The Crimson Hawks took the opening kick and marched 78 yards in six minutes to open the scoring. Their first 12 plays were running plays and the drive was capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass. Their second possession used a big 52-yard pass completion to make quicker work of the 69-yard touchdown drive. So 12 minutes into the game, Indiana had 14 points while West Chester had six yards of offense.
Diquan Gilbert made his team-leading eighth sack this seasonThe Golden Rams gained a glimmer of hope after a running-into-the-kicker penalty extended a three-and-out. Quarterback Paul Dooley withstood a blitz and found a wide open Dan Neuhaus for a 36-yard scoring pass. The momentum continued to build when the West Chester D forced a three-and-out, but the offense couldn't answer and punted the ball right back. Indiana then went on another marathon drive - nine plays, 85 yards - including a well-executed fake punt and ending in a 40-yard touchdown pass. The halftime numbers were stark, as Indiana had 14 first downs, 257 yards and were 6 of 8 on third down compared to West Chester's 7 first downs, 108 total yards and 0 for 4 on third down.
Dan Neuhaus scored West Chester's only touchdown (Photo Ron Hockman)After only having four possessions in the first half, the Golden Rams had the ball seven times after intermission. None of the seven went further than 36 yards, and they totaled 79 yards with the final four ending in interceptions. While the Golden Ram defense held the Crimson Hawks out of the end zone, thanks in large part to Corey Kelley wrestling the ball away from the Indiana receiver in the end zone for an interception, the offense crossed midfield only once in the second half.
1,000 yard rusher Jarel Elder only had 12 carries as he was often called on to block (Photo Ron Hockman)The offensive game plan was interesting to say the least. Pat Moriarty, whose only playing time this season came at Cheyney, started the game and carried the ball on West Chester's first offensive play. He was inserted on the Golden Rams' final possession, throwing two incomplete passes and an interception in desperation mode. A.J. Long made his first appearance since September and completed his only pass attempt. Dooley did take a majority of the snaps and always seemed to be under pressure with few receivers open. He ended with three interceptions and three sacks. Neuhaus, Rasheem James, Tyler Karpinski, Jarel Elder and Jordan Banks each had three catches.
West Chester's last four possessions ended with an interceptionThe Golden Ram defense registered only three tackles for loss, including a sack by Diquan Gilbert when the Indiana quarterback tripped over him. Linebacker Tyler Morrissey capped a monster season with a monster game, notching 20 total tackles in the contest. True freshman Nate Barnes got the start at safety and made nine tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss.
Tyler Morrissey had 20 tackles in the game (Photo Ron Hockman)West Chester Athletic Site - No. 3 IUP Captures PSAC Championship With 24-7 Win
Indiana Athletic Site - IUP Football wins 2017 PSAC Championship
Indiana Gazette - Crimson Hawks win PSAC football title
Game Replay
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