After film study, game planning, and practice, the first several plays of the game are scripted for the West Chester offense. As it has in five of the team’s first seven games this season, this preparation usually results in a score on the Golden Rams’ first possession, including last Saturday’s one-play, 90-yard touchdown pass. In the two games that West Chester didn’t score on their opening drive – Seton Hill and Kutztown – they at least readily moved the ball down the field. Against Bloomsburg, the first play almost went for a pick six the other way. The second play was a Brandon Monk fumble which resulted in a Husky touchdown six plays later. West Chester never recovered.
In the first quarter, West Chester had as many punts as offensive first downs – three. But it’s not like there weren’t opportunities. When a Rich Bruno punt pinned the Huskies at their own 12, the defense gave up a 56-yard run. When the offense did find some success early in the second quarter, as they have so many times this season, they sputtered after a first down inside the ten and settled for a field goal. The defense forced a three-and-out and the offense briskly moved 40 yards only to see the drive end in an interception.
Trailing 24-3 at intermission, any chance for a comeback required a fast start to the second half. Defensive end Andrew Cohen did his part by registering a third down sack at the Bloomsburg four yard line. An 18-yard punt gave the Golden Rams the ball at the Bloomsburg 22! Rather than throwing into the end zone, the offense picked up three yards on two short runs and an incomplete pass on a would be touchdown to Erick Brundidge. Desperately needing a touchdown, West Chester elected a 38-yard field goal attempt which was hooked wide left. There would be no comeback in this game.
The Huskies then dutifully marched down the field, 79 yards in eight plays, ending on a 21-yard touchdown pass when Blaise Schieler bit on a pump fake. A Sean McCartney sack and fumble led to another Bloomsburg field goal. Late in the third quarter trailing 34-3, West Chester would score their only touchdown on a 22-yard touchdown pass from McCartney to Tim Brown. It would be their only play of more than 20 yards in the game. West Chester had seven players with plays of more than 20 yards in just the first half against Millersville.
The Huskies flubbed the ensuing squib kick giving West Chester the ball at the Bloomsburg 34. But McCartney’s pass attempt to Brown through double coverage was picked off at the one. A three-and-out and a 19-yard punt gave West Chester the ball at the Bloomsburg 26, but McCartney threw an interception on the first play of this possession.
In all, West Chester committed six turnovers including four interceptions from McCartney; he only had three in the previous seven games. The offensive line surrendered five sacks; they only allowed eight in the previous seven games. The defense allowed 454 yards in rushing including six carries of at least 20 yards. It was an all-around team effort
Bright spots? Eddie Elliott used his speed outside to pick up 64 yards on the ground. Other than the missed field goal, special teams had a good day. Bruno and the coverage teams averaged 42 yards per punt and recovered the squib kickoff. Cory Scott had five solo tackles and a total of eight tackles to even Ronell Williams as leaders on defense.
As bad as this game was, it was just that – one game. Coming into Saturday, West Chester needed to win three of their last four to ensure an invitation to the playoffs. That one game of freedom is now gone. It’s not that a 9-2 finish won’t get the Golden Rams into the postseason, it just becomes more uncertain. West Chester will be listed when the first official NCAA regional rankings are released next week, probably fourth or fifth.
West Chester Athletic Site - No. 8 Bloomsburg Defeats No. 7 West Chester, 41-10
Bloomsburg Athletic Site - No. 8 Huskies Run Over No. 7 West Chester, 41-10
Daily Local News - WCU thrashed by Bloomsburg
News Item - Bloomsburg gets big win over West Chester
D2football - PSAC Columnist - Bloomsburg Takes Control of the PSAC East Division
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