Game Preview - Gannon

The Golden Rams (1-1) travel to Erie for the third consecutive season when they take on the Gannon Golden Knights (2-0). Saturday's contest at McConnell Family Stadium will start at noon.

Erik Raeburn entered his third season as head coach with a 6-9 record. Gannon is coming off a 16-10 win at Millersville in which the statistics were far more lopsided than the final score.

Series History:

West Chester has never lost to Gannon in their four previous meetings since Gannon joined the PSAC in 2008. In 2013, the two teams combined for 97 points and almost 1,100 yards with West Chester hanging on for a 56-41 win. The last two games, in 2018 and 2019, were much more comfortable victories for the Golden Rams.

Last Meeting:

09/14/2019 West Chester 48 - Gannon 14

The Golden Ram offense rolled up 180 yards and five touchdowns rushing while the defense had five interceptions as West Chester eased to a 48-14 win in Erie. Ja'Den McKenzie had 87 yards and two touchdowns rushing while Phil Poquie registered 103 all-purpose yards in pacing the offense. Sterlen Barr had a 61-yard pick-six and Izaiah McPherson and Jackson Taylor also had interceptions. Barr notched two pass breakups and three tackles while Taylor and Zach Liggitt each made five tackles.

Scouting the Golden Knights:

Gannon returns 21 starters from their 2021 team that finished 5-6, including four of their offensive linemen and all four players that were named All-PSAC West. At 6'4, 235lb, Bryant transfer quarterback Kory Curtis (29 of 49, 310 yards, 4 TD's 0 int's) is a big presence that can bull his way across the goal line in short yardage situations. All-PSAC West running back Melvin Blanks (51 carries, 248 yards, 2 TD's) gets the bulk of the touches on offense. Curtis looks to wide receivers Ke'John Batiste (12 catches, 140 yards) and Sam East (4 catches, 48 yards, 2 TD's), running back Banks (3 catches, 76 yards) and Saginaw Valley St transfer tight end Alex Whittaker (1 catch, 3 yards, 1 TD). Right guard Montana Nietert was All-PSAC West after last season. Curtis also does the punting (38.5 avg) and place kicking (6 of 7 PAT's) although he has not attempted a field goal thus far.

Defensively, safety Chris Farnsworth (19 tackles, 1 forced fumble) was All-PSAC West last year and is the Knights leading tackler this season. Linebacker Trey Baker (11 tackles, 2 sacks) was Gannon's top tackler last season and despite being 5'9", linebacker Keith Thompson (10 tackles) is also a top tackler. Defensive end Nick White (9 tackles, 1 TFL) was All-PSAC West a season ago. Defensive linemen Malachi Woody (6 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and Ezeigbo Obi (5 tackles, 2.5 sacks) attack the quarterback.

Analysis:

After Bentley, this is the next of a handful of games that are toss ups. Gannon has returned a majority of its team from last year, and where they had the greatest need - the defenisve secondary - they brought in transfers from Central Washington, Columbia, Grand Valley St, and Notre Dame College. They have momentum after winning their first two games this season. Can the West Chester offense finally get it going? A long drive to the northwest corner of the state is another factor that can be an obstacle for a young Golden Ram team. It could be a longer drive home.

Versus Sports simulates a 27-22 West Chester win while Massey Ratings projects a 25-24 Gannon victory.

Notes:
Those of you making the trip to Gannon for the first time are in for a real treat. In that single stadium, the Golden Knights not only play football and soccer, but also baseball, lacrosse, and softball. As such seating is a challenge, with poor visibility from behind the visitor's stands. There are no parking lots; all parking is on street.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes, Week 3

Gannon Athletic Site - Golden Knights Host West Chester in Search of First Win over Golden Rams

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Three Preview