Game Report - West Chester 48 - Gannon 14

Sterlen Barr had a 61-yard pick-six and the Golden Rams scored on their first three offensive possessions as #19 West Chester rolled to a 48-14 win over Gannon in Erie. The Golden Rams move to 2-0 on the young season while the Golden Knights drop to 1-1.

Barr's interception happened on the opening drive of the game on a James Bell blitz. Ironically it came three plays after Jarey Elder's interception got negated due to a West Chester offside penalty. It worked in the Golden Rams favor, though, as Elder's diving catch couldn't be advanced whereas Barr was able to streak 61 yards into the end zone.

So the defense set the tone early. Gannon's second possession was thwarted when Omar Peterkin registered a third-down sack. Then West Chester's offense established their running game. Quarterback Paul Dooley, who didn't run until the second half last week, tallied 59 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. And while Ja'Den McKenzie (13 carries, 87 yards, 2 scores) seems to have emerged as the primary running back, Phil Poquie (6 carries, 18 yards) and Isaiah Bruce (7 carries, 9 yards) also saw time.

Unfortunately, the chippiness that was expected came to fruition. Tight end Cody Boozel made a fantastic touchdown catch in the third quarter, but when he made sure the defender knew how great the catch was, he was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting. In total, the Golden Rams were flagged for four personal fouls and Nyeem Jones was ejected for a late hit/targeting call.

But after last week's sluggish performance, this was an effort that was more typical of a Bill Zwaan team. Ten different players caught passes, the defense snagged five interceptions (Barr, James Bell, Jackson Taylor, Cole Zapf, Izaiah McPherson), all four quarterbacks played, Gannon was held to under 100 yards rushing while the Golden Rams ran 41 times for 180 yards and five touchdowns.

And just when you thought the Golden Rams couldn't get any younger, West Chester was without Dom Carey so freshman Quinton Derr got the start at right tackle. While Zach Liggitt got the start at defensive end in place of Fulani Freeman, redshirt freshman Michael Gobora also saw significant time and teamed up with classmate Joe Janick on a sack.

Sortable Box Score    Coaches Box Score

West Chester Athletic Site - No. 19 West Chester Handles Gannon, 48-14

Gannon Athletic Site - Fast Start, Turnovers Help Push No. 19 West Chester Past Golden Knights

GoErie.com - No. 19 West Chester dominates Gannon

Erie News Now - West Chester Spoils Gannon Home Opener