Game Preview - Seton Hill

In their final game before division play commences, the Golden Rams (0-2) travel to Greensburg, PA to take on the Seton Hill Griffins (1-2) on Saturday. Kickoff at Offutt Field is set for noon.

Series History:
West Chester owns a 4-0 lead in the series. The Golden Rams won handily in both 2014 and 2018 in Greensburg, and held on in a shootout in 2015 in West Chester. In their last meeting, the Golden Rams' defense dominated in a shutout victory in Farrell Stadium.

Last Meeting:

09/21/2019 West Chester 29 - Seton Hill 0

The Golden Rams had a dominating defensive performance by holding the Griffins to just 19 rushing yards on 23 attempts and 93 total passing yards. Of Seton Hill's eight first downs, three came as a result of a WCU penalty. The West Chester defense registered three sacks, an interception, and scored the game's first points on a safety. The West Chester offense was more methodical than explosive - they held the ball for almost 35 minutes, converting on 9 of 21 third downs and four of five fourth downs.

Scouting the Opponent:

Running back Ky'Ron Craggette (71 carries, 314 yards, 3 TD's) was first team All-PSAC West last season and is currently second in the conference in rushing, averaging 105 yards/game. Angelo State transfer Jake Cruz (44 of 91, 566 yards, 3 TD's, 2 int) is in his second full season at quarterback for the Griffins, although his top receiver from 2023, Mark Bails Jr., has since transferred to FCS Southern Utah University where he currently leads the Thunderbirds in receiving. Besides Craggette (10 catches, 74 yards), top pass catchers for the Griffins are tight end Ethan Fame (10 catches, 159 yards, 2 TD's), 6'5" Todd Phillips (5 catches, 155 yards, 1 TD), and receiver Cody Rubrecht (5 catches, 77 yards).

Ben Weaver (11 tackles, 2.5 TFL's) was second team All-PSAC West last year and is recognized as one of best defensive ends in NCAA Division II. Chadron State transfer linebacker Ritchie McCormack (22 tackles, 3.0 sacks) is the Griffins' best defender so far this season. David Awuah (20 tackles, 1 int) and Demetri Whitehead (15 tackles, 1 int, 2 PBU) are part of their five-man secondary. Whitehead led the entire PSAC in interceptions in 2023.

Punter Jack Wagner was named second team All-PSAC West last season and has pinned seven of 18 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line this season. Seton Hill's all-conference return specialist from last season has transferred to Division III Marietta College where he's getting an opportunity to play running back.

Analysis:

The Golden Rams are likely looking forward to playing a game against a questionable defense, since Seton Hill ranks last in the PSAC in points allowed with 30 per game. However, the Griffins are looking at this game the same way, as West Chester allows 29 points per game. With the passing games for both teams being similar in competency, the primary question is if the WCU defense, which ranks second to last in rushing yards allowed, can slow one of the best running backs in the conference? Last week, Seton Hill fought back from a 14-3 deficit entering the fourth quarter to score two touchdowns including the game winner with just nine seconds left in the game to defeat Bloomsburg 15-14, so know that the Griffins play until the clock shows triple zeros.

Seton Hill head coach and alumnus Daniel Day is in his sixth season with a record of 16-30. He led the Griffins to a 6-5 season in 2023 which was their best finish since joining the PSAC in 2012. Both Versus Sports and Massey Ratings expect a touchdown victory for West Chester.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video  

West Chester Athletic Site - Football Heads West In Search of First Win of the Season Saturday

PSAC Site - 2024 PSAC Football Week 3 Notes