The ride started fast, as did the Raiders, as they went 75 yards in eight plays in less than two minutes. The Golden Rams were much more methodical, consuming over eight minutes to go 80 yards before Andrew Chegia knocked a 28-yard field goal through to put West Chester on the board. Ship had their longest drive of the game - three minutes - but the Golden Ram defense held them to a field goal despite a first and goal situation. By the time the second quarter started, West Chester knotted the game at 10 due in large part to a 33-yard Paul Dooley to Mark Dukes completion on third and ten from the Ship 36.
Andrew Chegia had two field goals in the game (Photo Ron Hockman)The next key play for the Golden Rams was a Jarey Elder interception at the Ship 28 that he returned to the seven. One play later, brother Jarel Elder took it into the end zone, thanks to a block by Frank Tranzilli, to put West Chester up 17-10. The Golden Rams later had a first and goal from the five, but this hasn't historically been a good place for the offense. This instance was no different, but Chegia knocked home a 19-yard field goal for a West Chester 20-10 halftime lead.
Jarey Elder's interception led to a Golden Ram touchdown (Photo Ron Hockman)The Golden Rams extended the lead when Dooley threaded the needle to Marcus Sydnor who scored on the 41-yard catch and run. But Shippensburg used another bomb - they completed six passes for 20 or more yards and attempted many more long passes - and answered in just 42 seconds. Momentum continued to swing the Raiders' way when they forced a three-and-out, used another long pass and closed the score to 27-24. The situation continued to spiral downward as the third quarter closed and West Chester was pinned on their own one-yard line. But punter Brendan Paulison, who had a marvelous day, boomed a 64-yard punt. Shippensburg penetrated the red zone, but the Golden Ram defense stiffened, thanks in part to a George Shipp sack, and the Raiders settled for a field goal. With twelve minutes to play, the score was tied at 27, but the momentum was still with the home team.
George Shipp had two West Chester's five sacks (Photo Ron Hockman)West Chester's next possession had them back at their own one-yard line again, this time facing a third-and-19. But the critical play this time was Dooley connecting with Tyler Karpinski for 25 yards. Karpinski finished the game with eight catches for 130 yards. On another third and long, Rasheem James made a fantastic 28-yard catch over the middle. The drive eventually stalled, but Chegia boomed a 41-yard field goal to give West Chester the lead. But with Shippensburg's quick strike offense and willingness to go downfield on their passing plays, a field goal lead was nowhere near comfortable with seven minutes left.
Tyler Karpinski had 8 catches for 130 yards (Photo Ron Hockman)Somehow the Golden Ram defense was able to dial up the intensity on the steamy afternoon, forcing the Ship quarterback to scramble for yards. After a Ship holding call, Diquan Gilbert forced a quick throw on third down and the Raiders had to punt. On West Chester's first play, Jarel Elder carried the ball into a pile of Shippensburg tacklers, but somehow emerged and streaked down the sideline for a 63-yard touchdown run. Elder finished with 149 yards and two scores rushing. Up two scores with four minutes left, the Golden Rams had recaptured the momentum.
Alex Host celebrates Jarel Elder's long touchdown run (Photo Ron Hockman)The final real Shippensburg threat was ended when Anthony Brown and Tyler Morrissey joined in on a fourth down sack.
James finished with four catches for 52 yards and Dooley was 19 of 34 for 276 yards and two scores. West Chester did not commit a single turnover and limited their penalties to just six for 43 yards. Each team had 450 yards of offense, but West Chester thwarted Shippensburg on third down - 3 of 14 - which helped give the Golden Rams a 36-24 advantage in time of possession. Morrissey had a game-high ten tackles and spent a lot of time chasing down the opposing quarterback. Shaquille James had nine tackles and Gilbert had three tackles, including a sack, to go along with two QB hurries. Defensive end George Shipp spent a lot of time in the Ship backfield with two sacks and two QB hurries.
Tyler Morrissey had ten tackles and a sack (Photo Ron Hockman)Along with players that have been out with injuries - defensive ends John Dubyk and Ch'aim Smith, offensive linemen Tyler Drob and Jake Duncan, wide receiver Jordan Banks, tight end Cody Boozel, linebacker Geoffrey Phillippe - West Chester was also without center Devan LaBau, defensive tackle Joe DeSanto, H-back Dan Neuhaus and quarterback A.J. Long for the game. During the contest, Vince Lostracco left with an apparent ankle injury and Evyn Stadulis battled the heat before leaving with an apparent knee injury. Converted defensive lineman Ben Smith replaced Lostracco and sophomore John DiPasquale filled in for Stadulis.
Evyn Stadulis struggled with the heat of the afternoon (Photo Ron Hockman)West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Pulls Away From Stingy Shippensburg Squad For 37-27 Win
Shippensburg Athletic Site - Football Drops First Game of Season, Falling 37-27 to West Chester
The Sentinel - Shippensburg football drops first game
The Slate Online - Red Raiders fall to Golden Rams, 37-27
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