Game Preview - Lock Haven

In the final home game of the 2022 season, West Chester (4-4, 2-3) hosts the Lock Haven Bald Eagles (1-7, 0-5) on Saturday at noon.

Series History:
West Chester holds a 26-6-1 lead in the series. Current WCU head coach Bill Zwaan is undefeated in his previous ten meetings against the Bald Eagles. Lock Haven moved from the PSAC West to the PSAC East prior to the 2013 season when they replaced LIU Post in the division. Head coach Dan Mulrooney is in his first season at Lock Haven after leading Anna Maria College to the NCAA Division III playoffs and being named Eastern Collegiate Football Conference Coach of the Year in 2021.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2008	Home	Win	37-6	2016	Home	Win	37-7
2009	Away	Win	43-0	2017	Away	Win	35-14
2013	Away	Win	34-13	2018	Home	Win	48-14
2014	Home	Win	41-6	2019	Away	Win	56-14
2015	Away	Win	33-9	2021	Away	Win	35-13

Last Meeting:

10/30/2021 West Chester 35 - Lock Haven 13

The Golden Rams turned the ball over on their first two possessions and a total of five times in the game. When they did manage to hold on to the ball, it resulted in points as West Chester only punted twice in the game. On a rainy and cold later afternoon contest, the Golden Rams rushed the ball 43 times for 333 yards. Ja'Den McKenzie had 16 carries for 160 yards and a touchdown and quarterback Shane Dooley had 11 carries for 45 yards. Dooley was also 11 of 17 passing for 189 yards and three touchdowns, but also two interceptions.

Defensively, linebacker Jackson Taylor had a monster game with 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Defensive back Zach DeMarchis had two pass breakups and Izaiah McPherson also had one. Sean Henry converted all five PAT attempts.

Scouting the Opponent:

Assumption transfer Easton Turner (103 of 195, 1,122 yards, 7 TD's, 12 int's) had started every game at quarterback this season, but suffered a leg injury midway through the Bloomsburg game and was replaced by sophomore Samuel Barber (15 of 20, 204 yards, 2 TD's, 1 int). Last week at Kutztown, Stony Brook transfer Danny Sanchez (12 of 23, 126 yards) got the start, but suffered an injury late in the game and was replaced by freshman Matt Stanton (4 of 6, 15 yards). It's anyone's guess as to who will play quarterback on Saturday.

The Lock Haven ground game relies on running back DeAndre Wakefield (126 carries, 528 yards, 2 TD's). In the passing game, Minnesota St transfer Marquon Williams (19 catches, 401 yards, 5 TD's) is third in the PSAC in touchdown catches. Other targets are Chase Holmes (28 catches, 383 yards, 1 TD), Kenneth Pettiford (14 catches, 181 yards, 1 TD) and Wakefield (22 catches, 114 yards).

Linebacker Shane Scott (18 tackles, 1 sack) was All-PSAC East last season, but left their second game this season with an injury and hasn't played since. Linebacker Austin Barber (55 tackles, 5.5. TFL) is the team's top tackler this year. Justin Anderson (15 tackles, 3.0 sacks) leads the way up front. Defensive backs Kasir Henry (49 tackles, 3 PBU's) and Victor Hunt (18 tackles, 3 PBU's) lead the secondary and linebacker Kabbi Kanu (16 tackles, 2 int) has three picks.

Kicker Brett Zachman (9 of 11 PAT, 1 of 5 FG) has only made one field goal, but it was from 42 yards. He has two touchbacks on kickoffs and averages 36 yards on punts.

Analysis:

Lock Haven's only win this year came in the season opener at first-year program Post (0-7) when the host's game-winning two-point attempt failed with a minute left in the game. Since then, the Eagles have failed to score more than 12 points in a game. Among PSAC teams, the Lock Haven defense ranks last in scoring, total offense, rushing offense, and pass defense efficiency. So whatever West Chester has been trying to figure out on offense, it should happen on Saturday.

Versus Sports simulates a 42-3 Golden Ram win while Massey Ratings predicts a 42-10 WCU victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Welcomes Lock Haven on Senior Day

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes, Week 9

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Nine Preview