Unlike most games this season, West Chester got out to a fast start. Building off the success of Bloomsburg, the Golden Rams kicked off to start the game, and the defense rewarded that decision with a three-and-out thanks to a Dan Sherry sack. When Pat Moriarty completed a midrange pass to tight end Tim Brown, who rumbled over a few would be tacklers on his way to the end zone, West Chester had an early 7-0 lead.
Tim Brown hauls in a touchdown (Photo Ron Hockman)Cheyney’s next three plays went for 0, -2 and -1 yards thanks to Tyler Morrissey, Andrew Cohen and Drew Formica forcing another punt. The Golden Ram offense quickly moved down the field, using the running of Eerin Young and Mike Class, but as has so many times this season, a first and goal from inside the five proved troublesome. Fortunately, kicker Brendan Paulison salvaged three points for the possession on a 21-yard field goal, but not getting into the end zone started that uneasy feeling.
Eerin Young eclipsed 100 yards rushing (Photo Ron Hockman)That feeling swelled on Cheyney’s next possession, when the Wolves, aided by 40 yards in West Chester penalties (two offsides and two questionable pass interference calls) scored a touchdown on a 21-yard pass play. Leading just 10-7 early in the second quarter, Young returned the ensuing kickoff out to midfield. Moriarty then quickly led the West Chester offense the remaining 50 yards, including consecutive completions to Jim Hurley, the latter going for an 11-yard touchdown. But Cheyney used a kickoff return of their own, followed by two long runs by their quarterback, to close the gap to three points again.
Jim Hurley pulls down a touchdown pass from Pat Moriarty (Photo Ron Hockman)Unfortunately, this time the Golden Ram offense was unable to answer. The drive stalled at the Cheyney 41, and a bad snap on the punt forced Paulison to scramble to corral the ball and squib the kick into the line for a -3 punt. The Golden Ram defense got the momentum back, sending Cheyney backwards on their next possession and forcing another punt. West Chester’s offense used a 46-yard run by Young and then a 23-yard touchdown pass to A.J. DePietro to extend the lead to double digits.
A.J. DePietro adds a score (Photo Ron Hockman)The score would remain that way at halftime, with West Chester failing to convert on two fourth-and-short opportunities in the red zone. The bigger story late in the second quarter, however, was Tim Brown. He caught an 8-yard pass and went down with an injury. Already nursing a pinky injury, this appeared to be an issue with his left ankle. Brown did not return and his status remains uncertain.
Tight end Tim Brown after halftime (Photo Ron Hockman)The Golden Rams opened the third quarter with the ball. Anthony Brown, who handled the kickoff return, capped the drive with a nine-yard touchdown run. Other key plays on the drive were a Cheyney facemask penalty and a 22-yard catch by Adam Dempsey. The West Chester defense continued to dominate on two possessions, and Tyler Karpinski returned a punt 70 yards for another touchdown. Despite West Chester now leading 38-14, the game got even more concerning.
Tyler Karpinski returned a punt for TD (Photo Ron Hockman)After yet another Cheyney three-and-out, Moriarty threw an interception. It was immediately answered by Ted Patton who made his fourth interception of the year. But three plays later, Moriarty was intercepted again, as his overthrown ball was tipped by the receiver and fell into the safety’s hands. The football seemed to switch sides faster than a volleyball match.
Ted Patton hauled in his fourth pick of the season (Photo Ron Hockman)The short field and a West Chester facemask penalty allowed Cheyney to quickly navigate 33 yards for the touchdown. Mike Catalano blocked the PAT attempt and the lead stood at 38-20.
Mike Catalano blocked this PAT attempt (Photo Ron Hockman)It’s not clear if it was the two interceptions or the fact that the lead seemed to finally be comfortable, but Alec Werner came in on the next series. He placed a perfectly thrown pass to Dempsey, who would made a nice catch in traffic for 32 yards. This drive also stalled at the 19 and Paulison tacked on the final points of the game with a 36-yard field goal, which is his longest of the season.
Brendan Paulison knocks a 36-yard field goal through (Photo Ron Hockman)After another three-and-out, Mark Dukes got a few carries for 26 hard yards and Werner completed a 17-yard pass to Jordan Banks who made his first career reception.
Jordan Banks runs over a Cheyney defender after making his first catch Notes - Cheyney managed only ten first downs in the game, with four of them coming due to West Chester penalties…The Wolves failed to convert on any of their nine third downs and managed only 73 yards rushing…West Chester was nagged by 12 penalties for 111 yards and was only 4 of 7 in the red zone…Young was the leading ground gainer in the game, picking up 131 yards before leaving due to an apparent hamstring injury…Although only playing the first half, Brown led all receivers with four catches for 82 yards and a touchdown…Dempsey, Karpinski and Hurley had three catches each…Cohen and Corey Kelley each had a team-high four tackles with Cohen notching 1.5 sacks as well…West Chester’s top three running backs this season - Brandon Monk, Jarel Elder and Eddie Elliott did not dress…Center Devan LaBau was in uniform but did not play.
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Survives Cheyney Scare On Halloween, 41-20
Cheyney Athletic Site - Three touchdowns not enough for Men's Football
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