Game Preview - Lock Haven

The #9 Golden Rams (4-0, 3-0) host the Lock Haven Bald Eagles (0-4, 0-3). Kickoff at Farrell Stadium is set for noon on Saturday.

Series History:
West Chester holds a 20-6-1 lead in the series. Current WCU head coach Bill Zwaan is undefeated in his previous three meetings with the Bald Eagles. John Allen is in his fourth season as head coach of the Bald Eagles and owns a 4-32 record in that time.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
1950	Home	Win	39-21	1990	Away	Win	28-27
1951	Away	Win	35-6	1991	Home	Loss	13-7
1952	Home	Win	74-7	2008	Home	Win	37-6
1954	Home	Win	32-0	2009	Away	Win	43-0
1955	Away	Win	20-0	2013	Away	Win	34-13

Last Meeting:

10/18/2013 West Chester 34 - Lock Haven 13

The Golden Rams remained undefeated and spoiled Lock Haven's homecoming. West Chester scored touchdowns on their first two possessions and looked to dominate, and although they held a 24-3 halftime lead, they weren't in control of the game. The Bald Eagles won the third quarter 10-0 to cut West Chester's lead to 24-13, but West Chester tacked on a touchdown by Brandon Monk midway through the fourth quarter to pull away. Mike Labor led the defense with nine tackles and Ronell Williams had an interception and a sack.

Scouting the Opponent:

When a team is winless after one third of the season has been played, it’s an understatement to say that they’re struggling. Lock Haven ranks 14th in the PSAC in scoring with less than 17 points per game and they’re 12th in total offense. Their ground game is particularly a problem. After four games, they’ve rushed for a total of 318 yards; consider that the Golden Rams ran for 270 yards in their game against Millersville alone. When the Bald Eagles do run, they give it to Beau Swales (61 carries, 193 yards). Quarterback Caleb Walton (34 carries, 73 yards) is their second leading ground gainer, although he’s far more effective throwing the ball (85-160, 907 yards, 8 TD's, 4 interceptions). Walton’s top targets are wide receiver David Cook (21 catches, 256 yards, 3 TD’s) and Bernard Smack (19 catches, 183 yards, 2 TD’s).

Punter Bryce Stambaugh (24 punts, 38.8 yd avg) has forced ten fair catches and landed seven inside the opponents 20 yard line. Kicker Alex Boumerhi is only 2 of 6 on field goals, but has a long of 42 yards and is perfect on his seven PAT’s.

Free safety George Christas (36 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 5 pass breakups), strong safety Mike Williams (36 total tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, 4 pass breakups) and linebacker Tony Ballon (34 total tackles, 1.5 tackle for loss, 2 pass breakups) are among the top tacklers in the PSAC while cornerback Daniel Strawbridge (28 total tackles, 1.0 sack, 3 interceptions) leads the conference in interceptions. Nick Suriano (21 total tackles, 2.0 sacks) and Janosch Beauchamp (13 total tackles, 2.0 sacks) lead the four-man front.

Analysis:

Last year's analysis applies to this season's game with merely the names changing. "It's hard to imagine a scenario where Lock Haven can beat West Chester other than complete self-destruction by the Golden Rams. Offensively, Lock Haven ranks among the bottom in rushing, passing, and scoring in the conference." Last week, Lock Haven scored first at East Stroudsburg after an interception set up the offense at the ten, but the Warriors then scored 41 straight points.

"Expect a big day from Brandon Monk and hopefully some additional touches for Eddie Elliott and Jarel Elder. The passing offense doesn't need to win this game, but do just enough to maintain balance. Defensively West Chester should dominate this game with a big pass rush providing some opportunities for the secondary".

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video ($6.00)

PSAC Site - Football - Week 5 Notes

Lock Haven Athletic Site - Lock Haven at #9 West Chester

KYW Newsradio - West Chester Looks To Keep Rolling vs. Lock Haven

D2football - PSAC Columnist - Week 5 in the PSAC