The 2021 West Chester University Golden Ram football team was honored at the 55th annual team banquet Saturday afternoon at the Sykes Student Union on the campus of West Chester University.
For their performance in each game this past season, Killinger Foundation President Rick Daniels presented the following players with the Killinger Foundation Player of the Game award:
Bentley - John George -
In West Chester's 41-17 loss at Bentley, George (Sr., Bishop Shanahan) averaged 41 yards on four punts without a touchback. His kicks went to the Bentley 20, 6, 16, and 17 yard line.
Mercyhurst - Michael Gobora -
In West Chester's 56-10 win at Mercyhurst, Gobora (So., Pennsbury) tallied eight total tackles, including 5.0 tackles for loss for 20 yards, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He was named PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week as a result.
Edinboro - Phil Poquie -
In West Chester's 41-37 win over visiting Edinboro, Poquie (Sr., Haverford School) rushed for 110 yards on 14 carries for an average of 7.9 yards/carry. He was not tackled for a loss in the game and scored on a 16-yard run.
Millersville - Cole Zapf -
In West Chester's 42-14 win at Millersville, Zapf (Sr., Downingtown West) tallied four total tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss for 19 yards and 2.0 sacks.
Bloomsburg - Jordan Burney -
In West Chester's come-from-behind 21-20 win over Bloomsburg, Burney (Sr., Bishop Egan) notched eight total tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. One of his tackles for loss came on a third-and-goal from the one, forcing the Huskies into a field goal attempt which was missed.
Shippensburg - Omar Peterkin -
Although the Golden Rams fell at Shippensburg by a score of 34-18, Peterkin (Sr., Archbishop Wood) came up with seven total tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sacks.
East Stroudsburg - Rasheem James -
In a dominating 42-24 win over East Stroudsburg, James (Sr., Ben Franklin) only had four catches, but they totaled 83 yards including a back breaking 50-yard touchdown reception.
Shepherd - Shane Dooley -
In his best performance of his young career, Dooley (R-Fr., Father Judge) completed 20 of 30 passes for 276 yards, 5 touchdowns and no interceptions. He also netted 41 yards rushing after accounting for 36 yards in sacks, and almost rallied West Chester to victory in the final minutes of the contest.
Lock Haven - Dan Neuhaus -
In West Chester's 35-13 win at Lock Haven, Neuhaus (Sr., Bishop Shanahan) hauled in six passes for 127 yards. He scored on receptions of 14 and 30 yards on the day.
Kutztown - Jackson Taylor -
Despite the 21-14 setback to the PSAC East champion Kutztown Golden Bears, Taylor (So., Abington) racked up 16 total tackles, 11 of which were solo stops. He also notched 1.0 sack for eight yards and had another tackle for loss.
Indiana - Ja'Den McKenzie -
In West Chester's season ending 31-24 loss to Indiana, McKenzie (So., Sprigfield-Delco) scored all three of the Golden Rams' touchdowns. He rushed 23 times for a total of 112 yards and scored on runs of 47, 10 and 9 yards to give West Chester a 24-10 lead midway through the fourth quarter.
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West Chester Football Scholar Athlete of the Year - Michael Gobora
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The following players were selected by the coaches for their efforts this season:
Offensive Scout Team in Memory of Mark Killinger - D'Shaun Seals -
Despite winning the scout team award, Seals (Fr., Imhotep) played in ten games this past season, returning 13 punts for 108 yards and nine kickoffs for 224 yards. He also had a 24-yard catch against Bloomsburg.
Dave Williams Defensive Scout Team - Nico Myers - Myers (R-Fr., Berks Catholic) saw action in three games this past season for the Golden Rams, logging a tackle at Mercyhurst.
Ted Novak Memorial Coaches' Award - Phil Poquie -
Poquie (Sr., Haverford School) had his season cut short after suffering an injury at Shepherd. But he filled up the stat sheet in the first seven plus games as he had 629 yards and 7 touchdowns rushing, 8 catches for 56 yards, 14 kickoff returns for 365 yards, and 6 punt returns for 57 yards. Poquie's 138 all-purpose yards per game was tops in the PSAC.
Mark and Julie Drochek Coaches' Award - Omar Peterkin -
Playing the role of the coach on the field, Peterkin (Sr., Archbishop Wood), a captain, was a mainstay on the defensive line. On the season, he totaled 40 tackles - including 8.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. Peterkin also blocked a field goal against Kutztown.
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The following players were selected by their teammates for their performance for the season:
Unsung Hero Award - Cole Zapf -
With an All-American manning the other linebacker position, Zapf (Sr., Downingtown West) was often overlooked. However, he finished second on the team with 72 tackles and was second on the team with 15.5 tackles for loss including 6.0 sacks. Zapf also forced fumbles at Mercyhurst and Shippensburg.
Bill Vansant Memorial Special Teams Award - John George -
George (Sr., Bishop Shanahan) dropped 18 of his 63 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line while only kicking two touchbacks. He averaged 40.0 yards per punt which was good for third in the PSAC.
Brazill Family Defensive Player of the Year - Jackson Taylor -
Taylor (So., Abington) finished the season with 97 total tackles (7th in the PSAC) including 11.5 tackles for loss (12th in the PSAC). He received a host of honors including
first team All-PSAC East,
PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year,
All-Super Region 1 by the Division 2 Conference Commissioner's Association,
D2Football.com Elite 100,
honorable mention All-American by the Don Hansen Football Gazette,
and a Cliff Harris Award nominee.
Muz and Lew Peck Offensive Player of the Year, Golden Ram Football Club Player of the Year, and WCU Football Athlete of the Year - Ja'Den McKenzie -
McKenzie (So., Springfield-Delco) led the conference in rushing touchdowns with 12 and was third in the PSAC with 13 total touchdowns. He averaged 89 yards rushing per game which placed him third in the PSAC. McKenzie received the PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week award after the Bloomsburg game (22 carries, 121 yards, 2 TD's) and after the East Stroudsburg game (13 carries, 135 yards, 1 TD). He was named first team All-PSAC East for the second time.
The 2022 Golden Ram Captains were introduced and are
left tackle Brendan Ruskowski,
linebacker Jackson Taylor,
running back Ja'Den McKenzie, and
defensive end Zach Liggitt.
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Head Coach Bill Zwaan presents Michael Gobora with the 
Head Coach Bill Zwaan presents D'Shaun Seals with the 
Head Coach Bill Zwaan presents Nico Myers with the 
Head Coach Bill Zwaan presents Phil Poquie with the 
Head Coach Bill Zwaan presents Cole Zapf with the Unsung Hero Award 
Jim Vansant presents John George with the 
Jim Brazill Sr. and Jim Brazill Jr. present Jackson Taylor with the 
Rick Daniels and Head Coach Bill Zwaan present Ja'Den McKenzie with thePlayer News - Future Golden Rams Recognized for Academics
Selected to the Gold Team for competing in the 2021 season with a GPA of 4.0 and up are:
- Zach Liberatore - K - Garnet Valley
- Cayden Hess - WR - Jersey Shore
- Ethan Kohler - QB - Perkiomen Valley
Selected to the Silver Team for competing in the 2021 season with a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.9 is:
- Damien Bogsch - DE - Marple Newtown
PAFootballNews.com - PAFootballNews.com All Academic Teams
Saturday, February 19, 2022
Player News - Tyzeem Kinney a Golden Ram
- 2021 Honorable Mention The Reporter/Times Herald Montgomery Media All-Area
- 2021 First Team All-Suburban One American Division
#RespectMyDecision pic.twitter.com/nSba8nvbo1
— Tyzeem Kinney (@ZeemKinney) February 15, 2022
Times-Chronicle - Kinney, Cheltenham rally past Wissahickon
Friday, February 18, 2022
Player News - Ricardo Delgado joins the Golden Rams
- 2021 Honorable Mention The Reporter/Times Herald Montgomery Media All-Area
- 2021 First Team Coaches' All-Catholic Red Division
- 2021 Honorable Mention Ed "Huck" Palmer All-Catholic Red Division
WELCOME @rique_delgado TO THE GOLDEN RAM FAMILY!! pic.twitter.com/HnrH4dymBG
— West Chester Golden Rams Football (@WCUGoldenRamsFB) February 17, 2022
The Trentonian - Neshaminy football suffers beatdown to powerhouse Archbishop Wood
PA Prep Live - St. Joseph’s Prep, air attack soars past Archbishop Wood
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Player News - Zach Liberatore Attending West Chester
- 2021 Second Team All-Delco
- 2021 First Team All-Central League Class 6A
- 2020 First Team All-Central League Class 6A
Congrats to kicker Zack Liberatore who has committed to continue his academic and athletic career at West Chester University!! pic.twitter.com/cm4r9Hmmi4
— Garnet Valley Football (@GarnetValleyFB) February 8, 2022
EasternPAFootball.com - Garnet Valley may be the new beast of the East, after beating Coatesville 54-15 in the District 1 6A championship
PA Football News - Garnet Valley Wins Fourth Straight Central League Title Against Lower Merion
EasternPAFootball.com - 2021 Team Preview: Garnet Valley Jaguars
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Player News - Shane Drobinski Jr Joining the Golden Rams
- 2021 Second Team District 2 Class 3A
Monday, February 7, 2022
Player News - Aidan Dooley Coming to West Chester
- 2021 Second Team Class 3A All-EasternPAFootball.com
- 2021 First Team All-Inter-Ac League
First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents, coaches for the support throughout this process. After a great visit, I am happy to say that I will be committing to West Chester University to further my education and do what I love. #Committed @WCUGoldenRamsFB pic.twitter.com/sRRlGp1fZ2
— Aidan Dooley (@Aidandooley04) February 7, 2022
Philadelphia Sports Digest - Philadelphia Sports Digest’s Inter-Ac PICK 6 (Week of 10/15)
Philadelphia Sports Digest - Inter-Ac League Preview...Back on the Gridiron
Northeast Times - New season, new Dooley at Judge
Friday, February 4, 2022
Player News - Emmanuel Nukah Joining the Golden Rams
- 2021 Honorable Mention Ed "Huck" Palmer All-Catholic Blue Division
- 2020 Honorable Mention All-Intelligencer/Courier Times
- 2020 Honorable Mention Coaches' All-Catholic
- 2020 Honorable Mention Ed "Huck" Palmer All-Catholic Blue Division
Player News - Deshawn Johnson a Golden Ram
- 2019 Honorable Mention All-DelVal (defense)
WELCOME @Deshawnj2004 TO THE GOLDEN RAM FAMILY!! pic.twitter.com/wdbOFfMYu5
— West Chester Golden Rams Football (@WCUGoldenRamsFB) February 4, 2022
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Player News - Mike Darcy Coming to West Chester
- 2020 Honorable Mention The Reporter/Times Herald Montgomery Media All-Area
- 2020 Honorable Mention All-Intelligencer/Courier Times
- 2020 Second Team All-Suburban One National Division
Thank you God 🙏✝️🟡🟣🐏 #InGodWeTrust @CoachJCurry @WCUGoldenRamsFB @coachzwaan @CoachGToney pic.twitter.com/TLhkg1HS2x
— Mike Darcy (@MikeDarcy19) January 13, 2022
SuburbanOneSports.com - North Penn Trio to Play Collegiate Football
The Knight Crier - Doubt not enough to stop Darcy
Player News - Marcus Williams Commits to WCU
- 2021 Honorable Mention Class 6A All-EasternPAFootball.com (offense)
- 2021 First Team Morning Call All-EPC (offense)
- 2021 First Team All-EPC South (offense)
- 2021 First Team All-EPC South (special)
- 2020 Honorable Mention Lehigh Valley Live All-Area (offense)
- 2020 Honorable Mention Lehigh Valley Live All-Area (defense)
- 2020 First Team Morning Call All-EPC (defense)
- 2020 First Team All-EPC South (defense)
- 2020 First Team All-EPC South (special)
- 2020 First Team All-EPC Northampton Division (defense)
- 2020 First Team All-EPC Northampton Division (special)
I am truly blessed and honored to announce my commitment to West Chester University. I want to thank all of my family, coaches, and teammates who have helped me get to this point. I am ready to work! @WCUGoldenRamsFB @CoachJCurry @EastonFootball pic.twitter.com/HSX7RBw42s
— Marcus Williams (@_WilliamsMarcus) February 2, 2022
lehighvalleylive.com - ‘We had to keep believing.’ Easton football rallies by P’burg in final minute to extend streak to 6
lehighvalleylive.com - Williams adds to Easton football’s historic evening with 6 TDs on 6 carries
lehighvalleylive.com - The Marcus Williams Experience: Easton football ends Emmaus’ unbeaten run
Player News - Damien Bogsch Signs with West Chester
- 2021 Honorable Mention Class 5A All-EasternPAFootball.com (defense)
- 2021 Second Team All-Delco (defense)
- 2021 First Team All-Central (defense)
- 2021 First Team All-Central (offense)
Thank you to everyone that has helped me through this process especially my family, coaches, and friends. With that, I am unbelievably blessed to announce that I am committed to West Chester University. 🟣🟡🐏 @coachzwaan @CoachJCurry @WCUGoldenRamsFB pic.twitter.com/rQCYzmB0Of
— Damien Bogsch (@bogsch_damien) February 2, 2022
Delco Times - Senior leaders have fueled Marple Newtown’s resurgence
Player News - Jake Phipps Commits to West Chester
- 2021 Second Team District 1 Class 3A
- 2020 Second Team Blue Hen Flight - A
- 2019 Second Team Blue Hen Flight - A
100% Committed💜💛 @WCUGoldenRamsFB @AppoFootball pic.twitter.com/RL3hVbRcYW
— Jake Phipps (@JakePhipps52) February 2, 2022
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Player News - Jackson Taylor Receives All-American Nod
Sophomore linebacker Jackson Taylor was named
honorable mention All-American by the Don Hansen Football Gazette.
Taylor was named first team All-PSAC East, PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year, All-Super Region 1 by the Division 2 Conference Commissioner's Association, D2Football.com Elite 100, and a Cliff Harris Award nominee. He finished the season with 97 total tackles (7th in the PSAC) including 11.5 tackles for loss (12th in the PSAC). He also had interceptions at Shippensburg and Lock Haven and recovered a fumble at Shippensburg as well.
Taylor was named first team All-PSAC East, PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year, All-Super Region 1 by the Division 2 Conference Commissioner's Association, D2Football.com Elite 100, and a Cliff Harris Award nominee. He finished the season with 97 total tackles (7th in the PSAC) including 11.5 tackles for loss (12th in the PSAC). He also had interceptions at Shippensburg and Lock Haven and recovered a fumble at Shippensburg as well.
West Chester Athletic Site - Jackson Taylor Named Honorable Mention All-America By Don Hansen FB Gazette