Team News - 2017 First Scrimmage Report

Fans got their first view of the 2017 Golden Rams on a warm and sunny day in John A. Farrell Stadium. Much of the game consisted of things everyone expected to see - Jarel Elder speeding around the edge, Tyler Karpinski making great catches, and several interceptions by a defense that knows its opponent very well - so here are some of the things that stood out:

• The quarterback situation is one that the coaches were hoping to solve early in camp. Sophomore Paul Dooley, who missed the entire spring, started with the first team and senior Pat Moriarty got plenty of opportunities. But sophomore transfer A.J. Long got a good long look and did not disappoint. Even though he hasn't played since 2014, he was poised in reading blitzes, finding favorable one-on-one matchups, and threw with touch. In the two-minute drill, he led the offense the length of the field to the end zone with great efficiency. It's not clear if the quarterback situation is solved or further complicated.
  
• Most of the defensive two-deep is set and held to form. The one exception was the absence of senior defensive tackle Kavon Johnson. In his stead, sophomore Joe DeSanto moved up and redshirt freshman Omar Peterkin joined the rotation.
  
• The tight end position also proved intriguing. Cody Boozel, seemingly out for the season from the injury he incurred in the spring game, was joined in street clothes by junior Simon Williams. With Connor McGrath no where to be seen, true freshman Gabe Schappell saw a lot of action all afternoon long. Not only might Schappell play as a true freshman, he might even be starting in the opener in less than two weeks.
  
• Redshirt freshman kicker George Lambritsios banged a 52-yard field goal attempt off the cross bar. While the PSAC record of 55 yards - set by Golden Ram Eric Wentling in 1983 at Bloomsburg - seems safe for now, Lambritsios certainly showed the range that he could offer this team for the next few seasons.
  
• Senior left guard Vince Lostracco was not dressed and the void was filled by classmate Alex Host. With Tyler Drob already on the shelf, depth on the offensive line might soon become a concern.
  

Former Golden Ram cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz was on hand to take in the action.

West Chester's final scrimmage of the summer is scheduled for Friday, August 25 at 6:30 pm.

Lex Rosario makes touchdown catch behind Jordan Burney (Photo Ron Hockman)

Zack Hockman stands up Paul Dooley (Photo Ron Hockman)

Dan Neuhaus makes a one-handed catch (Photo Ron Hockman)

Jarey Elder steps in front of Gabe Schappell for an interception
(Photo Ron Hockman)

Daily Local News - College RBs have changed too, but in a different way, Zwaan says