Game Preview - California

The Golden Rams (0-1) host the California Vulcans (0-1) on Saturday in John A. Farrell Stadium. Kickoff for this PSAC crossover game is set for noon.

Series History:
Prior to this millennia, West Chester held a 4-0 advantage in the series. But from 2007 to 2009, the next four games went to California. This was the same three-year period that the Vulcans were winning the PSAC West and the NCAA Super Region 1. Included in this time frame were two meetings in 2008 when West Chester made their way out to California to open the season on a hot August day and then again for the PSAC championship game on a cold and windy November afternoon. However, the Golden Rams have won the past three matchups and West Chester now holds a 7-4 lead in the series. California's Gary Dunn entered his eighth season as head coach with a 49-18 record and made playoff appearances in both 2016 and 2017.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
1957	Home	Win	52-0	2008	Away	Loss	47-36
1994	Away	Win	60-14	2009	Home	Loss	30-23
1995	Home	Win	25-24	2012	Away	Win	37-34
2007	Home	Loss	30-14	2013	Home	Win	38-31
2008	Away	Loss	44-32	2019	Home	Win	20-19

Last Meeting:

11/16/2019 West Chester 20 - California 19

Entering the game, the Golden Rams needed a win to secure a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs, however they played with no such urgency. Their first four possessions resulted in a mere three points and WCU trailed California late in the first half by a score of 13-3. But quarterback Paul Dooley connected on two touchdown passes to tight end Dan Neuhaus, and Andrew Chegia converted a 29-yard field goal to put West Chester up 20-13 with four minutes to play. The Vulcans were not done as they drive 84 yards, including converting two fourth downs, and scored a touchdown on the final play of regulation to bring the score to 20-19. Fortunately, California's PAT pass attempt fell incomplete and West Chester secured the one-point win and a trip to the postseason for the third consecutive year.

Scouting the Opponent:

The Vulcans finished 2023 with a 7-3 record with all three losses coming to playoff teams. From that team, they return: second Team All-PSAC West quarterback Davis Black (162 of 276, 2,525 yards, 19 TD's, 12 int, 5 rushing TD's), first team All-PSAC West receiver Eric Willis III (56 catches, 925 yards, 9 TD's), receiver Omari Hopkins (32 catches, 573 yards, 6 TD's) and running backs Eric McKan III (127 carries, 598 yards, 9 TD's) and Bobby Boyd, Jr. (94 carries, 582 yards, 3 TD's). Willis is considered one of the best receivers in the country.

There's just as much talent returning on the defensive side: first team All-PSAC West defensive back Keith Charney (30 tackles, 4 int, 6 PBU), second team All-PSAC West defensive back Dominic Solomon, Jr. (50 tackles, 2 int, 3 PBU), linebacker John Hutchinson (63 tackles, 5.0 sacks) and defensive lineman Julien Laventure (31 tackles, 6.5 TFL). Fortunately for Vulcan opponents, their best defender from 2023, linebacker Ibrahim Sanogo (40 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 8.0 sacks, 8 QB hurries), is now at the University at Albany.

On special teams, kicker Anthony Beitko (11 of 13 FG, 37 of 41 PAT) is a three-time All-PSAC West selection. Punter Clayton Rosensteel (34 punts, 38.6 avg, 5 I20 and 2 50+) returns this season. Willis averaged 9.2 yards per punt return and 15.9 yards per kick return.

Analysis:

Although California is currently 0-1, the Vulcans fell on the road to a nationally ranked opponent last week. In so doing, they outgained their opponent by almost 100 yards and held a 17 minute advantage in time of possession. California did turn the ball over three times with the final two leading to nine points and flipping their 19-14 lead to a 23-19 final score loss. Without significant improvement in the Golden Rams' offense, creating turnovers and converting them to points may be WCU's only option.

Versus Sports simulates a 33-22 Vulcan triumph while Massey Ratings favors California by a touchdown.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video   Game Program

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Football Looks to Bounce Back Against California (Pa.) Saturday at Home

PSAC Site - 2024 PSAC Football Week 2 Notes

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Two Preview