head coach Bill Zwaan first came to West Chester, the response would have been a simple, one-word answer - "none". Zwaan has never been real keen on playing true freshman for a host of reasons. It takes time for any high school kid to adjust to life in college. Then there's the additional adjustment that football players must make to the college game. Oh, and the little thing called the Golden Rams playbook which is no trivial task to understand. And finally, there's a whole lot of other guys that have been waiting two or three years to get their chance on the field.

White

But times have changed. The most notable exception to the "no freshmen" rule has been Rondell White. White graduated from nearby Rustin High School in June of 2010 and three months later he was catching passes and returning kicks against FCS Delaware in front of almost 20,000 onlookers. With senior D'Andre Webb and junior Jackson Fagan already established in the backfield, White managed only 17 carries that season, but due to his versatility, he racked up a total of 925 all purpose yards.

Fast forward ahead to last year, and Andrew Cohen made the summer transition from Council Rock South High School to week one playing time on Tubby Raymond Field. Prior to last season, the Golden Rams switched from a three-man front to a four-man front. The team had a lack of defensive linemen due to both historical recruiting as well as season-ending injuries on the line, so Cohen was pressed into action. He finished the season from his defensive tackle position with 33 total tackles and managed to lead the team in sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (7.5). His highlight moment was when he recovered a fumble for a touchdown against Kutztown.

O'Donnell

So it is not out of the realm for true freshmen to play at West Chester. The circumstances include incoming talent that's just too good to keep off the field or a lack of depth on the existing roster. Where those two situations overlap on the 2013 squad is most likely in the defensive secondary. Six of the eight players from the 2012 opening day two-deep are gone, including co-captains and safeties John O'Donnell and Carl Barnes. The starting trio of O'Donnell, Barnes and cornerback Bob Sabol were also among the team's top six tacklers. The two sole returning players from last year's secondary - Al-Haj Shabazz and Dante Devine - will most likely be the starting corners. And after a year at rover, senior Shawn Krautzel will probably return to the strong safety position. But after that, opportunities to see serious time exist for the newcomers. And since secondary is a "read and react" position, a freshman's biggest hurdle is going to be the "read" part, since "react" is part of any DB's DNA. Now who among the incoming class might step into one of these roles? It's hard to say. But the coaches have some good choices among Brandon Spatz, Joe DeMaio, Pat McCabe and Dan Sherry. Training camp is just ten days away.

Any questions, comments or suggestions for future topics are welcome. Please e-mail GoldenRamFootballClub@comcast.net

Alumni News - DePalma with Chargers Update

Dan DePalma

Former Golden Ram wide receiver Dan DePalma is working hard in San Diego Chargers camp which involves learning the playbook for multiple positions. Charger head coach Mike McCoy recognizes that "DePalma has done a nice job of stepping up in the passing game and making some plays".

NorthJersey.com - Verona native DePalma works to make San Diego Chargers roster

San Diego Union-Tribune - Competition breeds excitement in Chargers camp

SD Bolt Report - DePalma Aims to do More than Stick Around

Team News - Key Summer Dates

It's August!!!! Sure it's hot, but at least it's also humid. The entire season is pushed back a week, and as a result, everyone can enjoy the Labor Day holiday. Here are some key August dates for Golden Ram football fans:

- Wed, August 14 - Team reports for summer camp
- Sat, August 24 - Scrimmage 11:00 am in Farrell Stadium
- Sat, August 31 - Scrimmage 10:00 am in Farrell Stadium
- Thur, September 5 - Golden Ram Football Club meeting 7:40 pm at Timothy's
- Sat, September 7 - Game versus New Haven Chargers 12:00 pm
- Thur, September 12 - Bill Zwaan's radio show at 7:00 pm at Timothy's

Please note - Scrimmage dates and times are subject to change.

Also, here's another look at the Golden Rams' 2013 schedule:

Day	Date	Opponent	Time	Notes
Saturday	September 7	vs New Haven	12:00pm	Hall of Fame Day
Saturday	September 14	at Gannon	12:00pm
Saturday	September 21	at Millersville	7:00pm
Saturday	September 28	vs Kutztown	6:00pm	Family Day
Saturday	October 5	vs California	12:00pm	Community Day
Saturday	October 12	vs East Stroudsburg	2:00pm	Homecoming
Saturday	October 19	at Lock Haven	12:00pm	LHU's Homecoming
Saturday	October 26	at Shippensburg	1:00pm	Ship's Homecoming
Saturday	November 2	at Cheyney	12:00pm
Saturday	November 9	vs Bloomsburg	1:00pm	Veteran's Day
Saturday	November 16	vs Clarion	12:00pm	Senior Day