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
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 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).
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
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
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.
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
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