Linebacker Tyler Morrissey had seven tackles and two sacks, defensive end Diquan Gilbert had five tackles and two sacks, and defensive end Ch'aim Smith had three tackles, two sacks and two pass breakups. Shark linebacker Nydair Rouse had a 35-yard pick-six to go along with his three tackles, and Jordan Burney also had an interception. After accounting for all ten of the Golden Rams’ sacks, Millersville had a net 17 yards rushing.
Omar Peterkin opened the game with a tackle for loss (Photo Ron Hockman)The season-high 16 points allowed? The first Marauder touchdown came on a one-play drive after West Chester turned the ball over on its own 17-yard line. Millersville’s first field goal attempt was blocked by Jaishan Thornton, but Jarey Elder committed a personal foul on the ensuing fiasco which gave the Marauders a second chance which they converted. Millersville final score came with four minutes left when West Chester’s reserves staffed the field. So once again, the defense led the way in the win.
The Golden Ram offense had a productive first quarter, scoring touchdowns on three of its first three possessions. But after that, the offense scuffled. Of the team’s 353 yards of offense in the game, almost 200 yards came in that first period. A 31-yard Mark Dukes run, and receptions by Rasheem James and Ethan Price all resulted in first quarter touchdowns.
Ethan Price took this catch 63 yards for a score (Photo Ron Hockman)Quarterback A.J. Long was coming off a five touchdown performance at Seton Hill and threw for three scores in this game against Millersville. But overall, he was only 8 of 18 for 135 yards and one interception. He also lost two fumbles, accounting for all three Golden Ram turnovers. What’s most concerning, however, is his affinity to James even when other receivers are open. Of Long’s 18 pass attempts, 11 of them were targeted to James. Granted, James was All-PSAC East and ECAC Rookie of the Year in 2017, but defenses will soon, if they haven’t already, adjust and take away the Golden Ram deep threat. Continuing to throw to him despite double coverage is not a recipe for success in the offense.
Rasheem James hauls in one of his two TD catches (Photo Ron Hockman)Kicker Andrew Chegia was perfect on his six PAT’s, but his 34-yard field goal attempt got swatted by the wind and his 53-yard attempt fell short and was returned to midfield. Punter Brendan Paulison continued his stellar season by dropping two inside the Millersville 20 and sending one longer than 50 yards in averaging 46 yards per punt.
Notes – West Chester is 4-0, but the Golden Rams’ opponents thus far have a combined record of 1-15...tight end Dan Neuhaus continues to be sidelined by an apparent knee injury.
West Chester Athletic Site - No. 13/18 West Chester Sacks Millersville, 42-16
Millersville Athletic Site - Marauders fall at West Chester
Lancaster Online - Millersville drops 42-16 decision at West Chester
D2football - PSAC Columnist - Week 4 Quick Recap
Ron Hockman - WCU Football vs Millersville - First Quarter Photos
Ron Hockman - WCU Football vs Millersville - Second Quarter Photos
Ron Hockman - WCU Football vs Millersville - Third Quarter Photos
Ron Hockman - WCU Football vs Millersville - Fourth Quarter Photos
1 comment:
No mention of the touchdown by Mike Class #25.
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