The game was billed as the top two rushing offenses in the PSAC. In the end, the Golden Rams rolled up 326 yards on the ground led by Ja'Den McKenzie (13 carries for 135 yards and 1 TD) and Phil Poquie (15 carries for 113 yards and 2 TD's). Conversely, the Warriors were held to just 88 yards rushing and a 3.5 yards/carry average. In fact, East Stroudsburg had a total of only 361 yards of offense, with 202 of those yards coming on just three plays.
The tone was set early when the Golden Rams defense forced a three-and-out on East Stroudsburg's first possession. A poor punt into the wind gave West Chester a short field. A couple of personal foul penalties against ESU gave WCU the ball at the four. Quarterback Shane Dooley then connected with Seth Degree on a nice back shoulder pass for the touchdown.
Phil Poquie had two touchdowns on the day (Photo Gina Chapman)The Warriors looked to milk the first quarter clock in order to alleviate themselves of the wind in their face. Ironically, East Stroudsburg's first play of the second quarter was a completed pass, but Obi Anyatonwu ensured that it gained no yards and forced a Warrior punt. With West Chester now working into the wind, McKenzie ripped a 72-yard run to the ESU one-yard line. It took three plays until fullback Mason Griffiths finally pushed Dooley across the goal line to put the Golden Rams up 14-0.
The Warrior QB didn't expect to see Zach Liggitt (Photo Gina Chapman)East Stroudsburg cut the lead to 14-7, but West Chester answered right back. Spurred by a lot of Poquie runs and a key fourth-and-nine conversion from Dooley to Rasheem James, the drive ended on an 11-yard McKenzie touchdown run. Sean Henry's ensuing pooch kickoff into the wind was recovered by Elijah Beard and the Golden Rams continued the ground game to go up 28-7.
Shane Dooley scores on one-yard sneak (Photo Gina Chapman)Leading 28-10 in the third quarter, the Golden Rams defense forced another East Stroudsburg punt, but an illegal block penalty on West Chester pinned them on their own 11-yard line. The Golden Rams then went on their most impressive drive of the game. Dooley connected with tight end Dan Neuhaus who broke a tackle and picked up 35 yards. A muffed snap pushed West Chester back to their own 37, but Dooley got some of the yards back on a pass to Raheim Bowens. Then on fourth-and-eight, Dooley eluded heavy pressure and gained 22 yards for the first down. Poquie finished the drive, which had to be demoralizing for East Stroudsburg, and the WCU lead ballooned to 35-10. The West Chester defense made short work of East Stroudsburg yet again, but they were forced back onto the field quickly after James caught a short crossing route pass and raced 50 yards for the one-play touchdown.
Elijah Beard recovered a WCU kickoff which led to a score (Photo Gina Chapman)West Chester was far from perfect. In the waning moments of the first half, in an attempt to avoid the pressure, Dooley forced a pass into the endzone that was intercepted and returned to midfield. Penalties cost the Golden Rams 75 yards and the pass defense allowed those three long pass plays which led to 21 East Stroudsburg points. But overall, West Chester managed the wind, converted three fourth downs, dominated the clock (38+ minutes) and limited turnovers.
Jacob Colby and Brendan Ruskowski lead the way for Ja'Den McKenzieNotes - The Golden Ram defense registered seven pass breakups and five quarterback hurries...linebacker Cole Zapf had the only sack for West Chester while Jackson Taylor had 12 total tackles...Henry missed a 48-yard field goal in the fourth quarter when West Chester was leading 42-10. In the first quarter, he was lined up for a 53-yard attempt, but a delay of game penalty changed Bill Zwaan's mind and the Golden Rams punted instead...Nyeem Jones was back in the starting lineup for the first time since Bentley and D'Shaun Seals returned to the field after missing last week's game at Shippensburg...wide receiver Gabe Schappell was on the sidelines after having his season ended at Millersville...Ronnie James and Fulani Freeman did not dress...John George averaged 46 yards on four punts and landed three inside the Warrior 20.
Omar Peterkin drags down the East Stroudsburg QB (Photo Gina Chapman)West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester’s Ground Game Too Much For East Stroudsburg, 42-24
East Stroudsburg Athletic Site - Warriors Drop PSAC East Matchup to West Chester
Daily Local News - Golden Rams break out offensively, pummel East Stroudsburg
WCU Football Family - Photo Album - East Stroudsburg
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