Golden Ram Football Club: Game Report - #11 West Chester 48

It’s unfortunate that a dominating win to cap an undefeated PSAC East season was received in such a lackluster manner by the massive homecoming crowd. But facing an opponent with just one win on the season, the outcome was pretty much a foregone conclusion. Regardless, the Golden Ram offense rolled up over 500 yards of total offense for the third time this season in whitewashing Lock Haven by a score of 48-14.

Diquan Gilbert with another sack this season (Photo Ron Hockman)

A few numbers really stand out that define this game – 34, 38, 0, and 10. West Chester amassed 34 first downs which ties for the most by any PSAC team this season (Slippery Rock had 34 first downs against Edinboro in October). The Golden Rams held the ball for over 38 minutes of game time, which increases their conference leading average to over 34 minutes per game. Opponents have a hard time scoring if they don’t have the ball. Since every West Chester possession ended in a score, except for the final possession which ended with the Golden Rams having the ball on the Lock Haven ten-yard line, All-American punter Brendan Paulison punted zero times. That’s great for the team, but has dropped him from national rankings for not having the minimum number of attempts to qualify. And three different West Chester quarterbacks completed passes to ten different receivers. With four running backs, four wide outs, and two tight ends all making receptions, it makes it tough for defenses to decide whom to cover.

Mike Class broke these tackles for his third touchdown (Photo Ron Hockman)

Notable offensive performances came from quarterbacks A.J. Long (18 of 21 for 245 yards) and Paul Dooley (8 of 11, 120 yards, 2 TD’s). The two also combined for 44 yards rushing. Senior running back Mike Class (10 carries, 71 yards, 3 TD’s) and junior wide receiver Lex Rosario (7 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD) also had big days. Despite the stiff breeze, sophomore kicker Andrew Chegia was perfect on his eight kick attempts – two field goals to go along with his six PAT’s.

Paul Dooley was unable to pull in this pass from Lex Rosario (Photo Ron Hockman)

What was somewhat concerning was the uninspired effort from the Golden Ram defense. Although Lock Haven was held below their season averages on offense, they became the first team to rush for over 100 yards in a game against West Chester. Hardly expected from a 1-8 team. Bald Eagle ball carriers broke tackles, turning small gains into big plays on multiple occasions. West Chester remains the PSAC leader in sacks, but they only mustered one from Diquan Gilbert in the game. Jarey Elder, Nate Barnes and Tyler Morrissey had six tackles each with Elder also making his team-high fifth interception of the season.

Jarey Elder made his fifth interception this season (Photo Ron Hockman)

So now West Chester can give their full attention to the PSAC championship on Saturday at Slippery Rock. The Golden Rams will be seeking their first league crown since the championship game was resurrected in 2008 and their first since 1971.