Game Report - West Chester 35 - Lock Haven 14

Based on last week’s scoring outburst against Edinboro coupled with playing a struggling Lock Haven team, there were expectations for a convincing margin of victory. But fans were left squirming in their seats early on and never got really comfortable until the final horn of West Chester’s 35-14 win at Lock Haven.

With starting quarterback Paul Dooley on the sidelines in a boot, A.J. Long got the call under center. On the Golden Rams’ first possession, other than Long scrambling 14 yards for a first down, the offense did very little. Conversely, Lock Haven took the ensuing punt and marched down the field, going 49 yards in 13 plays and consuming over five minutes off the clock. But the West Chester defense went into lockdown mode - on first down, Shane Griffin registered a sack; on second down Tyler Morrissey had a quarterback hurry and on third down George Shipp batted down a pass. Then Nydair Rouse blocked the Lock Haven field goal attempt and Shaquille James returned it 36 yards to give West Chester a wakeup call.

Shaq James returns a punt for touchdown (Photo Ron Hockman)

Although West Chester led 21-7 at the half, Lock Haven held an advantage in total yards, so it was far the dominating performance that many expected. The game was an opportunity for Long to make a claim for the starting QB role, but he only completed 46% of his 26 pass attempts and despite throwing two touchdowns, he also threw two interceptions. The turnovers were emblematic of several of his throws - late to come out, underthrown or too much loft giving defenders a chance for a pass breakup or an interception. If thrown better, both picks would have resulted in West Chester scores.

Dan Neuhaus had two touchdown catches (Photo Ron Hockman)

Long did connect with R-Fr tight end Dan Neuhaus for a 44-yard touchdown when the defender fell down. The two connected a second time from inside the ten. Rasheem James had two catches for 50 yards and Tyler Karpinski snared three balls for 35 yards. What Long did firmly establish is that he is a powerful and elusive runner. He carried the ball 15 times for 181 yards without losing a yard on any rush. Long scored on runs of two and 25 yards and Lock Haven had no answer for him once he crossed the line of scrimmage.

A.J. Long ran for 181 yards and two score (Photo Ron Hockman)

Defensively, Morrisey was all over the place - in the Lock Haven backfield or down in the secondary. And the numbers prove that out as he registered 16 tackles including two tackled for loss. True freshman Nate Barnes and R-Fr Jordan Burney each had five tackles. Defensive end Diquan Gilbert picked up sack on fourth down.

Kavon Johnson eye a QB sack (Photo Ron Hockman)

Unfortunately, injures continue to plague the Golden Rams. Besides Dooley not being dressed, offensive lineman Jake Duncan and linebacker Geoffrey Phillippe both left the game and did not return.

Tyler Morrissey was in on 16 tackles (Photo Ron Hockman)

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West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Handles Lock Haven On The Road, 35-14

Lock Haven Athletic Site - Football topped by West Chester

Williamsport Sun-Gazette - Bald Eagles drop their home opener