Golden Ram Football Club: Game Report - West Chester 27

The Golden Rams overcame a horrendously sluggish start and defeated Kutztown Golden Bears to move their record to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the PSAC East.

Miss Betty Wyatt served as honorary captain (Photo Ron Hockman)

Prior to Saturday, the only time that West Chester was shut out in the first quarter was in their loss at Slippery Rock. So this team rolls up offense and points early in the games. But after the first quarter, WCU had more plays (14) than yards (9) and more punts (3) than completed passes (2). Meanwhile Kutztown, aided by good field position, three big plays, and some Golden Ram defensive penalties, had rolled up 77 yards in the first quarter. But the West Chester defense stiffened in the red zone and held Kutztown to just two field goals.

It wasn’t until the start of the second quarter when quarterback Paul Dooley, who returned after missing last week due to an injury, connected with Tyler Karpinski for 21 yards to midfield that the Golden Ram offense awoke. Two plays later, the pair connected again on a 39-yard catch and run for a touchdown. And that quickly, West Chester had a 7-6 lead.

Zack Hockman makes a special teams tackle (Photo Ron Hockman)

Late in the second quarter, Jarel Elder had a 25-yard run to midfield. After a couple of short passes, Dooley found a wide open Gabe Schappell. The freshman tight end rumbled 28 yards to the Kutztown 5. Mike Class gave the Golden Rams a 14-6 halftime lead on a one-yard touchdown run.

Gabe Schappell made his first collegiate catch (Photo Ron Hockman)

Overall, the West Chester defense did a good job against the Golden Bears. Coming into Saturday, Kutztown had surrendered just six sacks in four games. But George Shipp, Nydair Rouse, Kevin Duggan, and Diquan Gilbert all registered solo sacks in the contest. One of the keys coming into the game was slowing Kutztown’s top two players, quarterback Collin DiGalbo and running back Craig Reynolds (who was battling an injury), and those two managed just 51 yards rushing. And DiGalbo completed just 39% of his 41 pass attempts.

Diquan Gilbert once again in the Kutztown backfield (Photo Ron Hockman)

But West Chester’s offense also struggled. Dooley threw three interceptions and Kutztown register eleven tackles for loss. Kutztown was prepared for A.J. Long as they smartly sold out on the run when he was in the game. Long misfired on his only pass attempt and had a net ten yards on ten carries.

Midway through the third quarter, after an incomplete pass and rush for no gain, West Chester faced third and ten on their own 15. Dooley found a streaking Rasheem James who unlike previous times when he was targeted in the game, secured the ball and streaked to the end zone for an 85-yard touchdown. But Kutztown responded almost as quickly and narrows the score to 21-13 heading into the final quarter.

Rasheem James used a Tyler Karpinski block on his TD (Photo Ron Hockman)

With four minutes left in the game, West Chester was facing fourth and long from their own 17. Unfortunately punter Brendan Paulison, who’s had a good season, only got off a 22-yard punt. The Golden Bears took just 92 seconds to score a touchdown and tie the game at 21 with the two-point conversion.

On one of the biggest plays of the game, Jarel Elder returned the ensuing kickoff 46 yards to midfield and further progress was made on a Kutztown personal foul. Dooley connected with Marcus Sydnor for a ten-yard pick up and then on third down, Sydnor made another catch and spun his way into the end zone. But the point after was blocked, so Kutztown was going to get the ball back with 49 seconds left trailing 27-21. But on the Golden Bears second play, defensive back Anthony Brown intercepted Kutztown for the first time this season to seal the West Chester victory.

Anthony Brown made a game clinching pick (Photo Ron Hockman)

James finished with 142 yards on six catches. Shipp had a monster game with eight tackles, one forced fumble, one pass breakup, and two QB hurries to go along with his sack.

Injuries continue to be an ongoing factor this season. Besides Dooley, offensive lineman Vince Lostracco returned to action. But cornerback Quintin Smith did not dress. Senior center Devan LaBau left in the second quarter and did not return. Listed backup center Jack Mummert played one series, but then Connor Walsh snapped the ball for the remainder of the game. Right guard Alex Host was noticeably hurt, missed some time, but returned to finish the game despite his injury.

Helmets were held high after a big division win (Photo Ron Hockman)