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Thursday, September 22, 2022

Game Preview - Millersville

The Golden Rams (2-1) open PSAC East play when they host the Millersville Marauders (0-3) on Saturday. Kickoff in John A. Farrell Stadium is scheduled for noon.

Series History:

West Chester leads the overall series 71-17. Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan remains perfect against the Marauders in his 18 meeetings with Ville. J.C. Morgan (Bucknell '04) entered his fifth season as head coach of the Marauders with a 6-27 career record.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year
H/A
W/L
Score
Year
H/A
W/L
Score
2011
Away
Win
49-13
2016
Home
Win
52-0
2012
Home
Win
56-14
2017
Away
Win
27-24
2013
Away
Win
48-3
2018
Home
Win
42-16
2014
Home
Win
62-7
2019
Away
Win
48-7
2015
Away
Win
48-3
2021
Away
Win
42-14

Last Meeting:


09/25/2021 West Chester 42 - Millersville 14

The Golden Ram defense held Millersville to -45 yards rushing and 188 total yards of offense in yet another dominating win over the Marauders. Linebacker Jackson Taylor led the way with nine total tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss while Zach Liggitt registered 1.5 sacks. Offensively, quarterback Shane Dooley threw for 181 yards and three touchdowns while Phil Poquie ran for 101 yards and a score.

Scouting the Opponent:
The strength of the Marauders is on defense, led by a trio of All-PSAC East performers in defensive tackle Tyler Tate (20 tackles, 5 QB hurries), linebacker Isaiah Onuschak (24 tackles) and free safety Steve Sweeney (16 tackles). Through three games this season, their top tacklers are linebackers Rafael Lozada (33 tackles) and Garrett Cox (28 tackles, 2.0 sacks).

Offensively, Millersville appears to have moved away from quarterback Jack Stagaard (12 of 31, 108 yards; 19 carries, 78 yards) in favor of Morgan State transfer Anthony Butler (30 of 52, 331 yards, 3 TD, 1 int). Their top receivers are Mekhi Alexander (13 catches, 146 yards, 2 TD's), Hakim Melvin (5 catches, 14 yards), and Christan Drayton III (2 catches, 52 yards). Running back Jaheim Morris (30 carries, 110 yards, 1 TD) is also an effective pass catcher (10 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD).

Analysis:
The Millersville offense ranks near the bottom of the PSAC in both yardage and scoring and they have allowed a league worst 14 sacks thus far in 2022. So it would seem after containing Morris, the Golden Ram defense should have control of this game, especially after what they did in the second half at Gannon. The Marauder defense has yet to record an interception and generally struggles against the pass, so that should help whomever is at quarterback for the purple and gold this week. Otherwise, it should be a big day for Ja'Den McKenzie or Phil Poquie or even better, both of them.

Massey Ratings is expecting a 19-point West Chester win and Versus Sports simulates a 32-8 West Chester victory.

Game Coverage:


D2football - PSAC East Columnist - PSAC Week Four Preview

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