It wasn't like Brown wasn't in the game plan. He was thrown to seven times in the contest including the first play from scrimmage (who coudldn't see that coming). However, Pat Moriarty's passes were out of Brown's reach except for one key 23-yard catch on a third and 20 play on West Chester's second touchdown drive. Moriarty's final numbers were not bad - 20 of 38 for 302 yards and three touchdowns - but only a handful of those completions were downfield, including a 59-yard bomb to Jim Hurley. Most of those passing yards came after the catch with Elder accounting for 84 yards on 8 catches. Even completions to Eddie Elliott (3 for 33 yards) and Eerin Young (2 for 23 yards) were short yardage in nature.
But the real spark on offense was Elder. With senior Brandon Monk not dressed due to an injury incurred last week at Mercyhurst, Elder carried the ball 25 times for 247 yards and three scores. That's the sixth best rushing game in West Chester history and his 365 all-purpose yards is third-best all time.
Cornerback Ted Patton, who had two nice tackles for loss on quick out passes, got things started when he picked off a Seton Hill pass and returned it 34 yards to the Seton Hill 10. Moriarty completed a dump off pass to Elder who raced into the end zone. Brendan Paulison converted his first of six PAT's to go along with his two field goals to give West Chester the 7-0 lead.
Seton Hill's offense was fairly well contained early on, but they started to find one-on-one match-ups and their receivers got behind the Golden Ram secondary as three of their touchdowns came on passes of 43, 52 and 37 yards. Unlike last year's contest when West Chester's defense controlled the entire contest, the Golden Ram defense didn't assert itself until West Chester reclaimed the lead 41-38 with under three minutes left in the game. Andrew Cohen had two quarterback hurries and Brandon Pepper had a pick. After Elder scooted 51 yards for his fourth score of the game, Cohen registered a sack and Nydair Rouse notched an interception to end the contest.
Notes - Besides Monk, also not dressed for the game were defensive back Blaise Schieler and linebacker Tyler Morrissey. H-back Brandon Spatz dressed but did not participate...Left tackle Doug Gilbert left the game briefly, but returned to action. Right tackle Vince Lostracco left and did not return...Former Golden Ram kicking star Shawn Leo was on the sidelines with the current kickers...Despite being converted to wide receiver, Elliott had seven carries for 85 yards, including a sparkling 26-yard run. He finished the game with 118 all-purpose yards...Besides his sack, Cohen was credited with three quarterback hurries and pass breakup...Drew Formica and Kevin Duggan were the leading tacklers with six apiece.
West Chester Athletic Site - Big Fourth Quarter Leads West Chester Past Seton Hill, 48-38
Seton Hill Athletic Site - Griffins Battle but Fall at West Chester, 48-38
Daily Local News - WCU calls on its Elder for win
Post-Gazette - Seton Hill loses shootout on the road
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