Event News - Kraynik to Play in PSFCA East/West Game

A future Golden Ram is expected to play in the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) East/West All-Star Game on May 4 at Franklin Regional High School. Shane Kraynik has been named to the East squad which will be coached by Cardinal O'Hara head coach Danny Algeo. Kick-off is set for 2:00 pm.

EasternPAFootball.com - 2014 PSFCA East Roster

Team News - 2014 Unofficial Recruiting Class

Name	Pos	Ht	Wt	School
Dorian Arthur	DE	6-3	215	Neshaminy
Sean Boylan	DE	6-4	220	Archbishop Ryan
Mike Catalano	DB	6-1	175	St Mark's
Mike Class	RB	5-11	185	Pennridge
Steven Denby III	LB	6-1	220	Imhotep
John Derr	ATH	6-3	210	Upper Dublin
Jake Duncan	OT/DT	6-4	285	Central Bucks East
Ryan Fay	FB	6-4	230	Downingtown East
David Fithian	QB	6-1	185	West Chester Rustin
Connor Foley	K	6-0	200	Father Judge
Connor Gill	DE	6-2	220	North Penn
Stephen Harrison	OL/DL	6-2	295	Loyalsock
Corey Kelley	ATH	5-10	175	Penn Charter
J Kraiza	OL	6-4	225	Cardinal O’Hara
Shane Kraynik	OL	6-5	260	Pennridge
Kevin Leyden	RB	6-1	185	Haverford
Steve Marrazzo Jr	DE	6-1	220	Bishop McDevitt
Eric Morrison	OL	6-2	255	Egg Harbor Township
Brendan Paulison	K/P	6-1	195	Delaware Valley
Jared Reed	WR	6-3	210	Wissahickon
Nydair Rouse	WR	6-1	185	Simon Gratz
Tyler Shankle	LB	6-1	220	Garnet Valley
Ben Smith	DL	6-1	260	Bishop Shanahan
Ch'aim Smith	DE	6-4	236	York Suburban
Cameron Strause	RB	6-0	185	ELCO
Sean Steinmetz	LB	6-1	220	West Chester Rustin
Andrew Sykes	OL	6-4	300	Abington
Jai Thornton	CB	5-7	165	Haverford
Blaise Toroni	K	5-9	150	Conestoga
Connor Walsh	OL	6-2	240	Garnet Valley

Daily Local News - Local schools just beginning compiling class

Player News - Mike Catalano Becomes a Golden Ram

Mike Catalano (St Mark's, DE) was among the recruits introduced at halftime of the WCU spring game on Saturday. The 6-1, 175lb defensive back helped lead the Spartans to the Delaware Division I playoffs in each of the past two seasons, as St Mark's finished the 2012 campaign in the semi-finals. From his strong safety position, he's shown prowess in pass coverage, run tackling as well as blitzing. Catalano is slated to play for the Blue Roster in the 2014 DFRC Blue-Gold All*Star Football Game on June 21.

- 2013 Second Team All-State
- 2013 First Team All-Catholic
- 2012 Third Team All-State

WDEL 1150AM - Catalano's blocked punt powers St. Mark's win

2013 Highlight Video

Game Report - Purple 27 - Gold 18

West Chester Athletic Site - Purple Outduels Gold In Annual Spring Game, 27-18

Daily Local News - West Chester football debuts 2014 team at Purple-Gold game

Daily Local News - Photo Gallery

KYW Newsradio - Spring Football Update: West Chester Golden Rams

Alumni News - McDermott Hitting Homers

Former Golden Ram football captain and fullback Brian McDermott is participating in a fundraiser for Homers for Hope. Homers for Hope's primary mission is to provide financial assistance to families that have suffered a traumatic life event. They were instrumental in supporting Brian and his family after the accident that cost Brian one of his legs last May and this is his way of paying it forward.

Brian will partake in a home run hitting contest on June 7 at Campbell’s Field in Camden, NJ. Golden Ram fans can sponsor Brian in the event by making a donation on his secure donation page.

Player News - Andrew Sykes Coming to West Chester

Andrew Sykes (Abington) will play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-4, 300lb offensive tackle was instrumental in leading the Ghosts rushing attack which included over 2,000 yards for running back Craig Reynolds. Abington finished 2013 with a 10-4 record and defeated both Upper Dublin and top seeded Garnet Valley in the District One AAAA playoffs, falling in the semi-finals to eventual District champion Neshaminy.

- 2013 Third Team All-Suburban One National

GameTimePA.com - Abington rolls over William Tennent on Senior Night

2013 Highlight Video

Team News - 2014 Second Spring Scrimmage Report

The offense showed significant improvement from last week in the Golden Rams' second spring scrimmage held in Farrell Stadium. The weather was perfect and spirits were high as the players readied for Easter.Here are some observations:

• Fullback Camille Max made a nice catch from Pat Moriarty. On the very next play, Max laid a crushing block.
  
• The running game had a lot of success as both Eddie Elliott and Jarel Elder used their speed for long gains.
• R-Fr. defensive end John Dubyk had a quarterback sack.
• Shannon Mayer made a nice one-handed catch and Adam Dempsey was productive as ever over the middle.
• Captain Ronell Williams was in shorts and watched the action from the sidelines.
• One former player was especially impressed with the performances of wide receiver A.J. DePietro and tight end Connor McGrath in the receiving game.
• R-Fr. linebacker Jordan Mapp put pressure on the quarterback a number of times.
• Defensive end George Shipp made a downfield tackle of Adam Dempsey.
• Mohammed Diabate used his height to make a catch over John McGilligan for a one-play, 60-yard touchdown from Pat Moriarty.
• Ryan Boyd made a couple of tough catches again this week.
• The defense made a nice red zone stop including a crushing pass breakup by Ted Patton (now wearing #5 and playing defensive back) on Shannon Mayer.

The 2014 Spring Game is scheduled for this coming Saturday at noon in Farrell Stadium. The Fans of Golden Ram Football facebook page is reporting that there will then be a fundraising event to benefit WCU football at Barnaby’s from 3 until 6. So stop by for post-game refreshments.

Tight end Shawn Driggins takes in a swing pass

Jarel Elder looks for some running room

Sean McCartney and A.J. DePietro discuss the passing routes

Andrew Derr sporting his hockey playoff beard

Adam Dempsey makes a touchdown catch despite smothering coverage from Clint Passarella

Fullback Camille Max turns it upfield

Left tackle Evyn Stadulis protects Pat Moriarty from Pete Kirlin

Brandon Monk prepares for contact from a host of tacklers

Player News - Ch'aim Smith Coming to West Chester

The Daily Local is reporting that Ch'aim Smith (York Suburban) will be joining the Golden Rams. The 6-4, 236lb defensive end has become accustomed to spending time in the opponents' backfield. In his junior year, he tallied 49 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery on defense while also playing tight end on offense. Smith was also a standout wrestler for the Trojans, finishing his senior year with a 28-9 record, ranked third at 220 lbs in the YAIAA, and a sixth place finish in District III Class AA.

- 2013 Third Team Pennsylvania Football News All-State AAA
- 2013 First Team York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association
- 2012 First Team York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association
- 2012 Second Team York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association (Tight End)

GametimePA.com - York Suburban: A fresh start for the Trojans

2013 Highlight Video

2012 Highlight Video

Team News - Zwaan Speaks at Convention

West Chester University head coach Bill Zwaan spoke at the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Convention in Indianapolis this past January. Zwaan was among a number of coaches that delivered presentations on coaching philosophy. Others presenting on the topic at the convention included University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban, Baylor University head coach Art Briles, and Duke University head coach David Cutcliffe.

After reaching the national semi-finals, the Golden Rams (13-2) finished ranked #4 in the final American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II poll of the year. Zwaan was named Tri-State Coach of the Year and Super Region One Coach of the Year. The Golden Rams open the 2014 season at New Haven in West Haven, CT on the weekend of September 6.

American Football Coaches Association - 2014 Convention Video Gallery

Team News - 2014 First Spring Scrimmage Report

About 100 fans were on hand to take in the Golden Rams' first spring scrimmage on a sunny and warm Saturday morning on the South Campus practice field. There were no notable surprises, but the following observations:

• With captain Derek Schatz out for the spring, R-Fr. Devan LaBau got the bulk of the snaps at center.
  
• R-Fr Michael Unger saw the most time at left tackle.
• On one play, R-Fr. Jarel Elder zipped by All-American linebacker Ronell Williams and Andrew Derr lofted a touchdown pass to the wide open running back.
• Quarterback Drew Loughery was in shorts and only participated as a holder on kick attempts.
• Defensive back Pete Galiano had a crushing hit on Eddie Elliott on a completed pass in the flat.
• Ryan Boyd had a good catch in traffic from Pat Moriarty.
• With Tim Brown out for the spring, Bill Ford catching for the baseball team and Shawn Driggins a known entity, Connor McGrath is getting a lot of opportunities at tight end.
• Jeremy Irving appears to be the leading contender for the rover position vacated by Shawn Krautzel.

The next scrimmage is tentatively scheduled for this coming Saturday at 10:00 am on South Campus.

Golden Ram fans take in some spring football action

Running back Brandon Monk takes a handoff

Quarterback Andrew Derr looks downfield for a receiver

Linebacker Grant Garbutt stares down quarterback Eric Lark

Team News - Golden Rams Start Spring Practice

It’s somewhat ironic. Two years ago, the Golden Rams were coming off their second consecutive losing season. There was reason to be concerned and some were on the verge of panic. But the 2012 team returned West Chester to winning ways and the 2013 team advanced to the national semi-finals. Now this spring, after having the best season in school history, everyone’s feeling good. However, the 2014 squad will have a different look and this team needs to look forward rather than behind. With opening kickoff just five months from today, what are the issues to look for during spring practice?

3. Defensive Line

The D-line lost four seniors including All-PSAC East end Eric Edwers (75 tackles, 11.5 TFL’s, 7.0 sacks) who, last season, was fourth on the team in tackles and led the team in sacks. Also gone are end Chris DiValentino (48 tackles, 9.0 TFL’s), tackle Anthony McCloskey (45 tackles, 6.5 TFL’s) and tackle Demrick Cook (43 tackles, 8.0 TFL’s).

Fortunately, last year’s defensive team played a steady rotation up front. The 2014 unit will be led by All-PSAC East tackle Andrew Cohen (41 tackles. 8.5 TFL’s). Ends Kayo Bakare (27 tackles, 2.0 sacks) and Barry Lyons (11 tackles) saw action in all 15 games and Brian Butler (14 tackles, 2.0 TFL’s) played in 14 contests. Shaquil Ryder (11 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 int) and Kavon Johnson (2 tackles, 1.0 sack) also provide experience on the line.

2. Running Back

Okay, it’s no secret, the best player in Golden Ram history and consensus All-American Rondell White completed his college career. But there is plenty of talent at the running back position. In very limited playing time, Brandon Monk racked up almost 500 yards on the ground with a 7.5 yards per carry average and Eddie Elliott averaged over 12 yards per carry. Potentially complicating matters is diminutive but speedy R-Fr. Jarel Elder.

So White’s rushing capability may be replaced, but what made him so effective and problematic for opposing defenses was his ability to catch the ball either out of the backfield, from motion, or lined up outside. After all, last year he did lead the Golden Rams in both receptions (75) and receiving yards (843). Elliott saw a lot of time as a slot receiver last season, nabbing 20 catches for 345 yards and five touchdowns, so he has the potential to replace White’s receiving numbers. It will be interesting to see if Elliott stays at the receiver position where he was quite effective in using his speed to get open and make moves downfield. The coaches will determine what personnel is best utilized in which positions.

However, the main thing that White brought the offense and the team was confidence. When White was in the game, there was a sense of security, a belief that winning was always possible (remember Kutztown and Shippensburg?). The players and the coaches will need to overcome that 2013’s “go to” guy is no longer on the team. Maybe that responsibility shifts to quarterback Sean McCartney or maybe it gets distributed among several guys, but spring is the time to come to grips with that reality.

1. Offensive Line

The 2013 Golden Ram offense set numerous records. While some will claim that the offensive numbers were due to a deep playoff run resulting in playing 15 games, it’s equally justifiable to say that the deep playoff run resulting in playing 15 games was due to the offensive numbers. And while the individual numbers appear next to White’s and McCartney’s names, most of the credit can be attributed to the five men up front. With the exception of James Colivas at winless Cheyney, the unit started all 15 games. Tackles Adam Citko and Justin Bathurst and guard Trey Farmer all received All-PSAC East and ECAC honors. And all were seniors.

Leading the line this season will be team captain and center Derek Schatz and guard Colivas. Joining them will be guard Antoine Bland who played in every game last season and tackle Doug Gilbert who participated in half of last year’s contests. So there are two starters and two others that saw decent playing time. But the offensive line consists of five guys.

The good news last year was the unit was so talented and durable that the coaches were able to preserve redshirts for freshmen. The consequence is that one starter this season will have NO previous playing experience and there is NO experience backing up the starters. This isn’t to say that there isn’t talent among the reserves, just no one with real game snaps under his belt. This spring, expect to see Vince Lostracco, Tyler Drob, Devan LaBau, Michael Unger, Alex Host, and Evyn Stadulis to battle for that fifth spot.


Some may say that replacing the best kicker in Golden Ram history, Shawn Leo, is a question for this team. There’s no doubt that will be a topic of concern. However, for a couple of reasons, it’s not something that will be answered this spring. First, place kicking isn’t something that is especially featured in spring ball. But more pertinent is the fact that Rich Bruno is the only guy on the roster that puts his foot to the ball. So the question about the kicking game this spring has only one potential answer. There are three kickers from near and far that plan on coming to West Chester in the fall, so this topic will be more interesting after the summer solstice.

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Spring Football Notebook

Event News - Spring Calendar

Although most people in the Delaware Valley haven't had enough of the snow, wind and cold, it's time to come to grips with the fact that it's April. Therefore it's time for Golden Ram football fans to update their calendar with the variety of events related to WCU football. Over the next few months, there are several events from hall of fame inductions to spring scrimmages to high school all-star games featuring many West Chester recruits. Hope to see you there!!!

Day	Date	Time	Event	Location
Sat	April 12	10:00 am	Scrimmage	Farrell Stadium
Sat	April 19	10:00 am	Scrimmage	Farrell Stadium
Fri	April 25	6:00 pm	Killinger Foundation Banquet	Concord Country Club
Sat	April 26	Noon	Purple-Gold Game	Farrell Stadium
Sat	April 26	2:00 pm	2014 Geezer Bowl	Farrell Stadium
Sun	May 4	1:00 pm	PSFCA East/West All-Star Game	Franklin Regional High School
Sat	May 17	7:00 pm	City High School All-Star Game	Northeast High School
Sat	May 24	7:00 pm	Lancaster-Lebanon Tri-County All-Star	Manheim Central High School
Thur	May 29	7:15 pm	Valor Bowl	Unionville High School
Thur	May 29	7:30 pm	Hero Bowl	Widener University
Thur	June 5	7:30 pm	Bucks County Lions Football Classic	War Memorial Field, Doylestown
Sat	June 21	6:00 pm	DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star Game	University of Delaware Stadium