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Saturday, February 18, 2023

Team News - 2022 Players Honored at Year End Awards Ceremony

The 2022 West Chester University Golden Ram football team was honored at the 56th annual team banquet Saturday afternoon at the West Chester University Alumni & Foundation Center.

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:


Maurice Beverly
Bentley - Maurice Beverly - In his first collegiate game, Beverly (Fr., Imhotep) registered a team-high nine tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss. He also forced a fumble and notched two quarterback hurries in West Chester's 17-16 season opening win over Bentley.


Chris Barbera
Slippery Rock - Chris Barbera - In West Chester's 35-14 loss to Slippery Rock, Barbera (So., Upper Dublin) was called on to punt six times. He averaged over 44 yards per punt, including booming two longer than 50 yards and dropping two inside the Rock 20-yard line.

Ja'Den McKenzie
Gannon - Ja'Den McKenzie - In the Golden Rams' 29-23 win at Gannon, McKenzie (Jr., Springfield) was a workhorse. He carried the ball 23 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns. His second scoring run came early in the second half from 49 yards out and gave West Chester a 24-23 lead.

Oscar Uduma
Millersville - Oscar Uduma - In West Chester's 26-14 win over the Marauders, Uduma (So., Bonner-Prendergast) notched two total tackles including 3.5 tackles for loss. In pass defense, he had a third-down pass breakup and a 24-yard pick six. Uduma forced two fumbles, including a strip sack, both of which were recovered by WCU.

Jackson Taylor
Bloomsburg - Jackson Taylor - Although it was a frustrating 21-13 loss at Bloomsburg, linebacker Taylor (Jr., Abington) made a team-high eight tackles including 4.5 tackles for loss. As he's always around the ball, he also recovered a Husky fumble.

Ethan Kohler
Shippensburg - Ethan Kohler - In the Golden Rams' 20-13 loss, Kohler (Fr. Perkiomen Valley) had the most passing yardage by a WCU quarterback in a single game over the past two seasons. He completed 18 of 34 attempts for 328 yards.

Cooper Jordan
East Stroudsburg - Cooper Jordan - In West Chester's 24-21 victory at East Stroudsburg, Jordan (Fr. Bishop Shanahan) had his way with the Warriors. He completed 7 of 16 passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns, but he also ran 12 times for 133 yards and a score. Jordan was named PSAC Eastern Division Offensive Athlete of the Week for his effort.

Sterlen Barr
Shepherd - Sterlen Barr - In Shepherd's first ever visit to Farrell Stadium, Barr (Sr., Upper Moreland) registered a game-high 12 tackles. He also had a pass breakup in the 47-14 loss.

Zach DeMarchis
Lock Haven - Zach DeMarchis - In West Chester's 58-10 win over Lock Haven, DeMarchis (Sr., Pennsbury) made a team-high five tackles. In pass coverage, he registered two pass breakups. DeMarchis also nabbed an interception which led to WCU's first score and recovered a fumble which led to a Golden Ram touchdown.

David Blay
Kutztown - David Blay - In a dominating 28-9 win at Kutztown, Blay (R-Fr., Truman) made eight total tackles. He also had two tackles for loss, the first coming on a second-and-one which set the tone for a turnover on downs, and the second after Kutztown took possession deep in WCU territory after a fumble.

Phil Poquie
Clarion - Phil Poquie - In his final collegiate game, Poquie (Sr., Haverford) had 122 yards rushing, 60 yards receiving, and 34 yards in kick returns. He scored a touchdown on a 54-yard run leading to a 36-27 season finale victory.






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Matt Checchia
West Chester Football Scholar Athlete of the Year - Matt Checchia









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The following players were selected by the coaches for their efforts this season:


Daquan Robinson
Greenwood Family Offensive Scout Team Award - Daquan Robinson


Graham Muscella
Dave Williams Defensive Scout Team Award - Graham Muscella


Noah Collachi
Ted Novak Memorial Coaches' Award - Noah Collachi - After playing primarily on special teams in 2021, Collachi (Jr., Central Bucks South) made a bigger impact with the Golden Ram defense this past year. He totaled 13 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss. Collachi also registered two quarterback hurries and returned a fumble 23 yards against Lock Haven.


Phil Poquie
Julie & Mark Drochek Coaches' Award - Phil Poquie - After an injury caused Poquie (Sr., Haverford) to miss the final three and a half games last season, he returned to his usual all-around form this past season. Poquie racked up over 1,000 all-purpose yards which was good for fifth in the PSAC. He had 440 yards and three touchdowns rushing, nine catches for 154 yards, 16 kickoff returns for 309 yards and eight punt returns for 163 yards. Poquie was the Killinger Player of the Game after the win at Clarion.

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The following players were selected by their teammates for their performance for the season:


Zach DeMarchis
Maria & Rick Daniels Unsung Hero Award - Zach DeMarchis - Typical of an unsung hero, DeMarchis (Sr., Pennsbury) isn't a headline grabber, but he finished with 55 total tackles which was second on the team. In his first season as a full-time starter, he provided a steadying influence to the secondary. DeMarchis is also credited with a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, an interception and three pass breakups.



Sean Henry
Bill Vansant Memorial Special Teams Award - Sean Henry - Henry (So., Exeter) led the team and was fourth in the PSAC in kick scoring wth 71 points. He converted 29 of 31 PAT's and 14 of 19 field goals with a long of 44 yards. Henry nailed 20 of his 58 kickoffs for touchbacks. In the latter half of the season, he also punted for the Golden Rams, averaging 36 yards on 21 punts while dropping four inside the opponents' 20-yard line. Henry earned second team All-PSAC East honors.


Zach Liggitt
Brazill Family Defensive Player of the Year - Zach Liggitt - Liggitt (Sr., Northampton) made only 24 total tackles on the season, but almost half of them were in the opponents' backfield. He led the Golden Rams and was fifth in the PSAC with 8.0 sacks for 57 yards. In addition, he forced three fumbles and was credited with four quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. Liggitt earned first team All-PSAC East honors.


Cooper Jordan
Muz & Lew Peck Offensive Player of the Year - Cooper Jordan - Jordan (Fr., Bishop Shanahan) made a huge splash as a true freshman, dual threat quarterback. He was efficient throwing the ball, connecting on 42 of 78 attempts for 713 yards, eight touchdowns and just one interception for a 161.9 rating. Jordan was second on the Golden Rams with 610 yards and three touchdowns on 79 carries and finished 11th in the PSAC in total offense with 135.9 yards/game.


Jackson Taylor
Golden Ram Football Club Player of the Year and WCU Football Athlete of the Year - Jackson Taylor - Taylor (Jr., Abington) filled up the defensive stat sheet as Golden Ram fans have come accustomed to. Of his 97 total tackles, 20.0 were for a loss. He forced a fumble, recovered four fumbles, and had seven quarterback hurries. Taylor blocked a PAT against Bentley, a game that West Chester won by one point, and had a game-ending sack for a safety at Gannon.

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, and All-American by the AFCA, the Associated Press and Don Hansen.

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The 2023 Golden Ram Captains were introduced and are cornerback Sterlen Barr, fullback Mason Griffiths, linebacker Khalib Slaughter, right tackle Quinton Derr, and defensive tackle Ayyub Dail.

West Chester will open the 2023 season at noon on Saturday, September 2 at Bentley in Waltham, MA.
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Saturday, February 11, 2023

Alumni News - Nydair Rouse Continues Football Career

Former Golden Ram defensive back Nydair Rouse has made the roster of the D.C. Defenders of the XFL.

In 2019, Rouse spent time with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League and the New York Guardians of the XFL. In 2021, he spent time in training camp with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League.

Rouse played in 45 of West Chester's 46 games during his four playing years, which included a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2017 and 2018. After the 2016 season, Rouse was named first team All-PSAC East, first team All-ECAC and third team Don Hansen Football Gazette Super Region 1 and was named West Chester's Jim and Stacy Vansant Defensive Player of the Year. The team captain finished his Golden Ram career with 78 total tackles, 2.0 sacks and six interceptions. He had three pick six's in 2016, with the most memorable one being his late-game 35-yard return to lead West Chester to a 31-24 win win at Bentley.

The Defenders open their ten-week regular season on Sunday, February 19 when they host the Seattle Sea Dragons at Audi Field.


XFLBoard - Breaking Down the D.C. Defenders’ 51-Man Roster

XFL News Hub - D.C. Defenders Set 51-Player Roster For The 2023 XFL Season, Breakdown/Analysis

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Thursday, February 9, 2023

Team News - 2023 Recruiting Class

Name
Pos
Ht
Wt
School
WR
6-4
195
 Stetson/New Oxford
DE
6-0
180
 Truman
RB
5-8
165
 Upper Moreland
WR
5-11
180
 Kingsway, NJ
LS
5-10
190
 Episcopal Academy
TE
6-3
215
 North Penn
OL
6-4
290
 Lewisburg
LB
6-2
230
 Asa College/West Catholic
DL
6-4
265
 Archbishop Carroll
DL
6-4
235
 Upper Dublin
DB
6-2
180
 Conwell Egan
WR
6-0
195
 Millersville/North Penn
WR
6-1
200
 Cumberland Valley
RB
5-9
180
 Hempfield
OL
6-5
305
 Loyalsock
OL
6-3
280
 Horseheads, NY
QB
6-2
200
 Downingtown East
DE
6-5
215
 Daniel Boone
ATH
6-2
205
 New Hampshire/Neshaminy
DE
6-3
220
 Penn Charter
WR
6-3
190
 Springfield-Montco
TE
6-2
230
 Archbishop Ryan
OL
6-3
280
 Council Rock South
LB
6-0
235
 West Chester East
LB
6-3
225
 Palmetto Prep/Caravel, DE
OL
6-5
270
 Archbishop Ryan
OL
6-4
275
 Downingtown West
DB
5-11
210
 Archbishop Ryan
WR
5-11
170
 Mount Pleasant, DE
DB
6-0
165
 Ridley
OL
6-2
285
 Southern Columbia
LB
6-3
230
 Conwell Egan
DE
6-4
220
 Neshaminy
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Monday, February 6, 2023

Player News - Jay Simmons Coming Up 202

Jay Simmons (Mount Pleasant, DE) will be playing football for West Chester University. While he excelled as a defesnive back for the Green Knights, it's expected that he'll play wide receiver for the Golden Rams. Although only 5-10, 165lb, Simmons can have a major impact as in one game, he caught two touchdown passes, threw a touchdown pass, and snared two interceptions. He was the recipient of the Delaware Interscholastic Football Coaches Association (DIFCA) Sportsmanship Award. Simmons also plays baseball for the Green Knigths.

- 2022 Second Team Class 2A District 2
- 2021 Second Team Class 2A District 2


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Sunday, February 5, 2023

Player News - Luke Trunell to WCU

Luke Trunell (Conwell Egan) will continue his football career at West Chester University. Although he had 13 carries for 46 yards from his fullback position, the 6-3, 230lb linebacker racked up 54 tackles including 13 tackles for loss. The Eagles fell in the Philadelphia Catholic League Class 3A finals. Trunell, who had interest from several area FBC and FCS schools, selected West Chester over St Francis.

- 2022 First Team Coaches' All-Catholic Blue Division
- 2022 Honorable Mention Ed "Huck" Palmer All-Catholic Blue Division
- 2021 Second Team Coaches' All-Catholic Blue Division
- 2020 Honorable Mention All-Intelligencer/Courier Times
- 2020 Honorable Mention Coaches' All-Catholic
- 2020 First Team Ed "Huck" Palmer All-Catholic Blue Division


Philadelphia Sports Digest - PCL Game of the Week - Conwell-Egan vs. Lansdale Catholic
The Trentonian - Bucks Football Advance: Galen Snyder back at Pennsbury to restore program’s pride

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Player News - Nick Richardson Coming to West Chester

Nick Richardson (Palmetto Prep/Caravel, DE) has signed to play football for the Golden Rams. In his senior year, the 6-3, 220lb quarterback led the Buccaneers to a 9-2 record and a trip to the DIAA Class 2A quarterfinals. He spent last season at Palmetto Prep where the Minutemen went 9-2 in the Post Grad Football League. Richardson selected West Chester over FCS school Delaware State.


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Player News - Jonathan Haynes Returns to Pennsylvania

Jonathan Haynes (Millersville/North Penn) is returning to southeastern Pennsylvania to attend West Chester University. After an outstanding career at North Penn, the 6-0, 195lb wide receiver has had a more circuitous college career. Haynes spent his freshman year in 2019 at PSAC East rival Millersville, making 13 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns for the Marauders. He then spent 2020 and 2021 at Middle Tennessee State where he saw action in two games. Haynes expects to have two years of eligibility remaining.

- 2018 Second Team All-Southeastern PA (defense)
- 2018 First Team Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery News All-Area (defense)
- 2018 First Team All-Suburban One Continental (defense)
- 2018 Second Team All-Suburban One Continental (offense)
- 2017 Second Team All-Suburban One Continental (defense)


Millersville Athletics - Bloomsburg holds off Marauders, 26-21
SuburbanOneSports.com - North Penn Quintet Signs to Play Collegiate Football
PA Prep Live - Haynes' TD catch helps North Penn hold off CB West

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Player News - Brody Jacobs to Join the Golden Rams

Brody Jacobs (Horseheads, NY) will be playing football for West Chester University. The 6-3, 280lb center was a three-year starter for the Blue Raiders. Jacobs received honors after his junior season when the team finished 6-3 and advanced to the Section 4 Class A finals. The team captain missed most of this past season with a knee injury.

- 2021 NYSPHSAA Section IV All-Star


WETM - Brody Jacobs signs with West Chester football

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Player News - Rovny Dasilva Joining the Golden Rams

Rovny Dasilva (Asa College/West Catholic) will continue his long football career at West Chester University. After an illustrious career at West Catholic, the 6-2, 230lb linebacker initially committed to Kent St in December 2017 before decommitting the following month. He then spent 2018 and 2019 at ASA College before signing with Bethune-Cookman in early 2020 where he was expected to compete for a starting position that fall, however he never appeared on the Wildcats' roster. Dasilva expects to have two years of eligibility remaining.

- 2019 Second Team Northeast Football Conference
- 2017 First Team Class 2A All-EasternPAFootball.com
- 2017 Second Team Daily News All-City
- 2017 First Team Daily News All-Catholic
- 2016 Second Team Penn Preps Class 2A All-State
- 2016 First Team Class 2A All-EasternPAFootball.com
- 2016 First Team Daily News All-City
- 2016 First Team Daily News All-Catholic
- 2016 First Team All-Catholic Blue Division
- 2016 Second Team All-Catholic Blue Division (offense)


EasternPAFootball.com - Rovny Dasilva - West Catholic

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Player News - Mitch Ragni to Don Purple and Gold

Mitch Ragni (West Chester East) will continue his academic and football careers at West Chester University. As a junior, he amassed eight touchdowns and over 900 yards rushing in just eight games, after racking up 793 yards and ten touchdowns the prior season. Despite all the offensive accomplishments, it's expected the 6-0, 230lb football player will be at linebacker for the Golden Rams. Ragni was West Chester East's recipient of the Mini Maxwell Award which is based on on-field performance, academics and community service. He selected West Chester over FCS schools Albany, Georgetown, and Sacred Heart.

- 2022 Second Team PAFootballNews Coaches Select Class 5A All-State (offense)
- 2022 First Team Daily Local News All-Area (defense)
- 2021 Honorable Mention Class 5A All-EasternPAFootball.com (defense)
- 2021 Second Team Daily Local News All-Area (offense)
- 2021 First Team Ches-Mont American (offense)
- 2020 Second Team Class 5A All-EasternPAFootball.com (offense)
- 2020 First Team Daily Local News All-Area (offense)
- 2020 All-Ches-Mont American (defense)


EasternPAFootball.com - Mitch Ragni - West Chester East

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Player News - Mekhi Harper to WCU

Mekhi Harper (Conwell Egan) will continue his football career at West Chester University. This past season, the 6-2, 180lb cornerback converted two of his five interceptions into touchdowns. He also hauled in eight passes on offense and returned punts for the Eagles who fell in the Philadelphia Catholic League Class 3A finals. Harper selected West Chester over Sacred Heart and PSAC East rival Kutztown.

- 2022 Honorable Mention Class 3A All-EasternPAFootball.com
- 2022 First Team Coaches' All-Catholic Blue Division
- 2022 First Team Ed "Huck" Palmer All-Catholic Blue Division
- 2021 Honorable Mention Ed "Huck" Palmer All-Catholic Blue Division


Philadelphia Sports Digest - Defense, Overtime, and Sportsmanship Dominate in This Week’s PCL Round-Up
PA Prep Live - Conwell-Egan breaks out hook early, O’Hara gets pulled down

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Saturday, February 4, 2023

Player News - Seamus McCain to Join the Golden Rams

Seamus McCain (Penn Charter) will be playing football for West Chester University. While he played quarterback very well for the Quakers - he accounted for seven touchdowns in a single game this past season - the Golden Rams expect the 6-3, 220lb athlete to line up at defensive end. McCain was Penn Charter's recipient of the Mini Maxwell Award which is based on on-field performance, academics and community service. He selected West Chester over FCS schools Stonehill and Morehead State.

- 2022 First Team All-Inter-Ac League
- 2021 Second Team All-Inter-Ac League


Philadelphia Sports Digest - Philadelphia Digest’s Inter-Ac Pick-Six (Week of Nov. 4)
Philadelphia Sports Digest - Final Philadelphia Sports Digest Inter-Ac Pick Six (11/13)

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Player News - AJ Saggese Staying in Chester County

AJ Saggese (Downingtown West) has signed to play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-3, 280lb two-way lineman was a big reason the Whippets captured a share of the Ches-Mont National Divison title and advanced to the second round of the District 1 Class 6A playoffs. In the spring, he throws the shot put for the West track and field team. Saggese chose West Chester over Misericordia and PSAC East rival Millersville.


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Player News - Reese Bufala Joining the Golden Rams

Reese Bufala (Episcopal Academy) will continue his academic and football career at West Chester. The 5-9 190lb team captain played linebacker and fullback for the Churchmen, but is expected to focus on long snapping for the Golden Rams. Bufala selected West Chester over St. Francis, Sacred Heart, Alderson Broaddus, Wooster, Mount Union, Eastern and Ursinus.

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Player News - Dylan McKenzie Reportedly a Golden Ram

Dylan McKenzie (Springfield-Montco) has reportedly signed to play football at West Chester University. Although he played running back, defensive back, wide receiver, quarterback and even punted for the Spartans, the 6-3, 190lb versatile athlete is slated to play wide receiver for the Golden Rams. McKenzie was Springfield's recipient of the Mini Maxwell Award which is based on on-field performance, academics and community service. He's also received all-conference honors as a member of the Spartan basketball team.

- 2022 First Team PAFootballNews Coaches Select Class 4A All-State (offensive athlete)
- 2022 Second Team Class 4A All-EasternPAFootball.com (specialist)
- 2022 First Team The Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media All-Area (all-purpose)
- 2022 Honorable Mention The Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media All-Area (running back)
- 2022 Honorable Mention The Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media All-Area (defensive back)
- 2022 First Team All-Suburban One American (running back)
- 2022 First Team All-Suburban One American (defensive back)
- 2022 Honorable Mention All-Suburban One American (punter)
- 2021 Second Team All-Suburban One American (wide receiver)
- 2021 Second Team All-Suburban One American (defensive back)
- 2020 Second Team All-Suburban One American (running back)


Time Chronicle - McKenzie, Springfield too much in win over Wiss
SuburbanOneSports - Featured Athlete - Dylan McKenzie
PA Prep Live - McKenzie scores 3 TDs, Springfield-Montco rolls past Lower Moreland
PA Football News - Dylan McKenzie – Springfield-Montco

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