Game Preview - Millersville

The Golden Rams (7-2, 5-1) travel to Millersville (4-5, 3-3) on Saturday to take on the Marauders. Kickoff at Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium is scheduled for 1:00 pm. A Golden Ram victory ensures that West Chester will host the PSAC Championship game next Saturday.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 67-17. Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan remains perfect against the Marauders in his 14 years at West Chester. Head coach Greg Breitbach is in his fifth season at the helm of the Marauders. Millersville's four wins this season are the most they've had since 2006 when they finished 5-6.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2007	Away	Win	42-14	2012	Home	Win	56-14
2008	Home	Win	41-10	2013	Away	Win	48-3
2009	Away	Win	63-10	2014	Home	Win	62-7
2010	Home	Win	45-14	2015	Away	Win	48-3
2011	Away	Win	49-13	2016	Home	Win	52-0

Last Meeting:

11/05/2016 West Chester 52 - Millersville 0

The Golden Rams converted four Millersville interceptions into 24 points as West Chester registered a shutout over the Marauders. Shark Nydair Rouse made direct impact by taking his pick 79 yards to the house. Defensive ends George Shipp and Shane Griffin each registered solo sacks in the game while Kevin Duggan logged five total tackles.

Kicker Brendan Paulison had a perfect day and converted six PAT's and a 27-yard field goal in the contest. Offensively, Jarel Elder had only 89 yards on the ground but entered the end zone three times. Mark Dukes had 21 yards and Mike Class had 19 yards and a score. Tyler Karpinski was the top receiver with two catches for 98 yards and a touchdown while Lex Rosario had three catches for 45 yards.

Scouting the Opponent:

The Marauders have finally settled on Tony Staffieri (69 of 121, 809 yards, 8 TD's, 3 int's) at quarterback. The sophomore has played in four of the last five games and Millersville has won two of the last three. He was also under center in last year's game against West Chester. Redshirt freshman Collin Shank (45 of 90, 681 yards, 4 TD's, 3 int's) played the first three games and converted wide receiver Stephen Flanagan (38 of 65, 320 yards, 2 TD's, 2 int's) has also received a couple of starts at quarterback. Top receiving targets include All-PSAC East wideout Kevin Wiggins (55 catches, 658 yards, 5 TD's), Central Connecticut transfer Xavier Jenkins (19 catches, 269 yards, 1 TD), and Nii Kotei Nikoi (16 catches, 173 yards, 1 TD) Tight end Tyler Zilen (16 catches, 134 yards, 1 TD) and running back Phil Overton (10 catches, 144 yards, 2 TD's) also have to be watched in the passing game. The running game is paced by Tyron Gibson (83 carries, 482 yards, 5 TD's) and Kobe Miranda (68 carries, 232 yards, 4 TD's), but quarterback Staffieri (54 carries, 188 yards, 2 TD's) is often on the move out of the pocket.

The defense is led by All-PSAC East linebacker Sean Dugan (98 tackles, 8.0 TFL, 5 QB hurries) and linebacker Cameron Boykin (68 tackles, 4.0 TFL). The line is anchored by defensive end Tommy Halloway (60 tackles, 6.0 sacks) and tackle Morgan Faughnan (33 tackles, 2.5 sacks). The secondary is manned by Oregon transfer and safety Jhet Janis (45 tackles, 4 PBU), cornerback Jarrid Satterfield (35 tackles, 6 PBU), and cornerback Brendan Sherman (28 tackles, 5 PBU).

Janis doubles as punt returner while Kendle Pitts returns kicks. Tyler Reiman (34.7 average, 11 fair catches, 12 inside the 20) is the punter while freshman wide receiver Joey Farley (5 of 8 FG, long of 44, 28 PAT's) does the kicking.

Analysis:

The Marauders haven't posed much of a threat in recent years and this season should be no different. With the PSAC Championship and a possible NCAA playoff berth being at the doorstep, this should be a game to "work on things". However, the first priority is to win the game, and that proved quite difficult last week. Expect to see a lot of running by the Golden Rams primarily to control the clock, but also since that's the only way the offense has been able to move the ball of late. But at some point, the offense has to sharpen the passing game.

Defensively, the main challenge may be controlling any quarterback runs and passes deep down the middle, where the Golden Rams have looked to be very vulnerable this season. Millersville doesn't have the type of offense to drive the field and control the clock, so minimizing any big plays should be sufficient for success by the West Chester D.

Atomic Football sees West Chester winning 37-18 while Massey Ratings projects a similar 38-17 Golden Ram win.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes - Week 10

Millersville Athletic Site - Marauders seek win No. 5 Saturday vs. West Chester

philly.com - Jarel Elder is West Chester's little big man

KYW Newsradio - West Chester A Win Away From PSAC Title Game