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Sunday, August 25, 2024

Team News - 2024 Scrimmage Report

Just a few of observations from Sunday morning's action:
  • The offense is employing a lot of different formations, shifts, and motion. While this is entertaining for fans and potentially confusing for opposing defenses, there might also be some growing pains of illegal procedure penalties and busted plays.
  • There seemed to be an emphasis on the offensive run game and both Dayshawn Jacobs and Jayden Williams had success. The question is if this was an effective offensive line or lack of improvement on a defense that allowed almost 200 yards/game last season which was 14th in the conference.
  • Cooper Jordan remains the top quarterback and completed one long pass to Rahiem Bowens, but Ethan Kohler looked sharper and made better decisions. Jordan's elusiveness and speed are likely more valuable in this offense.
  • There have been several roster changes, including:
    • defensive back Abdul Stewart played in 29 games for Maine making 48 tackles to go with three interceptions and five passes defended last season.
    • running back Juke Peaker replaces wide receiver Seth Degree on the roster. He had 33 carries for 184 yards and a score for Old Dominion in 2021.
    • defensive back Jamir Reyes joins the roster after spending one season at Army.
    • defensive back Zaire McLaurin joins the roster after making 25 tackles and collecting two interceptions last season at nearby Eastern.
    • defensive back Elijah Beaty spent last season at Virginia State after turning down offers to Seton Hill, Millersville, Kutztown, Lock Haven and Morehead State.
    • linebacker Johnny Pergine joins West Chester after spending a walk-on season at Temple in 2022 and seeing limited action at Robert Morris last year.
    • linebacker Khadir Rowe was first team All-Public at Northeast but did not appear in a game last season for IUP.
    • offensive lineman Charles Sheppard redshirted his freshman season last year at PSAC East rival Kutztown.
    • speedy Sy Burgos moved from running back in high school to slot receiver at IUP, but did not see game action there and expects to remain a receiver for the Golden Rams.
    • running back Kendell Cottrell no longer appears on the roster.
  • With Jordan and Kohler occupying the quarterback spot, Brody McAndrew has moved to H-back where he is more likely to see the field.
  • As the contest went on, the defensive pressure intensified with the most celebrated play being freshman defensive end Nicholas Rogers getting a pick six on a short dump pass.

West Chester opens the season at home against Bentley on Saturday, September 7. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
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