The Bill Zwaan Football Show will be held at Timothy's in the Parkway Shopping Center in West Chester starting at 7:00pm. Golden Ram fans unable to attend the show can listen to it live on WCHE1520AM.COM.
According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show,
senior offensive tackle Jake Duncan
and
senior offensive guard Tyler Drob
will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show.
In addition, tight ends coach Pat Spadaro will join the show.
Drob and Duncan anchor an offensive line that rolled up 426 yards on Saturday, with 295 of those coming on the ground. In the PSAC, West Chester ranks third in total offense, first in rushing offense, and ninth in passing offense.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live. Or send your questions for coach or the players to Bill Zwaan Show.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Team News - Golden Rams Inch Up to #11 in AFCA Poll
West Chester's next action is Saturday when they host Lock Haven (1-8) on homecoming. Kick off is scheduled for 2:00 pm.
American Football Coaches Association - Division II Coaches’ Poll – October 29, 2018
D2Football.com - Top 25 Poll - October 30, 2018
Monday, October 29, 2018
Team News - 2018 Second Regional Rankings
The NCAA released its second regional rankings of 2018 today and the Golden Rams appear on the list at #4.
The top seven teams in Super Region 1 qualify for the NCAA Division II playoffs.
West Chester is the only Super Region 1 team that qualified for the playoffs last year and appear on the second 2018 ranking.
Since Bill Zwaan has been the head coach, the Golden Rams have qualified for the playoffs eight times, including advancing to the second round last year.
Ranking |
School |
SR1 Record |
D2 Record |
1. |
Notre Dame |
9-0 |
9-0 |
2. |
New Haven |
7-0 |
7-0 |
3. |
LIU Post |
8-0 |
8-0 |
4. |
West Chester |
8-0 |
8-0 |
5. |
Tiffin |
9-0 |
9-0 |
6. |
Kutztown |
7-1 |
7-1 |
7. |
Hillsdale |
8-1 |
8-1 |
8. |
Slippery Rock |
7-1 |
8-1 |
9. |
Ohio Dominican |
7-2 |
7-2 |
10. |
Fairmont St |
7-2 |
7-2 |
Player News - Long Named PSAC East Offensive POW
Junior quarterback
A.J. Long
has been named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week. In West Chester’s 38-21 win at Kutztown, Long finished 10 of 17 for 88 yards and three touchdowns passing. But his big contribution in the wind swept game was a clock consuming 22 carries for 133 net yards. The win clinched a berth in the PSAC championship game on November 10 at Slippery Rock.
@WCUAthletics' A.J. Long earns East Offensive Athletes of the Week after helping @WCUAthletics clinch a PSAC East title! Long rushed for 133 yards while throwing three TDs. He finished 10-for-17 passing, carried the ball 22 times, and finished with 221 yd total offense #PSACfb pic.twitter.com/2xk4QMh7Jh
— PSAC Sports (@PSACsports) October 29, 2018
PSAC Site - PSAC Football Athletes of the Week - 9
West Chester Athletic Site - A.J. Long Named PSAC East Offensive Player of the Week
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Game Report - West Chester 38 - Kutztown 21
In a total team effort, the #12 Golden Rams (8-0, 5-0) defeated a wicked wind and the #15 Golden Bears (7-1, 4-1) to earn a berth into the PSAC Championship game. The final score was 38-21.
West Chester chose to start the game with the wind at its back. From a scoreboard perspective it was rather inconsequential, as early on, the two teams traded scores. The Golden Rams got on the board first when Mark Dukes took a 13-yard swing pass from A.J. Long for the opening touchdown. Later, with the wind at his back, Andrew Chegia knocked in a 33-yard field goal. In between, Kutztown used a 46-yard catch and run touchdown and then noticeably drained the first quarter clock. With the wind at their back, Kutztown finished off a scoring drive to take a 13-10 lead.
Then the two teams traded three-and-outs, although Golden Ram punter Brendan Paulison was flummoxed by the gusty wind and managed punts of only 17 and 19 yards. Kutztown appeared to be poised to capitalize on their favorable field position, when Jarey Elder forced a fumble that popped right into Jordan Burney’s hands, who returned it to the West Chester 35-yard line.
Paul Dooley then made his 2018 debut and was masterful in running the option. He picked up 35 yards on the ground and topped off the drive with a 27-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cody Boozel to put the Golden Rams up 17-13. West Chester would never trail again in the game. On Kutztown’s very next play on offense, Ch'aim Smith got a strip sack that was recovered by Nate Barnes. This time it was Long’s turn to cut through the wind with his running as he picked up 31 yards rushing, and the drive was finished with a one-yard run by fullback Marcus Wilson, with just 36 seconds left in the half. So not only did the Golden Ram defense take away the ball twice, the West Chester offense took away Kutztown’s opportunity to play with the wind at their back, since they held the ball for over nine minutes.
Kutztown elected to take the ball to start the second half and West Chester gave them the wind in the third quarter. The gamble really seemed questionable when the Golden Bears opened the second half with a 14-play, 73-yard touchdown drive to close the score to 24-21. But the Kutztown defense had no answer for the West Chester option running game. Long and Dukes chewed up 73 yards on the ground, and Long found tight end Dan Neuhaus for a 15-yard scoring pass. The final score of the game came late in the third quarter on a 10-yard Long to Gabe Schappell touchdown pass. Entering the fourth quarter, Kutztown was facing a 17-point deficit and the stiff wind. Under those circumstances, the Golden Bears stood little chance as West Chester held the ball for over 11 minutes in the final frame.
Entering the contest, Kutztown had a very favorable turnover ratio, and their quarterback had only been sacked eight times. On Saturday, Kutztown lost two fumbles, with both resulting in Golden Ram touchdowns and West Chester, despite fumbling three times, didn’t lose any of them. And the Golden Bear quarterback was taken down five times in the contest. Linebacker Tyler Morrissey led the team with nine tackles including a sack. Defensive end Diquan Gilbert had five tackles including 2.5 sacks for 27 yards, while Smith had four tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.
Long had only 88 yards passing, but three of his ten completions went for touchdowns. Plus he picked up 133 yards on the ground. Dukes finished with 81 yards on the ground, and Dooley had 48 yards rushing and 43 yards passing. Schappell, from nearby Exeter, was the Golden Rams’ leading receiver with three catches for 28 yards and a score. Notes – West Chester held a 13 minute advantage in time of possession…despite the conditions, Chegia was perfect on all five of his place kicks…Kutztown was held to just 225 total yards of offense and 21 points, their lowest outputs of the season...West Chester defensive back Quintin Smith left the game in the first half with an apparent injury and did not return.
West Chester chose to start the game with the wind at its back. From a scoreboard perspective it was rather inconsequential, as early on, the two teams traded scores. The Golden Rams got on the board first when Mark Dukes took a 13-yard swing pass from A.J. Long for the opening touchdown. Later, with the wind at his back, Andrew Chegia knocked in a 33-yard field goal. In between, Kutztown used a 46-yard catch and run touchdown and then noticeably drained the first quarter clock. With the wind at their back, Kutztown finished off a scoring drive to take a 13-10 lead.
Then the two teams traded three-and-outs, although Golden Ram punter Brendan Paulison was flummoxed by the gusty wind and managed punts of only 17 and 19 yards. Kutztown appeared to be poised to capitalize on their favorable field position, when Jarey Elder forced a fumble that popped right into Jordan Burney’s hands, who returned it to the West Chester 35-yard line.
Paul Dooley then made his 2018 debut and was masterful in running the option. He picked up 35 yards on the ground and topped off the drive with a 27-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cody Boozel to put the Golden Rams up 17-13. West Chester would never trail again in the game. On Kutztown’s very next play on offense, Ch'aim Smith got a strip sack that was recovered by Nate Barnes. This time it was Long’s turn to cut through the wind with his running as he picked up 31 yards rushing, and the drive was finished with a one-yard run by fullback Marcus Wilson, with just 36 seconds left in the half. So not only did the Golden Ram defense take away the ball twice, the West Chester offense took away Kutztown’s opportunity to play with the wind at their back, since they held the ball for over nine minutes.
Kutztown elected to take the ball to start the second half and West Chester gave them the wind in the third quarter. The gamble really seemed questionable when the Golden Bears opened the second half with a 14-play, 73-yard touchdown drive to close the score to 24-21. But the Kutztown defense had no answer for the West Chester option running game. Long and Dukes chewed up 73 yards on the ground, and Long found tight end Dan Neuhaus for a 15-yard scoring pass. The final score of the game came late in the third quarter on a 10-yard Long to Gabe Schappell touchdown pass. Entering the fourth quarter, Kutztown was facing a 17-point deficit and the stiff wind. Under those circumstances, the Golden Bears stood little chance as West Chester held the ball for over 11 minutes in the final frame.
Entering the contest, Kutztown had a very favorable turnover ratio, and their quarterback had only been sacked eight times. On Saturday, Kutztown lost two fumbles, with both resulting in Golden Ram touchdowns and West Chester, despite fumbling three times, didn’t lose any of them. And the Golden Bear quarterback was taken down five times in the contest. Linebacker Tyler Morrissey led the team with nine tackles including a sack. Defensive end Diquan Gilbert had five tackles including 2.5 sacks for 27 yards, while Smith had four tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.
Long had only 88 yards passing, but three of his ten completions went for touchdowns. Plus he picked up 133 yards on the ground. Dukes finished with 81 yards on the ground, and Dooley had 48 yards rushing and 43 yards passing. Schappell, from nearby Exeter, was the Golden Rams’ leading receiver with three catches for 28 yards and a score. Notes – West Chester held a 13 minute advantage in time of possession…despite the conditions, Chegia was perfect on all five of his place kicks…Kutztown was held to just 225 total yards of offense and 21 points, their lowest outputs of the season...West Chester defensive back Quintin Smith left the game in the first half with an apparent injury and did not return.
West Chester Athletic Site - No. 12 West Chester Clinches PSAC East With 38-21 Win Over No. 15 Kutztown
Kutztown Athletic Site - In a Battle of PSAC East Unbeatens, No. 15 Kutztown Suffers First Setback vs. West Chester
Daily Local News - West Chester University wins huge battle of unbeaten rivals
The Quad - WCU football defeats Kutztown
Reading Eagle - Long leads West Chester past Kutztown
Reading Eagle - West Chester defeats Kutztown
Friday, October 26, 2018
Alumni News - Mike Green to Great Valley Wall of Fame
He later founded Collegiate Consultants on Drugs & Alcohol where he is a well-known speaker and counselor to professional sports teams and college campuses on drug and alcohol awareness. Greeny is also a member of the West Chester University Killinger Foundation Football Hall of Fame and received the West Chester University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in 1992.
Malvern Patch - 4 Added To Great Valley School District Wall Of Fame
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Game Preview - Kutztown
West Chester (7-0, 4-0) looks to remain undefeated when they travel to Kutztown to take on the Golden Bears (7-0, 4-0). The winner of this game will claim the PSAC East title and travel to take on the PSAC West winner in the PSAC championship game. The winner of Saturday's contest is almost assured of an NCAA playoff birth regardless of the outcome of the conference championship game. Kutztown is currently ranked #15 by the AFCA and #2 in the regional rankings while the Golden Rams are ranked #12 by the AFCA and #6 in the region. Kickoff at Andre Reed Stadium is slated for noon.
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 51-10-1. Head coach Bill Zwaan is 11-4 against the Golden Bears in his 15 years at West Chester. In 2003 in Kutztown, West Chester shot out to a 16-0 first quarter lead, but the failed point after touchdown conversion came back to haunt West Chester when Kutztown made a 38-yard field goal with 50 seconds left in the game handing Zwaan his first Division II loss. Kutztown notched two wins in 2010 and 2011, the two years in the past ten that West Chester was under .500 and Kutztown qualified for the NCAA playoffs. That 2011 game was played in a snowy, windy and cold John A. Farrell Stadium, some of the worst weather conditions West Chester football has seen in the past several decades. And in 2016, Kutztown's win led to the Golden Bears capturing the PSAC East championship.
Kutztown head coach Jim Clements is in his fifth year with the Golden Bears which went 8-3 last season. He was named PSAC East Coach of the Year in 2016. Entering this season, Clements is 35-16 at Kutztown.
Last 10 Meetings:
Last Meeting:
09/30/2017 West Chester 27 - Kutztown 21
In a tightly contested game in West Chester, Kutztown tied the game at 21 with just under two minutes remaining. But a big kickoff return and a penalty gave the Golden Rams good enough field position for West Chester to score a touchdown just a minute later. However the PAT was blocked and tensions remained high until the Golden Rams intercepted Kutztown's last gasp with just seconds to play.
Although West Chester threw for over 300 yards in the game, three interceptions kept the score close and the Golden Ram defense on the field. Rasheem James had a big game on offense, making six catches for 142 yards including an 85-yard touchdown. The defense registered four sacks including one each by Nydair Rouse and Diquan Gilbert. Rouse and Tyler Morrissey each had seven tackles in the game. And the Golden Ram defense broke up 11 Kutztown passes including two each by Rouse and Shaquille James.
In a less than elegant game, the two teams combined for 20 negative yardage plays, 16 punts, 18 penalties, and four turnovers.
Scouting the Opponent:
Quarterback Collin DiGalbo (123 of 175, 1,698 yards, 10 TD's, 3 int's) was All-PSAC last season and is having another stellar season. He's currently second in the conference in passing efficiency and has started six of Kutztown's seven games. However the depth chart lists DiGalbo or Eric Nickel (46 of 67, 558 yards, 6 TD's, 2 int's) as the the first string signal caller. Nickel is the much bigger of the two and he did get the start against Gannon. The two split time against Bloomsburg and Lock Haven, but Nickel did not play against Shippensburg last week.
Regardless which one is controlling the action, they spread the ball around as seven players have at least ten catches for the Golden Bears this season. Top targets are Conor Sullivan (33 catches, 400 yards, 4 TD's), Amadou Barry (15 catches, 244 yards, 1 TD), and tight end Jack Pilkerton (24 catches, 305 yards). Another weapon in the Kutztown arsenal is dual-threat, All-PSAC running back Craig Reynolds (100 carries, 587 yards, 11 TD's, 28 catches, 378 yards, 3 TD's) who currently leads the PSAC in scoring. The Golden Bear offensive line is anchored by All-PSAC center Matt Cella.
Reynolds is also a mainstay on special teams as he Kutztown's punt and kick returner. Punter Dean Krcic averages 41 yards per punt and had dropped 10 inside the opponent 20 yard line. Alec Rosenfeld all the place kicking activities, and is 25 of 30 on PAT's, but just 1 of 2 on field goals.
A majority of Kutztown's tackles come from their secondary led by safety Shawn Turber-Ortiz (73 tackles, 3 int's), cornerback Ahkee Cox-Cowan (41 tackles, 11 pass breakups), safety Jake Perry (34 tackles, 3 int's) and reserve defensive back Nick Palmer (37 tackles). The quarterback pressure comes from lineman Ryan Meyers (9 tackles, 3.5 sacks) and defensive end Nick Vasger (27 tackles, 3.0 sacks). Linebacker Luke Snyder (36 tackles, 1.5 sacks) was All-PSAC last season.
Analysis:
Kutztown is among the top offenses in the PSAC, ranking second in points, first in total yards, fourth in rushing yards, second in passing yards and third in sacks allowed. And they haven't scored less than 32 points in any game this season. So it's a classic matchup against a Golden Ram defense which ranks first in points, first in yards allowed, first in rushing yards, third in passing yards and first in sacks.
The weather forecast of rain, wind and cold will almost certainly play a significant role in this game for both offenses. After last week, West Chester leads the PSAC in rushing yards per game and can use Mark Dukes, Mike Class, or Trael Seegers in addition to A.J. Long to move the ball on the ground. Much of the credit goes to a veteran offensive line which has remained fairly stable all season long.
It may come down to turnovers. Although both teams are good in this area - Kutztown is +9 while West Chester is +7, the Golden Rams achieve their margin by racking up 21 takeaways versus 14 lost, while Kutztown tends to protect the ball with 15 takeaways versus just 6 lost.
Both Atomic Football and Massey Ratings give Kutztown a slight, two-point edge in this game.
Game Coverage:
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 51-10-1. Head coach Bill Zwaan is 11-4 against the Golden Bears in his 15 years at West Chester. In 2003 in Kutztown, West Chester shot out to a 16-0 first quarter lead, but the failed point after touchdown conversion came back to haunt West Chester when Kutztown made a 38-yard field goal with 50 seconds left in the game handing Zwaan his first Division II loss. Kutztown notched two wins in 2010 and 2011, the two years in the past ten that West Chester was under .500 and Kutztown qualified for the NCAA playoffs. That 2011 game was played in a snowy, windy and cold John A. Farrell Stadium, some of the worst weather conditions West Chester football has seen in the past several decades. And in 2016, Kutztown's win led to the Golden Bears capturing the PSAC East championship.
Kutztown head coach Jim Clements is in his fifth year with the Golden Bears which went 8-3 last season. He was named PSAC East Coach of the Year in 2016. Entering this season, Clements is 35-16 at Kutztown.
Last 10 Meetings:
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
2008
|
Away
|
Win
|
49-8
|
2013
|
Home
|
Win
|
22-21
|
2009
|
Home
|
Win
|
31-17
|
2014
|
Away
|
Win
|
29-7
|
2010
|
Away
|
Loss
|
45-23
|
2015
|
Home
|
Win
|
44-14
|
2011
|
Home
|
Loss
|
24-0
|
2016
|
Away
|
Loss
|
20-14
|
2012
|
Away
|
Win
|
45-24
|
2017
|
Home
|
Win
|
27-21
|
Last Meeting:
09/30/2017 West Chester 27 - Kutztown 21
In a tightly contested game in West Chester, Kutztown tied the game at 21 with just under two minutes remaining. But a big kickoff return and a penalty gave the Golden Rams good enough field position for West Chester to score a touchdown just a minute later. However the PAT was blocked and tensions remained high until the Golden Rams intercepted Kutztown's last gasp with just seconds to play.
Although West Chester threw for over 300 yards in the game, three interceptions kept the score close and the Golden Ram defense on the field. Rasheem James had a big game on offense, making six catches for 142 yards including an 85-yard touchdown. The defense registered four sacks including one each by Nydair Rouse and Diquan Gilbert. Rouse and Tyler Morrissey each had seven tackles in the game. And the Golden Ram defense broke up 11 Kutztown passes including two each by Rouse and Shaquille James.
In a less than elegant game, the two teams combined for 20 negative yardage plays, 16 punts, 18 penalties, and four turnovers.
Scouting the Opponent:
Regardless which one is controlling the action, they spread the ball around as seven players have at least ten catches for the Golden Bears this season. Top targets are Conor Sullivan (33 catches, 400 yards, 4 TD's), Amadou Barry (15 catches, 244 yards, 1 TD), and tight end Jack Pilkerton (24 catches, 305 yards). Another weapon in the Kutztown arsenal is dual-threat, All-PSAC running back Craig Reynolds (100 carries, 587 yards, 11 TD's, 28 catches, 378 yards, 3 TD's) who currently leads the PSAC in scoring. The Golden Bear offensive line is anchored by All-PSAC center Matt Cella.
Reynolds is also a mainstay on special teams as he Kutztown's punt and kick returner. Punter Dean Krcic averages 41 yards per punt and had dropped 10 inside the opponent 20 yard line. Alec Rosenfeld all the place kicking activities, and is 25 of 30 on PAT's, but just 1 of 2 on field goals.
A majority of Kutztown's tackles come from their secondary led by safety Shawn Turber-Ortiz (73 tackles, 3 int's), cornerback Ahkee Cox-Cowan (41 tackles, 11 pass breakups), safety Jake Perry (34 tackles, 3 int's) and reserve defensive back Nick Palmer (37 tackles). The quarterback pressure comes from lineman Ryan Meyers (9 tackles, 3.5 sacks) and defensive end Nick Vasger (27 tackles, 3.0 sacks). Linebacker Luke Snyder (36 tackles, 1.5 sacks) was All-PSAC last season.
Analysis:
The weather forecast of rain, wind and cold will almost certainly play a significant role in this game for both offenses. After last week, West Chester leads the PSAC in rushing yards per game and can use Mark Dukes, Mike Class, or Trael Seegers in addition to A.J. Long to move the ball on the ground. Much of the credit goes to a veteran offensive line which has remained fairly stable all season long.
It may come down to turnovers. Although both teams are good in this area - Kutztown is +9 while West Chester is +7, the Golden Rams achieve their margin by racking up 21 takeaways versus 14 lost, while Kutztown tends to protect the ball with 15 takeaways versus just 6 lost.
Both Atomic Football and Massey Ratings give Kutztown a slight, two-point edge in this game.
Game Coverage:
West Chester Athletic Site - Depth Chart - West Chester vs. Kutztown
West Chester Athletic Site - Battle For East Supremecy On The Gridiron Saturday In Kutztown
PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes Week - 9
Kutztown Athletic Site - Parking Advisory on Campus for Saturday, Oct. 27
Kutztown Athletic Site - Saturday's Kutztown-West Chester Football Game Televised Statewide as NCAA Showcase Game
Kutztown Athletic Site - Beasts of the East Clash in High-Stakes Affair
NCAA - A wild west shootout in Texas and a fight for the PSAC top Week 9's DII football games to watch
Allentown Morning Call - Kutztown-West Chester: Where to watch/listen, leaders and the skinny
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week 9
D2football - National Columnist - Bob Eblen - National Columnist
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Event News - October 25 Bill Zwaan Football Show
The Bill Zwaan Football Show will be held at Timothy's in the Parkway Shopping Center in West Chester starting at 7:00pm. Golden Ram fans unable to attend the show can listen to it live on WCHE1520AM.COM.
According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show, sophomore tight end Cody Boozel, senior defensive end Ch'aim Smith, and senior defensive tackle Shaq Ryder will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show. In addition, running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Osagie Osunde will join the show.
In West Chester's 53-24 win over East Stroudsburg, Boozel snared a 20-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter. For the season, he has six catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Ryder had a five-yard sack of the East Stroudsburg quarterback in addition to another tackle for loss. For the season, Shaq has 16 total tackles including 4.5 tackles for loss. Finally, Smith registered two first-quarter sacks among his five tackles against the Warriors. He currently leads the Golden Rams with 7.5 sacks among his 21 total tackles.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live. Or send your questions for coach or the players to Bill Zwaan Show.
According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show, sophomore tight end Cody Boozel, senior defensive end Ch'aim Smith, and senior defensive tackle Shaq Ryder will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show. In addition, running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Osagie Osunde will join the show.
In West Chester's 53-24 win over East Stroudsburg, Boozel snared a 20-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter. For the season, he has six catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Ryder had a five-yard sack of the East Stroudsburg quarterback in addition to another tackle for loss. For the season, Shaq has 16 total tackles including 4.5 tackles for loss. Finally, Smith registered two first-quarter sacks among his five tackles against the Warriors. He currently leads the Golden Rams with 7.5 sacks among his 21 total tackles.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live. Or send your questions for coach or the players to Bill Zwaan Show.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Team News - Golden Rams Remain #12 in AFCA Poll
West Chester's next action is Saturday when they travel to Kutztown (7-0) to take on the Golden Beats at noon in a game that will determine the PSAC East champion.
American Football Coaches Association - Division II Coaches’ Poll – October 22, 2018
D2Football.com - Top 25 Poll - October 23, 2018
Monday, October 22, 2018
Team News - 2018 First Regional Rankings
The NCAA released its first regional rankings of 2018 today and the Golden Rams appear on the list at #6.
The top seven teams in Super Region 1 qualify for the NCAA Division II playoffs.
West Chester and Assumption are the only Super Region 1 teams that qualified for the playoffs last year that appear on the 2018 initial rankings.
Since Bill Zwaan has been the head coach, the Golden Rams have qualified for the playoffs eight times, including advancing to the second round last year.
Ranking |
School |
SR1 Record |
D2 Record |
1. |
Notre Dame |
8-0 |
8-0 |
2. |
Kutztown |
7-0 |
7-0 |
3. |
New Haven |
6-0 |
6-0 |
4. |
Tiffin |
8-0 |
8-0 |
5. |
LIU Post |
7-0 |
7-0 |
6. |
West Chester |
7-0 |
7-0 |
7. |
Hillsdale |
7-1 |
7-1 |
8. |
Ohio Dominican |
6-2 |
6-2 |
9. |
Slippery Rock |
6-1 |
7-1 |
10. |
Assumption |
5-2 |
5-2 |
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Football Ranked Sixth In First NCAA Regional Poll
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Game Report - West Chester 53 - East Stroudsburg 24
Maybe it was rust due to the bye the preceding week. Or maybe it was the late 4:00 pm start time. Or maybe it was that the offense was led by two redshirt freshman quarterbacks, neither of which had ever seen playing time prior to the fourth quarter. Or maybe it was that the opponent had a record of 1-6. Whatever the reason, the Golden Rams had to overcome a sluggish start to overtake East Stroudsburg 53-24 in the Poconos.
Starting quarterback A.J. Long was not dressed for the game and even though Paul Dooley was dressed, he either wasn’t able or permitted to play. So it was redshirt freshman Mike Piperno who got the bulk of the snaps and classmate Zach Gilbert also seeing regular action. So with some unknowns, it would have been good for the Golden Rams to get out to their usual fast start. Instead, they turned the ball over on two of their first three possessions. Fortunately midway through the first quarter, Gilbert, who was likely supposed to execute a running play, noticed that wide receiver Ethan Price was totally uncovered at the line of scrimmage and the two connected on an 18-yard touchdown to give the Golden Rams an early 7-0 lead.
The second quarter was much more productive for the offense, as four different running backs scored touchdowns for the Golden Rams: Mike Class from 14 yards; Mark Dukes from three yards, Trael Seegers from two yards and Marcus Wilson from three yards. Meanwhile, the West Chester defense had its typical stifling performance, holding East Stroudsburg to 78 yards of total offense, five punts, and two lost fumbles in the first half.
Piperno settled down in the second half as he connected with tight end Cody Boozel on a 20-yard touchdown. Piperno finished the game 8 of 13 for 137 yards and an interception. A lot of credit goes to the offensive line, as the team rushed for 357 yards and six touchdowns with Dukes (132 yards), Seegars (101 yards) and Class (90 yards) leading the way. Although Lex Rosario only had three catches for 43 yards, he was West Chester’s leading receiver.
Meanwhile, the Golden Ram defense was relentless in their pursuit of the East Stroudsburg quarterback. Six different players had a piece of seven sacks on the day. Linebacker Nate Barnes led West Chester with eight tackles, including a crushing sack and a pass breakup. Cornerback Shaquille James had seven stops and a pass breakup while linebacker Tyler Morrissey had two forced fumbles to accompany his five tackles.
West Chester received only one penalty in the first half, and even that was on a questionable pass interference call where feet got tangled up. But the officials caught up with the averages and the Golden Rams finished with eight penalties for a total of 90 yards. Of East Stroudsburg’s 12 first downs, four of them came via West Chester penalties and half of the yards on one of the Warriors touchdown drives were the result of Golden Ram offenses.
In what was a tough day for West Chester’s special teams, Jarey Elder was a bright spot, returning three punts for a total of 42 yards. But two PAT’s were missed and one was blocked. Punter Brendan Paulison averaged 44 yards on his three punts, and while his final punt landed inside the Warrior five-yard line, the coverage team failed to down it and it rolled into the end zone for a touchback.
Redshirt freshman Brendan Ruskowski got his first career start two weeks ago at Bloomsburg since tackle Jake Duncan had to sit out due to an unsportsmanlike penalty incurred the prior week. But even with Duncan back, Ruskowski got the start at East Stroudsburg replacing classmate Patrick Ferry in the lineup.
So the Golden Rams now stand at 7-0, 4-0 in the division. The PSAC East will be decided next week when West Chester travels to Kutztown in a noon start. The winner of that game will go to the PSAC championship game at the west opponent - the winner of Slippery Rock at California - on November 10, and is very likely a Division II playoff qualifier regardless of the outcome of the PSAC championship.
Starting quarterback A.J. Long was not dressed for the game and even though Paul Dooley was dressed, he either wasn’t able or permitted to play. So it was redshirt freshman Mike Piperno who got the bulk of the snaps and classmate Zach Gilbert also seeing regular action. So with some unknowns, it would have been good for the Golden Rams to get out to their usual fast start. Instead, they turned the ball over on two of their first three possessions. Fortunately midway through the first quarter, Gilbert, who was likely supposed to execute a running play, noticed that wide receiver Ethan Price was totally uncovered at the line of scrimmage and the two connected on an 18-yard touchdown to give the Golden Rams an early 7-0 lead.
The second quarter was much more productive for the offense, as four different running backs scored touchdowns for the Golden Rams: Mike Class from 14 yards; Mark Dukes from three yards, Trael Seegers from two yards and Marcus Wilson from three yards. Meanwhile, the West Chester defense had its typical stifling performance, holding East Stroudsburg to 78 yards of total offense, five punts, and two lost fumbles in the first half.
Piperno settled down in the second half as he connected with tight end Cody Boozel on a 20-yard touchdown. Piperno finished the game 8 of 13 for 137 yards and an interception. A lot of credit goes to the offensive line, as the team rushed for 357 yards and six touchdowns with Dukes (132 yards), Seegars (101 yards) and Class (90 yards) leading the way. Although Lex Rosario only had three catches for 43 yards, he was West Chester’s leading receiver.
Meanwhile, the Golden Ram defense was relentless in their pursuit of the East Stroudsburg quarterback. Six different players had a piece of seven sacks on the day. Linebacker Nate Barnes led West Chester with eight tackles, including a crushing sack and a pass breakup. Cornerback Shaquille James had seven stops and a pass breakup while linebacker Tyler Morrissey had two forced fumbles to accompany his five tackles.
West Chester received only one penalty in the first half, and even that was on a questionable pass interference call where feet got tangled up. But the officials caught up with the averages and the Golden Rams finished with eight penalties for a total of 90 yards. Of East Stroudsburg’s 12 first downs, four of them came via West Chester penalties and half of the yards on one of the Warriors touchdown drives were the result of Golden Ram offenses.
In what was a tough day for West Chester’s special teams, Jarey Elder was a bright spot, returning three punts for a total of 42 yards. But two PAT’s were missed and one was blocked. Punter Brendan Paulison averaged 44 yards on his three punts, and while his final punt landed inside the Warrior five-yard line, the coverage team failed to down it and it rolled into the end zone for a touchback.
Redshirt freshman Brendan Ruskowski got his first career start two weeks ago at Bloomsburg since tackle Jake Duncan had to sit out due to an unsportsmanlike penalty incurred the prior week. But even with Duncan back, Ruskowski got the start at East Stroudsburg replacing classmate Patrick Ferry in the lineup.
So the Golden Rams now stand at 7-0, 4-0 in the division. The PSAC East will be decided next week when West Chester travels to Kutztown in a noon start. The winner of that game will go to the PSAC championship game at the west opponent - the winner of Slippery Rock at California - on November 10, and is very likely a Division II playoff qualifier regardless of the outcome of the PSAC championship.
West Chester Athletic Site - No. 12 West Chester’s Quick Start Too Much For ESU, 53-24
East Stroudsburg Athletic Site - ESU Football Falls to No. 12 West Chester, 53-24
Pocono Record - No. 12 West Chester holds off ESU, 53-24
The Stroud Courier - The Golden Rams Stampede Warriors 53-24 on Saturday
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Game Preview - East Stroudsburg
The Golden Rams (6-0, 3-0) travel to the Poconos to take on the East Stroudsburg Warriors (1-6, 0-4).
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm on Saturday.
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 60-22 and Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan is 13-3 against the Warriors, including two wins in the Poconos in 2004. In the first matchup that season, the Golden Rams blocked a PAT in overtime, then scored a touchdown and won the game on Dan Wilbourne’s converted PAT to hand then #7 East Stroudsburg their first loss of the season in front of a homecoming crowd of almost 6,000. The second game came on a frigid and blustery November afternoon in the NCAA regional finals. With a crowd of over 7,200 on hand, current West Chester running backs coach Osagie Osunde ran for 144 yards and three touchdowns as the Golden Rams handed East Stroudsburg their second loss of the season.
The following year, West Chester tipped the #6 ranked Warriors, 18-17, in muddy Farrell Stadium. 2005 was the last season that Farrell Stadium had natural grass. In 2009, East Stroudsburg ruined West Chester’s homecoming 21-20. The Golden Rams failed to convert a PAT early in the game and a 35-yard field goal late in the game. It's the only time that East Stroudsburg has won at West Chester in the past dozen years and the last time that the Warriors have reached the playoffs. The Warriors are led by head coach Denny Douds who is in his 45th season at the helm.
Last 10 Meetings:
Last Meeting:
10/28/2017 West Chester 31 - East Stroudsburg 26
West Chester held a comfortable 31-6 lead after three quarters. But the Warriors scored three touchdowns in the final quarter and were in Golden Ram territory when the final clock expired, and West Chester held on for a 31-26 win at Farrell Stadium.
Linebacker Tyler Morrissey had a team-high 13 tackles and a sack while Jarey Elder had six tackles and a pass breakup. West Chester held an almost ten-minute advantage in time of possession.
Scouting the Opponent:
Historically, the Warriors are known for chucking the ball around, but this season, the offense is led by All-PSAC East running back Jaymar Anderson (139 carries, 912 yards, 9 TD's).
When East Stroudsburg does throw the ball, it could be either
Ben Moser (86 of 178, 1,306 yards, 9 TD's, 13 int's) or
Jake Cirillo (29 of 58, 374 yards, 3 TD's, 3 int's). Either way, the ball often finds its way into the defense's hands as the Warriors lead the PSAC in interceptions thrown. Their top receivers are
Jylil Reeder (29 catches, 558 yards, 5 TD's),
Devante Robinson (20 catches, 210 yards) and 6'3"
RJ Sarajian (17 catches, 288 yards, 4 TD's). The line is anchored by All-PSAC East left tackle Michael Fleming.
On special teams, Rece Bender is averaging almost 12 yards per punt return, kicker Jordan Walters (6 of 7 on field goals, 20 of 22 on PAT's) has converted a 45-yard field goal this season, and Sam O'Brien (36 punts, 38 yard average, 13 inside the 20, 3 50+ yards) handles the punting.
Free safety Billy Inge III (49 tackles, 2 int) and strong safety Joshua Taylor (48 tackles, 1 int) are the team's top tacklers in their 4-2-5 scheme. Linebackers Dylan Murphy (43 tackles, 1 sack) and freshman Jacob Keane (29 tackles, 1.5 sack) man the middle. Sophomore lineman Keanan Baines (16 tackles, 3 sacks) leads the Warriors in sacks while tackle Andre Eldridge (24 tackles, 2.5 sacks) clogs the middle.
Analysis:
East Stroudsburg's defense always struggles against the run and this season is no different as they are last in the entire PSAC. So this should be a game where the Golden Rams rack up a lot of yards on the ground by their running backs. A good matchup should be how West Chester's top ranked run defense stops one of the best runners in the conference, and not over committing which could leave East Stoudsburg's receivers open. Even after last week's bye, the Golden Rams lead the PSAC in sacks and should have fun against the Warriors which are near the bottom in sacks allowed. The biggest concern for West Chester in this game is to not look past East Stroudsburg in anticipation for next week's showdown at Kutztown.
Both Atomic Football and Massey Ratings are expecting West Chester to win by 20+ points.
Game Coverage:
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 60-22 and Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan is 13-3 against the Warriors, including two wins in the Poconos in 2004. In the first matchup that season, the Golden Rams blocked a PAT in overtime, then scored a touchdown and won the game on Dan Wilbourne’s converted PAT to hand then #7 East Stroudsburg their first loss of the season in front of a homecoming crowd of almost 6,000. The second game came on a frigid and blustery November afternoon in the NCAA regional finals. With a crowd of over 7,200 on hand, current West Chester running backs coach Osagie Osunde ran for 144 yards and three touchdowns as the Golden Rams handed East Stroudsburg their second loss of the season.
The following year, West Chester tipped the #6 ranked Warriors, 18-17, in muddy Farrell Stadium. 2005 was the last season that Farrell Stadium had natural grass. In 2009, East Stroudsburg ruined West Chester’s homecoming 21-20. The Golden Rams failed to convert a PAT early in the game and a 35-yard field goal late in the game. It's the only time that East Stroudsburg has won at West Chester in the past dozen years and the last time that the Warriors have reached the playoffs. The Warriors are led by head coach Denny Douds who is in his 45th season at the helm.
Last 10 Meetings:
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
2008
|
Away
|
Win
|
34-24
|
2013
|
Home
|
Win
|
34-20
|
2009
|
Home
|
Loss
|
21-20
|
2014
|
Away
|
Win
|
35-24
|
2010
|
Away
|
Win
|
35-31
|
2015
|
Home
|
Win
|
41-27
|
2011
|
Home
|
Win
|
37-26
|
2016
|
Away
|
Win
|
41-14
|
2012
|
Away
|
Loss
|
35-28
|
2017
|
Home
|
Win
|
31-26
|
Last Meeting:
10/28/2017 West Chester 31 - East Stroudsburg 26
West Chester held a comfortable 31-6 lead after three quarters. But the Warriors scored three touchdowns in the final quarter and were in Golden Ram territory when the final clock expired, and West Chester held on for a 31-26 win at Farrell Stadium.
Linebacker Tyler Morrissey had a team-high 13 tackles and a sack while Jarey Elder had six tackles and a pass breakup. West Chester held an almost ten-minute advantage in time of possession.
Scouting the Opponent:
On special teams, Rece Bender is averaging almost 12 yards per punt return, kicker Jordan Walters (6 of 7 on field goals, 20 of 22 on PAT's) has converted a 45-yard field goal this season, and Sam O'Brien (36 punts, 38 yard average, 13 inside the 20, 3 50+ yards) handles the punting.
Free safety Billy Inge III (49 tackles, 2 int) and strong safety Joshua Taylor (48 tackles, 1 int) are the team's top tacklers in their 4-2-5 scheme. Linebackers Dylan Murphy (43 tackles, 1 sack) and freshman Jacob Keane (29 tackles, 1.5 sack) man the middle. Sophomore lineman Keanan Baines (16 tackles, 3 sacks) leads the Warriors in sacks while tackle Andre Eldridge (24 tackles, 2.5 sacks) clogs the middle.
Analysis:
Both Atomic Football and Massey Ratings are expecting West Chester to win by 20+ points.
Game Coverage:
West Chester Athletic Site - No. 12/13 West Chester Travels To East Stroudsburg For Saturday Tilt
PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes - Week 8
East Stroudsburg Athletic Site - ESU Football Game Notes vs. West Chester
D2football - PSAC Columnist - Week 8 in the PSAC