Game Preview - Seton Hill

In their final game before division play commences, the Golden Rams (1-1) host the Seton Hill Griffins (2-1) on Saturday. Kickoff for West Chester's first home game of 2025 at Tomlinson-Fillippo Field at Farrell Stadium is set for 2:00pm.

Series History:
West Chester owns a 4-1 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 2019, the Golden Rams' defense dominated in a shutout victory in Farrell Stadium. The Griffins captured their first win in the series last season.

Last Meeting:

09/21/2024 Seton Hill 27 - West Chester 24

On a hot and stormy day in Greensburg, both offenses got off to a slow start. After trailing 14-7 halftime, the Golden Rams seemingly took control in the third quarter by scoring 17 points and entered the final period with a 24-14 lead. However, Seton Hill would score the final 14 points, including the game-winning touchdown with a minute left in the contest.

While quarterback Cooper Jordan amassed 364 yards of offense and two touchdowns, he also threw four interceptions and was sacked thrice. Cornerback Matt Marshall led the defense with 11 tackles, including a tackle for loss, and an interception.

Scouting the Opponent:

Ky'Ron Craggette (60 carries, 272 yards, 3 TD's) is a two-time first team All-PSAC West running back who entered the transfer portal after last season. Despite having interest from Maine and UTEP, he returned to Seton Hill for his final season. Craggette is currently sixth in the conference in rushing, averaging 91 yards/game. Sophomore quarterback Boden St Marie (40 of 70, 564 yards, 6 TD's, 3 int; 27 carries, 87 yards, 1 TD) is the Griffins' second leading rusher and is currently sixth in the conference in passing efficiency. St Marie's primary targets are 6'3 tight end Isaac Ashley (10 catches, 161 yards, 2 TD's), 6'2 senior receiver Clint Washington (6 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD) and 6'4 tight end Jermere Jones (5 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD).

Defensively, linebackers D'Kairi Boone (28 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 PBU) and All-PSAC West Ritchie McCormack (28 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 QBH) lead the way. In the secondary, cornerback Darius Patterson (6 tackles, 3 int) leads the PSAC in interceptions, including a 74-yard pick-six at West Liberty, while strong safety Demitri Whitehead (12 tackles, 1 PBU) was All-PSAC West last season. Defensive end Anthony Stribling (19 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 5.0 sacks) is second in the country in sacks.

Freshman kicker Rayyan Bataineh has converted 11 of his 12 PAT attempts and has made one 33-yard field goal while missing two other attempts. Defensive back Drew Zimmerman returned a punt for a 38-yard touchdown at Fairmont St. Head coach Kevin May is in his second season at the helm of the Griffins, going 3-8 last season.

Analysis:

After knocking off the Golden Rams last season, Seton Hill lost six of their last seven games in 2024 to finish 3-8. But they've now won two in a row, including last week's 31-28 win over Bloomsburg when they came back from a 21-10 fourth quarter deficit and scored the final 14 points, including the game winner with less than a minute to play (just like their last year's game against the Golden Rams). Craggette put up 132 yards and two touchdowns against West Chester last year and is off to another good start this season, so defensive coordinator Nick Brady needs to game plan for him (and a couple of big tight ends) this Saturday. The Griffins are a perfect 9 for 9 in the red zone and are averaging 31 points/game.

West Chester was hurt by interceptions in last year's game and the Griffins are ball hawking again this season with a PSAC-high four interceptions. Seton Hill has sacked the oppostion 12 times through three games, so expect pressure up front. The smart approach may be to keep the ball on the ground where Seton Hill is allowing 188 yards/game and West Chester can do that effectively with Jordan, Ali Barkley, Juke Peaker (if he's back after missing last week), and Future Robertson.

Rylan Zuk has been perfect for West Chester on kick scoring, but Golden Ram fans should be concerned when either team punts.

Versus Sports projects a 13-point Golden Ram win and Massey Ratings expects a touchdown victory for West Chester.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Video  

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Welcomes Seton Hill for Reimagined Football Game Day Home Opener

PSAC Site - 2025 PSAC Football Week 3 Notes

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Three Preview