Game Preview - Lock Haven

The Golden Rams (2-2, 1-0) look to move above .500 this season when they travel to Lock Haven to take on the Bald Eagles (0-4, 0-1). Kickoff at Hubert Jack Stadium is set for noon on Saturday.

Series History:
West Chester holds a 21-6-1 lead in the series. Current WCU head coach Bill Zwaan is undefeated in his previous four meetings with the Bald Eagles. First year head coach Dave Taynor remains in search of his first win.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
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
1990	Away	Win	28-27	2014	Home	Win	41-16

Last Meeting:

10/04/2014 West Chester 41 - Lock Haven 16

West Chester got out to a quick 24-6 halftime lead and coasted to the 41-16 victory. Brandon Monk ran for 133 yards while Eddie Elliott and Jarel Elder picked up 37 and 30 yards on the ground respectively. Tim Brown and Shannon Mayer each had two touchdown and five total catches to pace the Golden Ram passing game. Defensively Kevin Malone had seven total tackles while Andrew Cohen had five tackles and three quarterback hurries.

Scouting the Opponent:

Defensively, Lock Haven is near the bottom of the conference in almost every category, giving up 237 yards rushing and 256 yards passing. The Bald Eagles do boast three of the PSAC's top ten tacklers in free safety Rahjeir Miles-Eubanks (44 total tackles, 1 interception), cornerback Daniel Strawbridge (39 total tackles, 5 pass breakups) and linebacker Tony Ballon (37 total tackles, 3.0 sacks). Cornerback Tyrai Anderson (17 total tackles) is among the conference leaders with two interceptions and three pass breakups.

Offensively, the ground game is led by running backs Beau Swales (56 carries, 357 yards) and Malyk Harris (25 carries, 147 yards). Quarterback Caleb Walton (38 carries, 80 yards) has their lone rushing touchdown this season. Through the air, Walton is 78 of 142 (54.9%) for 849 yards, 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He's also been sacked six times. Walton's top targets are 5'7" Shawn Seif (23 catches, 234 yards, 3 TD's) and David Cook (19 catches, 234 yards, 1 TD).

Kicker Alex Boumerhi is 7 of 8 on PAT's and 3 of 5 on field goals with a long of 34. Punter Bryce Stambaugh has forced nine fair catches on his 19 punts this season. Sief handles both kick and punt returns for the Bald Eagles.

Analysis:

This is the third consecutive year for this analysis "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 did score 34 points against East Stroudsburg, but that may say more about East Stroudsburg's defense than Lock Haven's offense. Lock Haven had an opportunity to extend their lead on the Warriors with three and a half minutes left, but a 30-yard field goal attempt was blocked. East Stroudsburg scored a touchdown and two-point conversion to take a three point lead with a minute and a half left. Lock Haven's 44-yard field goal attempt with four seconds left went wide left.

From last season - "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".

Notes - It's Community Day at Lock Haven and admission to the game is free to all fans.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio  

PSAC Site - Football Notes Week 5

Lock Haven Athletic Site - Games Notes (Week 5): vs. West Chester

KYW Newsradio - West Chester Looks For Third Straight Win Saturday At Lock Haven

D2football - PSAC Columnist - Previewing Week 5 in the PSAC