Series History:
Overall, New Haven leads the series 8-5-1, including the last tie in West Chester history in 1995. Head coach Bill Zwaan is 2-1 against New Haven having defeated the Chargers 28-17 in West Haven, CT in his first game at the helm of the Golden Rams in 2003. For New Haven head coach Chris Pincince, Saturday will mark his first game as a head coach after serving as offensive coordinator at several programs, including Elon, Rhode Island, Holy Cross as well as New Haven. After leading the Chargers to three consecutive NE-10 championships and two NCAA Division II playoff appearances, former head coach Pete Rossomando took the same position at Central Connecticut after last year's 8-3 finish.
Last 10 Meetings:
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
1995
|
Home
|
Tie
|
36-36
|
2001
|
Away
|
Loss
|
32-28
|
1996
|
Away
|
Win
|
24-17
|
2002
|
Home
|
Loss
|
28-19
|
1997
|
Home
|
Loss
|
32-26
|
2003
|
Away
|
Win
|
28-17
|
1998
|
Away
|
Win
|
33-27 (OT)
|
2011
|
Away
|
Loss
|
35-32 (OT)
|
2000
|
Home
|
Loss
|
7-0
|
2013
|
Home
|
Win
|
45-14
|
Last Meeting:
09/07/2013 West Chester 45 - New Haven 14
In a game that was not as close as the score indicates, the Golden Rams trounced the Chargers, who were ranked #12 in the country at the time, by a score of 45-14 at Farrell Stadium to open the 2013 season. West Chester scored on five of its first six possessions, electing to forego a chip shot field goal on fourth and goal from the one.
The balanced Golden Ram offense rolled up 515 total yards - 225 rushing and 290 passing - and were forced to punt only twice with both of those coming within New Haven territory. Quarterback Sean McCartney had a rating of 208.7 for the contest and the offensive line did not yield a sack. Senior running back Rondell White had 96 yards rushing and 94 yards receiving, while running backs Eddie Elliott and Brandon Monk combined for 102 yards on the ground. Wide receiver Erick Brundidge hauled in four catches for 79 yards including a 46-yard touchdown.
Meanwhile, the West Chester defense held New Haven's offense to under 300 total yards and kept preseason All-American running back Mike DeCaro to just 56 yards rushing and 25 yards receiving. Safety Shawn Krautzel had an interception to go along with his eight tackles while linebacker Mike Labor led the Golden Rams with ten tackles. Defensive end Chris DiValentino had three total tackles, including a 9-yard sack on fourth down to give the Golden Rams possession.
Scouting the Chargers:
Although the Chargers list 24 seniors on their roster, not many of them have significant experience playing for New Haven. All-purpose player and leading ground gainer Mike DeCaro (135 carries, 937 yards, 10 TD's; 27 catches, 407 yards, 3 TD's; 11 punt returns, 127 yards, 1 TD; 29 kickoff returns, 818 yards, 1 TD) is gone to graduation. So is quarterback Ronnie Nelson (167-274, 2,721 yards, 29 TD's, 7 int's; 121 carries, 635 yards, 9 TD's) who was their second leading rusher.
The more experienced of New Haven's two running backs is Trevor Officer (45 carries, 254 yards, 113 of which came against 1-10 St Anselm, 3 TD's). Their top returning receivers are Ty Headen (22 catches, 346 yards, 4 TD's) and Roshawn Wilson (11 catches, 145 yards, 1 TD). Among the seven senior offensive linemen, only two started last year against West Chester - Zach Guy and Zach Voytek. Both were All-Northeast 10 selections. University of North Dakota transfer Joey Bradley (4-9, 54 yards, 2 TD's) is likely to get the nod at quarterback.
Defensively, the Chargers' leading tackler from last season was cornerback Najae Brown (78 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 9 pass breakups) who was named NE10 Rookie of the Year and Division II National Freshman of the Year. But he is no longer on the roster. Key returning defenders are strong safety Sherwood Jonathas (55 tackles, 3 TFL's), linebacker Herbens Antenor (51 tackles, 5 pass breakups) and free safety David Nooks (54 tackles, 7 pass breakups).
Analysis:
With a new head coach and a lot of new regulars including all of the offensive skill positions, New Haven has many questions that need to be answered. Meanwhile, West Chester mainly has only one question that needs to be addressed - does this team have the same wherewithall now that the best all around player in Golden Ram history, Rondell White, has moved on? They certainly have the talent, senior leadership and an experienced coaching staff. This opening game on the road against a traditionally quality opponent will be a good test to get that question answered.
Game Coverage:
PSAC Site - Football - Week 1 Notes
New Haven Athletic Site - Week 1 Game Notes
philly.com - Widener, Rowan will clash in football on Friday
KYW Newsradio - West Chester University Opens 2014 Season Saturday At New Haven
New Haven Register - Chris Pincince era begins at New Haven
Daily Local News - WCU opens at new-look New Haven
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week 1 Preview
D2football - NE10 Columnist - Week 1 in the NE-10
D2football - National Columnist - Top Games in Week One
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