Game Report - California 38 - West Chester 28

In a game that was not nearly as close as the final score, the Golden Rams dropped a 38-28 decision to the visiting California Vulcans (1-1) to start the season 0-2 for the first time since 2015.

The opening possession for each team set the tone for the eventual outcome. California took the opening kickoff and received little resistance in marching 75 yards in almost five minutes for a touchdown. Conversely, the Golden Rams parlayed a first-and-five position into a fourth-and-eight punting situation.

Zaire McLaurin drags down the Cal QB for a sack (Photo Chuck Greco)

While the West Chester defense held the Vulcans to a field goal on thier next possession, California held the ball for an additional seven minutes. Midway through the second quarter, trailing 10-0, West Chester took advantage of a Cal 13-yard punt to give the Golden Rams the ball at the Cal 44. Cooper Jordan connected with D'Shaun Seals on a 40-yard pass and then Jayden Williams scored a touchdown on a four-yard run to make the score 10-7.

D'Shaun Seals had 8 catches for 112 yards in the game (Photo Chuck Greco)

After Cal scored a touchdown late in the half, the Golden Rams had a final possession, but on the first play, Jordan threw deep down the middle into double coverage and was picked off. The Vulcans quickly converted the WCU miscue into another touchdown, and the teams made their way to halftime with Cal up 24-7. Exhibiting their dominance on both sides of the ball at halftime, Cal at least doubled West Chester in first downs (12-5), total yards (270-128), and time of possession (20-10).

After Cal extended their lead to 31-7 in the second half, the Golden Rams' offense finally found their footing. West Chester scored touchdowns on their final three possessions, with each drive lasting at least 11 plays, four minutes and 74 yards. Jordan (20 of 34, 269 yards, 2 TD, 1 int) connected on touchdown passses to tight end Thatcher Miller and receiver Zack Gillen. Seals had a huge game nabbing eight catches for 112 yards. Juke Peaker had 22 yards on the ground while Williams had 21 yards and two scores.

Even though the Cal DB gave Zack Gillen a hard hit, Gillen held on for the TD (Photo Chuck Greco)

Defensively, Shane Mosley had a game-high ten tackles and Connor Noble made nine stops. Abdul Stewart had four pass breakups, including one in the end zone, to go with two tackles. Zaire McLaurin and Seamus McCain each had third-down solo sacks which forced both of Cal's punts. On a Cal screen play on second-and-goal in the fourth quarter, Luke Trunell forced a fumble that was recovered by Nate Desmond.

Luke Trunell and Nate Desmond force a Cal fumble (Phot Chuck Greco)

But in general, the defense struggled mightily. Cal had seven plays of 20+ yards including a 60-yard touchdown run by their quarterback. Contributing to Cal's time of possession advantage was them converting on two fourth down attempts, including a fourth-and-14.

Jayden Williams score two touchdowns on six carries (Photo Chuck Greco)

Notes:

• Last week's leading rusher Dayshawn Jacobs was in uniform on the sideline but did not play.
• On WCU's final possession, Jordan tried twice to get a pass over the middle to Gillen only to have the the ball punched away. When the two did connect, Gillen held on despite taking a crushing blow from the Vulcan defensive back.
• Although not targeted, receiver Collin Callahan saw a lot of time.

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West Chester Athletic Site - Cal Downs West Chester, 38-28

Daily Local News - Offensive uptick not enough to rescue West Chester

California Athletic Site - California posts win at West Chester

WCU Football Family - Photo Album - California

Golden Rams Review - Photo Album - California

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