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Saturday, November 29, 2014

Game Report - Concord 51 - West Chester 36

The Concord defense had little answer for West Chester as the Golden Rams rolled up almost 700 yards of offense in the game. But the Mountain Lions used their superior special teams play and several big plays on offense to end West Chester’s season, 51-36.

For the second consecutive game, tight end Tim Brown and wide receiver Mike Doty both had big games. On the ground, running back Brandon Monk rushed for 122 yards despite leaving the game just before halftime due to an injury. Running back Eddie Elliott also eclipsed the 100-yard mark on the ground, carrying 21 times for 125 yards and a touchdown to go along with four catches for 24 yards. The Golden Rams doubled Concord in first downs (32-16), nearly doubled them in total plays (97-52), and held a significant nine minute advantage in time of possession.


But Concord had a running play of 87 yards and passing plays of 71, 50, 49 and 36 yards to account for 293 of their 619 yards in just five plays. And the Mountain Lions first touchdown came on a 68 yard return of a blocked 36-yard field goal attempt. Rich Bruno would later miss a 31-yard field goal attempt wide left. Meanwhile Concord connected on all three of their field goal attempts and averaged 51 yards on their three punts, including having two downed inside the West Chester 5. But the worst part about the special teams play was West Chester surrendering yards on kickoffs. Even with the wind at their back, the Golden Rams continued to squib or pooch the kickoffs, giving the Mountain Lions the ball to start six drives at an average of the 38 yard line. This compares to West Chester’s average starting point after kickoffs of the 26 yard line.

West Chester, so used to getting off to fast starts, found themselves trailing 10-0 and without the ball with three minutes remaining in the first quarter. But Cory Scott forced a fumble that squirted right into Brandon Pepper's arms giving the Golden Rams the ball at the Concord 34. Sean McCartney completed his first of three touchdown passes just four plays later. But Concord responded with a one-play touchdown drive on a 71-yard catch run past Pepper and Al-Hajj Shabazz.


The Golden Rams answered back early in the first quarter when Elliott went around the left end and made a beautiful diving leap while keeping the ball inside the pylon for the touchdown. Concord extended their lead back to ten points on a 39-yard pass play and a 31-yard touchdown pass. West Chester’s attempt to immediately answer got down to the Concord 18, but McCartney’s attempt to find Doty in the end zone was picked off for a touchback. On the Golden Ram’s next possession, he would place the ball perfectly to Doty and the score was narrowed to 24-21.

The West Chester defense forced a three-and-out, and with three minutes remaining, the Golden Ram offense would travel 98 yards to take the lead on a 5-yard McCartney to Shawn Driggins touchdown pass. But a short kickoff, good return and a 36-yard pass play setup a 44-yard field goal for Concord. West Chester would take a 28-27 lead into the locker room.


The second half started much the way the first had ended, with a short kickoff and a good return. But when Concord attempted a long pass to the end zone, Shabazz was there for his fifth interception of the season. The Golden Rams, behind 52 rushing yards of Elliott, would get down to the Concord nine after an 11-yard completion to Erick Brundidge. But rather than go for it on fourth and two, West Chester elected to attempt the field goal which went wide left.


A rejuvenated Concord offense quickly went 80 yards capped by a 50-yard touchdown pass on a back side screen play. Concord retook the lead, 34-28, and would not relinquish it. On West Chester’s next possession, a McCartney pass went through Shannon Mayer's hands and was intercepted. Concord would then use another one-play touchdown drive, this time an 87-yard run. Down 41-28, West Chester’s offense was held to a three-and-out. Concord used a 49-yard pass play to get deep into West Chester territory, but Scott forced a fumble giving West Chester the ball at their own three. The Golden Rams would go 95 yards, but Andrew Derr’s pass to Elliott fell short of the first down marker. Starting quarterback Sean McCartney was hurt on the drive, thus ending his season.


The West Chester defense held Concord to a 33-yard field goal, keeping West Chester within a two score striking distance at 44-28. Derr completed a short pass to Brown who bullied his way 62 yards for the touchdown. Derr completed the two-point conversion to Doty to pull the Golden Rams within one score, 44-36. The West Chester defense really did its part by forcing their second three-and-out, but Ted Patton failed to field the Concord punt and it was downed at the West Chester three.

Elliott picked up four yards on the ground, but two incomplete passes brought up fourth and six from the West Chester 7. It would seem that with two and a half minutes and three timeouts left that a punt was in order, but West Chester elected to go for it and the pass fell incomplete. It only took Concord two plays to punch in the final touchdown of the game. On West Chester's final possession, Brown would get a six-yard reception. It was his ninth catch of the contest for 216 yards.


The West Chester defense was unable to get significant pressure on the Concord quarterback let alone sack him in the game. Senior captains Ronell Williams and Mike Labor, playing in their final collegiate game, tallied eight and six tackles respectively. Cory Scott who came on strong as the season progressed, accounted for seven tackles. Although the defense registered ten tackles for loss, they totaled only 16 yards.


When the offense starts deep in its own territory and is only four of eight in the red zone, it’s easy to see how 691 yards equates to just 36 points. Meanwhile, when the opponent scores seven touchdowns and the longest one lasts only five plays, it’s easy to see how time of possession proves meaningless.

Bluefield Daily Telegraph - Teamwork produced CU playoff win
Concord Football - West Chester Game Highlights

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Team News - Thanksgiving Day Practice

Just to put things in perspective, 150 NCAA Division II football teams did not spend Thanksgiving morning like this!!!

The Golden Rams prepared for their second round payoff game at Concord on Saturday. West Chester is 2-2 in second round games, defeating Shippensburg by five points in 2004 and Bloomsburg by two last season. Both losses occurred at Bloomsburg, by one point in 2006 and by a touchdown in 2008. In Concord's only trip to the NCAA postseason, they lost a first-round game at Kutztown in 2011.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Club News - November 27 Meeting

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the Golden Ram Football Club will NOT be meeting on Thursday. Also, according to the Bill Zwaan Football Show facebook page, Coach Zwaan's weekly show will not be held. However, fans are encouraged to attend practice on Thursday morning which starts at 7:45 am on South Campus. There are only 16 football teams in all of Division II that have the need to practice this week and the team would appreciate your support as they prepare for Concord. This early start time allows everyone to then attend their favorite local high school contest prior to enjoying a holiday dinner with family and friends.

Finally, now that the regular season has concluded, the AFCA and D2Football.com polls will be suspended until the playoffs conclude. So while the Golden Rams continue postseason play, it's time for you to prepare for the Golden Ram Football Club web site awards. Please note, this has NOTHING to do with any awards that will be presented at the team banquet. Everyone's submission will be carefully considered and the best answers will be posted on this site a week or so after West Chester's final game of 2014. It's been quite a season so far, so take a few minutes to reflect on it.

The categories are:
  • Offensive MVP 
  • Defensive MVP 
  • Offensive unsung hero 
  • Defensive unsung hero 
  • Most impactful newcomer 
  • Best offensive performance by the team 
  • Best offensive performance by an individual 
  • Best offensive performance by an opposing team 
  • Best offensive performance by an opposing individual 
  • Best defensive performance by the team 
  • Best defensive performance by an individual 
  • Best defensive performance by an opposing team 
  • Best defensive performance by an opposing individual 
  • Most memorable game 
  • Most memorable single offensive play 
  • Most memorable single defensive play 
  • Most memorable single special teams play 
  • Most frustrating moment 
  • Best coaching decision 
  • Worst coaching decision 
To submit a response to one or more of the above categories, send an e-mail with the category and your answer to GoldenRamFootballClub@comcast.net. We look forward to your answers!!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Game Preview - Concord

The #15 Golden Rams (11-1) continue their journey through the NCAA Division II playoffs when they travel to Athens, WV to battle the #10 Concord Mountain Lions (11-0) on Saturday. Kickoff in Callaghan Stadium is scheduled for noon. West Chester is coming off a convincing 46-20 win over Slippery Rock in the first round while, as the top seed in Super Region I, Concord received a first-round bye.

Series History:

This will be the first meeting of these two schools on the football field.

Concord is under the leadership of fourth-year head coach Garin Justice. In 2011, his first season at the helm, he guided the Mountain Lions to a WVIAC title and Concord's only appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs. As the sixth seed, they lost in a first-round game at Kutztown by a 17-14 score. Concord since finished 7-4 and 8-3 prior to this season's current 11-0 record.

West Chester head coach Bill Zwaan is in his 12th season and owns a 9-6 record in the NCAA Division II playoffs, including 2-2 in the second round. He is 3-0 against teams currently in the Mountain East Conference with his most recent game being a 28-7 win at Shepherd in last year's Super Region I final.

Scouting the Opponent:

Much like West Chester, Concord is best known for their high octane offense led by their marquee quarterback. Sophomore Brian Novak (174-286, 2,938 yards, 30 TD's, 10 int) is the Mountain East Conference Offensive Player of the Year and is a Harlon Hill nominee. Although 15 different Mountain Lions have caught passes, Novak's favorite target is MEC Offensive Freshman of the Year TJ Smith (46 catches, 987 yards, 12 TD's). Concord's other top receivers are Davon McGill (24 catches, 331 yards, 2 TD's) and Ryan Stewart (21 catches, 502 yards, 10 TD's), although Stewart did not register a catch at Shepherd and did not play the previous three games. The Mountain Lions' running attack is similar in that it has a main feature, but a large supporting cast. Calvinaugh Jones (195 carries, 1,370 yards, 9 TD's) certainly gets a bulk of the carries and Ben Nester (37 carries, 188 yards, 5 TD's) has accumulated all of his numbers in the final six games of the regular season. Angus Harper (54 carries, 193 yards, 7 TD's) and redshirt freshman Jamal Petty (107 carries, 571 yards, 5 TD's) give them further options. The entire offensive line was named all conference.

On special teams, Alabama St transfer Jermeil Douse handles punt returns and has accumulated 394 yards on 22 returns including a 65-yard touchdown against West Liberty. Among Tiko Henderson's 15 kickoff returns is a 92-yard touchdown at Shepherd. Redshirt freshman Garrett Lee averages 38.5 yards per punt and has landed 14 inside the opponent 20 while booming eight for 50 yards or more. Kicker Andy Ellington leads the team in scoring on 57 of 61 PAT's and 14 of 20 field goals with a long of 52. He's 6 of 8 from 40 and beyond, but has misses from 31 and 33.

The Concord defense is loaded with all-conference players. Up front are defensive tackles Will Greathouse (45 tackles, 7 TFL's, 2 blocked kicks) and DT Silas Agyemang (32 tackles, 9 TFL's), nose guard Darryl Johnson (42 tackles, 10 TFL's), and defensive ends Keith Ferguson (34 tackles, 7 TFL's, 3 forced fumbles) and Ervin Moore (38 tackles, 15 TFL's). In the middle are their top tacklers, linebackers LB Nick Ortiz (63 tackles, 18 TFL's) and Austin Dotson (50 tackles, 6 TFL's, 7 pass breakups). And the secondary is loaded with cornerback Mike Carey (37 tackles, 4 int, 8 pass breakups), redshirt freshman cornerback Jeremiah Johnson (42 tackles, 4 int, 12 pass breakups), strong safety Derrick Johnson (49 tackles, 5 TFL's, 5 int, 7 pass breakups) and Portland St transfer, free safety Mishawn Cummings (35 tackles, 5 pass breakups). Ortiz and Moore are the Concord sack leaders with six apiece. As a team, the defense has registered 30 sacks and 19 interceptions this season.

Analysis:
This season, Concord has had three games that Justice himself says could have gone the other way based on one or two plays. In week three, they defeated a Bowie St team that finished 5-5 by a score of 37-34 with the Bulldogs' fourth and two pass falling incomplete at the Concord 12 with 35 seconds left. A few weeks later, Concord needed a touchdown in the final two minutes to beat conference rival Charleston 24-20. And in the final week of the regular season, Shepherd scored a touchdown late in the game to take the contest to overtime. The Rams held Concord to a field goal in OT, but then Concord blocked Shepherd's field goal attempt to capture the MEC title. The bottom line is Concord won those three close games like good teams tend to do.

Statistically, the Mountain Lions and Golden Rams are VERY similar. Concord out scores their opponents by an average of 45-19; West Chester outscores theirs 40-18. Even breaking scoring down by half is even with both teams usually getting out to fast starts. Concord is a bit better in the running game on both sides of the ball as they outgain opponents 218-115 while West Chester outruns foes 189-141. But West Chester is better through the air 297-167 compared to Concord's 277-222. In general, both teams are fairly balanced.

In the turnover area, with their 19 interceptions Concord is +18 compared to West Chester being -1 having lost 12 fumbles. The West Chester defense outsacks their opponents 34-15 while Concord has registered 30 sacks while yielding only 16. Believe it or not, Concord has more penalties and yards (106 for 1,004 yards) than West Chester (90 for 885 yards) and West Chester has played one more game than Concord! Field goal and PAT kicking favors the Mountain Lions, but punting appears to be even. It's hard to compare kickoff coverage as the Golden Rams have resorted to popup or squib kicks after giving up a few long returns this season.

With both teams being so similar, they both also have the same fundamental keys - pressure the opposing quarterback, establish a running game, don't turn the ball over, and minimize the impact of penalties.

Notes:
The winner of this contest will face the winner of Virginia St and Bloomsburg in the Super Region I championship at noon on Saturday, December 6. Should Concord win, as the top seed in the region, they will host the regional final. As the fourth seed, West Chester played its final game at Farrell Stadium for the season when they defeated Slippery Rock on Saturday.

Game Coverage:


Bluefield Daily Telegraph - Unique opportunity
Bluefield Daily Telegraph - Mountain Lions open postseason at home
D2football - PSAC Columnist - Super Region 1 Playoffs: Second Round
D2football - National Columnist - Bob Eblen - National Columnist

Note - Phone number on the above flyer is incorrect. Please contact 484-368-9882, but best to e-mail Jim Brazill.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Team News - Seventh 2014 Lambert Poll

The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) has released the seventh Lambert Meadowlands football poll of the 2014 season. West Chester University remains second on the list. The Golden Rams defeated Slippery Rock this past Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs and travel to Athens, WV to take on Concord in round two. The Lambert Meadowlands Trophy recognizes supremacy in Eastern college football.

Ranking
School
Overall Record
1.
Bloomsburg
10-1
2.
West Chester
11-1
3.
Slippery Rock
9-3
4.
Gannon
9-2
5.
LIU Post
8-4
6.
American International
8-3
7.
California
8-2
8.
Mercyhurst
7-4
9.
Assumption
7-4
10.
Alderson Broaddus
7-4

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Game Report - West Chester 46 - Slippery Rock 20

Well defensive coordinator Mike Furlong and his charges sure answered all of the questions of "if" and "how" the Golden Rams would stop Slippery Rock’s vaunted rushing attack. The Rock entered the contest averaging 231 yards per game, but West Chester held them to just 31 net rushing yards. Before the half, when the outcome of the contest was still in question, the Rock had 52 yards passing, -17 yards rushing for just 35 yards of total offense. It was truly a remarkable accomplishment by the West Chester D.


Spending most his time in the Rock backfield was defensive end Andrew Cohen who had a game high nine tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. Right behind him were three other members of the front seven - Ronell Williams with eight tackles, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble, Mike Labor with seven tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss and Shaquil Ryder with seven tackles and half of a sack. And Slippery Rock’s Harlon Hill candidate Shamar Greene was held to net 23 yards on 13 carries with a long run of 11 yards.


Actually Slippery Rock’s only touchdown prior to the outcome being decided came after a series of unfortunate events for West Chester. First rather than allowing a windswept punt to enter the end zone for a touchback, Brandon Monk elected to field the ball at the West Chester 6. To make the field position even worse, the Golden Rams committed a block in the back penalty, so the starting position was pushed back to the 5. After the offense gained just three yards, Rich Bruno managed only a 23-yard punt into the wind giving the Rock the ball at the West Chester 31. And the Rock had to convert a fourth down before they completed a 21-yard touchdown pass. In the first half, the Golden Ram defense forced the Rock into seven three-and-outs while another drive ended after just two plays on a Blaise Schieler interception.


Meanwhile the Rock defense that allowed less than 300 yards passing per game this season, gave up 328 yards and five touchdowns by Sean McCartney in the first half alone!!! Tight end Tim Brown had seven catches for 164 yards and touchdown catches of 33, 34 and 23 yards while Mike Doty hauled in five balls for 108 yards and a touchdown. While it was expected that the West Chester offense would be able to move the ball and score, few thought it would be so easy.


About the only thing that kept Golden Ram fans on edge were Bruno’s kicks. His first three PAT’s were way wide left and he was charged with two kick offs out of bounds, again to the left. What makes this troubling was that he missed three PAT’s last week at Indiana, again all wide to the left. Against the Rock, West Chester failed on their first two-point conversion attempt, converted the second on a McCartney to Erick Brundidge pass, before Bruno kicked the final two through.


What might be overlooked by McCartney’s fireworks and the overall Golden Ram defensive effort was the running game. The Rock entered the playoffs with the PSAC’s third best rushing defense, allowing only 87 yards per contest but West Chester pounded out a clock consuming 148 yards on the ground. Even if only Monk’s and Eddie Elliott’s number are considered, that is, prior to the reserves entering the game, they amount to 95 yards.


While penalties continued to be a problem – ten flags for 99 yards - McCartney was not sacked and West Chester did not turn the ball over. While the Rock finished the game with 158 total yards, well off their season average of 488, 99 of those came on their final two possessions which resulted in touchdowns against the Golden Ram reserves. Overall it was a dominating first-round effort with a lot of guys getting playing time.


D2football - PSAC Columnist - West Chester Advances to Second Round

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Player News - Shabazz Nominated For Cliff Harris Award

Senior cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz has been named a candidate for the Cliff Harris Award which is presented to the small college defensive player of the year. The award was created last year by the Little Rock Touchdown Club and is presented to the top defensive player among NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA schools as chosen by head coaches and a committee of college and professional football greats.

Shabazz currently has 35 total tackles including 24 solo stops. His four interceptions, which he returned for 53 yards, coupled with his 11 pass breakups gives him 15 passes defended. Shabazz also blocked a punt and recovered it for a touchdown at New Haven and he also returned an interception for a touchdown at Kutztown. He was named PSAC East Co-Defensive Player of the Week for his four tackle, one interception and blocked punt effort at New Haven. He was named first team All-PSAC East, Preseason Beyond Sports Network All-PSAC, Preseason third team Beyond Sports Network All-American, Preseason first team USA Football Network All-American, and Preseason first team D2football.com All-American.


Among the 106 nominees, 51 are from Division II, 35 are from Division III and 20 are from NAIA schools. Finalists will be chosen from each division in two weeks and the overall winner will be announced on December 24. The trophy will be presented to the recipient at the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s annual awards banquet in February 2015 featuring guest speaker Lou Holtz.

The candidates from the PSAC are:

Friday, November 21, 2014

Player News - Derek Schatz Nominated For Gene Upshaw Award

Senior center Derek Schatz has been named one of the candidates for the Gene Upshaw Award which is presented to the top lineman in Division II football. The award was created in 2004 by the Manheim Touchdown Club and is presented to the top junior or senior offensive or defensive lineman in Division II as selected by the sports information directors.


Schatz was All-PSAC East first team as a junior and senior. Last season, when the Golden Rams advanced to the NCAA Division II semi-finals and finished 13-2, he was named second team Daktronics All-Super Region 1, first team Don Hansen Football Gazette All-Super Region One, and honorable mention Don Hansen Football Gazette All-American. Prior to this season, Schatz was named Preseason Beyond Sports Network All-PSAC, Preseason third team Beyond Sports Network All-American, Preseason second team Lindy's All-Division II, Preseason first team USA Football Network All-American, and Preseason first team Collegiate Development Football League All-American. Heading into Saturday's NCAA Division II first round playoff game versus Slippery Rock, the Golden Rams rank 25th in the country in total offense with 476 yards per game and 17th in scoring with almost 40 points per game.


The initial field of nominees narrows to two finalists from each region on November 24. Those eight names then comprise the national ballot. The overall winner will be announced on December 15. The annual winner has a standing invitation to the East/West Shrine Game and the NFLPA All-Star Game, which gives the winner an opportunity to play in front NFL coaches and scouts prior to the NFL Draft

The 16 candidates from Super Region I are:

Manheim Touchdown Club - Region 1 Ballot

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Player News - Sean McCartney Nominated for Harlon Hill Award

Senior quarterback Sean McCartney has been named one of 36 candidates for the Harlon Hill Trophy. The Harlon Hill Trophy is presented to NCAA Division II's College Football Player of the Year.


This season, McCartney has completed 202 passes of 335 attempts (60.3%) for 2,998 yards, 34 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has also rushed for two touchdowns. His quarterback efficiency rating of 164.2 is seventh best in the country. McCartney was named PSAC East Offensive Player of the Week after the Millersville and Shippensburg contest. And just yesterday, he was named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Year.

The country is divided into four regions and the sports information directors from each region voted to get to the current field. Regional voting, which ends November 28, narrows the field to two players from each region. Those eight players are then placed on the national ballot. The winner will be announced via a webcast on December 19 and the Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation will take place at a luncheon on January 9 in Florence, AL.

The eleven candidates from Super Region I are:
  • QB Brendan Boylan - Mercyhurst
    192-319, 2,952 yards, 29 TD's, 8 int, 162.9 eff

  • QB Joey Bradley - New Haven
    251-397, 2,675 yards, 20 TD's, 8 int, 132.4 eff

  • WR Garry Brown - California
    62 catches, 1,143 yards, 8 TD's

  • RB Shamar Greene - Slippery Rock
    230 carries, 1,459 yards, 10 TD's, 11 catches, 265 yards

  • QB Danny Guadagnoli - Bentley
    260-438, 3,443 yards, 31 TD's, 10 int, 144.2 eff

  • WR Trevor Harman - Shippensburg
    98 catches, 947 yards, 11 TD's

  • QB Steven Laurino - LIU Post
    288-472, 3,305 yards, 28 TD's, 11 int, 134.8 eff, 185 carries, 602 yards, 18 TD's

  • QB Sean McCartney - West Chester
    202-335, 2,998 yards, 34 TD's, 8 int, 164.2 eff

  • QB Brian Novak - Concord
    174-286, 2,938 yards, 30 TD's, 10 int, 174.8 eff

  • LB Justin Shirk - Bloomsburg
    97 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 1 int, 2 PBU, 3 QBH, 2FF

  • QB Matt Soltes - East Stroudsburg
    180-300, 2,778 yards, 30 TD's, 8 int, 165.5 eff

Game Preview - Slippery Rock

The #15 Golden Rams (10-1) return to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the second consecutive season when they host Slippery Rock (9-2) on Saturday at noon. West Chester received the #4 seed in Super Region I while Slippery Rock is seeded #5 after defeating Bloomsburg in the PSAC championship game.

This season, Slippery Rock and West Chester shared seven common opponents. The only outcomes that the two teams did not share were Bloomsburg (Slippery Rock win 28-26, West Chester lost 41-10) and Mercyhurst (Slippery Rock lost 45-23 in Ann Arbor, MI, West Chester won 38-14). It's interesting to note that both of Slippery Rock's losses came by 20+ points.

Series History:

The overall series is even at seven games each, with head coach Bill Zwaan owning a 2-1 record against the Rock. Slippery Rock head coach George Mihalik is in his 27th season and has a career record of 185-108-4. He led the Rock to the playoffs in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2013 and has a postseason record of 3-4, although 0-3 on the road. Winston-Salem St knocked out the Rock in the first round last year, 27-20.

These two teams met for the conference championship game in 1961, 1963, 1972, 1973 and 1974 with West Chester winning the first two and Slippery Rock capturing the final three. In the final game of the regular season in 2006, with both teams owning a 7-3 record and the winner destined for the NCAA playoffs, West Chester won by a score of 21-20 when the Rock's 48-yard field goal attempt drifted wide left in the pouring rain in Slippery Rock.

In 2010 also in Slippery Rock, Shawn Leo kicked a field goal to put the Golden Rams up 27-24 with two and a half minutes left. But the Rock converted a 47-yard field goal of their own with 31 seconds left to send the game into overtime. The Rock quickly scored a touchdown in overtime, but Nick Garcia blocked the point after giving West Chester hope. Although the Golden Rams picked up a first down, they were unable to get into the end zone and fell 33-27.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year
H/A
W/L
Score
Year
H/A
W/L
Score
1961
Home
Win
21-0
1996
Home
Win
31-21
1963
Home
Win
36-7
1997
Away
Loss
27-14
1972
Away
Loss
29-27
2006
Away
Win
21-20
1973
Home
Loss
28-14
2010
Away
Loss
33-27 OT
1974
Away
Loss
20-7
2011
Home
Win
20-17


Last Meeting:


09/17/2011 West Chester 20 - Slippery Rock 17

West Chester was desperate for a win after opening the 2011 season 0-2 and were hosting 2-0 Slippery Rock. In a defensive struggle in which the Rock outgained the Golden Rams 295-221, West Chester won by a score of 20-17. West Chester used two big plays, a 65-yard touchdown catch by Rondell White and a 49-yard punt return by Jackson Fagan, and two Shawn Leo field goals for the scoring. Sean McCartney completed only seven passes in 18 attempts for 143 yards and a touchdown. And both teams managed only 53 yards rushing. As a redshirt freshman, linebacker Mike Labor registered a game-high 12 tackles including a tackle for loss and an interception. John O'Donnell had two interceptions including one at the West Chester 22-yard line with a minute left to secure the win.

Scouting the Opponent:
In Slippery Rock, the Golden Rams will see a team that is almost a mirror image of itself. Both have high octane spread offenses that post big numbers in terms of both yards and points, and relatively stingy 4-3 defenses that limit both yards and points. How the Rock gets it done on offense is different, though, as they will run the ball 50 times a game, but they still log a respectable 257 yards per game through the air. Defensively, the Rock allows less than 90 yards per game on the ground, but their pass defense appears to be somewhat susceptible in terms of yards. However they also have 16 interceptions, second in the PSAC only to Bloomsburg. Slippery Rock and West Chester are one and two in the PSAC in kickoff returns, two and three in kick coverage, are separated by only two yards in net punting, and three yards per punt return. The list goes on, but you get the idea.

The running game is led by sophomore Shamar Greene (230 carries, 1,459 yards, 10 TD’s) who has rushed for at least 100 yards eight times this season, including 116 yards against Bloomsburg last week. He has lost five fumbles this season, including two in the PSAC championship game on Saturday. The Rock also looks to Greene in the passing game as he has 25 catches for 265 yards. He’s spelled by Indiana (PA) transfer Teddy Blakeman (108 carries, 445 yards, 8 TD’s) who is a bigger running back at 5’10 210 lbs. Both were All-PSAC West last season. They run behind a line that returned all five starters from last season, including Cory Tucker who was also All-PSAC West last year.

The Rock passing game is where things get interesting. Redshirt sophomore Zack Newsock (149-239, 1,664 yards, 12 TD’s, 10 interceptions) opened the season as the starting quarterback, but gave way to senior Jared Buck (81-127, 1,103 yards, 11 TD’s, 3 interceptions) after throwing three picks in their loss at California. Buck has played very well and was named Most Valuable Player of the PSAC championship game, but left that game after getting knocked unconscious early on the fourth quarter and did not return. Buck (44 carries, 175 yards, 1 TD) is also a mobile quarterback, and is expecting to be ready for Saturday. Even so, Newsock has plenty of experience and, oh yeah, Shamar Greene to carry the ball 20+ times.

When it comes to receivers, get out your mirror again. The Rock has seven players with at least 14 catches this season with none having gained 600 yards. Their top receiver is Melvin German (31 catches, 562 yards, 7 TD’s) who’s a 6’3 senior transfer for Florida Atlantic. All-PSAC West Jaimire Dutrieuille (49 catches, 547 yards, 4 TD’s) is a 5’8 speedster and Drew Scales (42 catches, 446 yards, 2 TD’s) is another option. Youngstown St transfer Juilian Harrell (14 catches, 14 yards, 1 TD) was All-PSAC West last season at tight end.

Scales handles both punt and kick returns and returned a kickoff for touchdown against Seton Hill. Against Gannon, Sam Funk blocked a punt and Nick Davis returned it six yards for a touchdown. Sounds a lot like Shabazz at New Haven. Punter Andrew Huska is averaging 38 yards on 58 punts, landing 18 inside the 20, forcing 18 fair catches, but also eight touchbacks. Mike Wainauskis is 10 of 12 on field goals with a long of 41 (two blocked) and 51 of 55 PAT’s. Tyler Matusak handles kickoff duties and has 15 touchbacks on 75 kickoffs.

Defensively, redshirt freshman defensive end Marcus Martin (66 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 QB hurries) was named PSAC West Freshman of the Year. He leads the PSAC and is third in the country with 16.0 sacks this season. All-PSAC West linebacker Austin Miele (86 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups) is the Rock’s leading tackler and will appear to be everywhere on the field.

In the secondary, free safety Derrick Fulmore (57 tackles, six interceptions, 5 pass breakups) is second in the PSAC in interceptions. Cornerbacks Admire Carter (29 tackles, three interceptions, 16 pass breakups) and Kris Williams (40 tackles, 14 pass breakups) are among the leaders in the PSAC in passes defended. Strong safety Isaiah Coleman (60 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, five pass breakups) is also an asset in stopping the run.

Analysis:
This game looks to come down to if West Chester's defense can stop Slippery Rock's running game better than Slippery Rock's defense can stop West Chester's passing game. Yes, both teams have balance to their offenses, but when it comes to crunch time, each relies on its bread and butter.

The Rock's two losses were very different from each other, although the final margin was 20 points in each. California ran out to a 28-3 lead and the Rock never got closer than 15 points. Whereas in Ann Arbor, the Rock held a 23-14 lead, but failed to score in the second half. And Bloomsburg shut out Slippery Rock in the second half this past Saturday, but the deficit was too big for the Huskies to overcome. The Golden Rams are used to fast starts, outscoring opponents 138-34 in the first quarter and 258-84 in the first half. We may know the outcome by the time the Incomparable Golden Ram Marching Band takes the field at intermission.

Notes:

The game will be broadcast live on WPHL Channel 17...The winner of this contest will travel to Athens, WV to face the #2 seed Concord Mountain Lions at noon on Saturday, November 29.

Game Coverage:


D2football - National Columnist - Bob Eblen - National Columnist