Game Preview - Lock Haven

The Golden Rams (3-3, 1-2) travel to Hubert Jack Stadium to battle the Lock Haven Bald Eagles (2-4, 1-2). Kickoff for Lock Haven's homecoming is scheduled for 1:00pm.

Series History:
West Chester holds a 30-6-1 lead in the series. Prior to the 2013 season, Lock Haven was in the PSAC West and they replaced LIU Post in the PSAC East that year. After three seasons as head coach at Lock Haven, Dan Mulrooney is now the defensive coordinator at Brown. So after three years as the offensive coordinator of the Bald Eagles, Joe Battaglia assumed the role of head coach in April.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2014	Home	Win	41-6	2019	Away	Win	56-14
2015	Away	Win	33-9	2021	Away	Win	35-13
2016	Home	Win	37-7	2022	Home	Win	58-10
2017	Away	Win	35-14	2023	Away	Win	42-27
2018	Home	Win	48-14	2024	Home	Win	27-16

Last Meeting:

11/02/2024 West Chester 27 - Lock Haven 16

With the Golden Rams clinging to a 17-16 lead with less than two minutes to play, the Bald Eagles were driving for the go-ahead score. But that effort was thwarted by a Shane Mosley 68-yard pick-six and West Chester would go on to win 27-16.

Lock Haven held significant advantages in first downs, passing yards and time of possession, but the Golden Ram defense held the Bald Eagles to just 2 of 11 on third down conversions. Also, WCU was perfect on three PAT's and two field goals where as Lock Haven only converted one of two PAT's and just one of three field goal attempts.

Quarterback Cooper Jordan threw for 161 yards and rushed for 104 yards. Juke Peaker scored on runs of one and seven yards in the second quarter. Defensively, Connor Noble racked up 16 tackles and two quarterback hurries while Johnny Pergine made 11 stops and a pass breakup.

Scouting the Opponent:

At the conclusion of the regular season last year, quarterback Jackson Ostrowsky led the entire PSAC in passing yards (3198) and touchdowns (27). This year, his production is not nearly as good (88 of 145, 940 yards, 4 TD's, 3 int). While he did miss Lock Haven's game against East Stroudsburg, it's more likely that he's missing his top receiver from last year in T'iar Young who is now at FCS Tarleton State. So he's turned to wide receivers Mekhi Watson (23 catches, 221 yards, 2 TD's) and Justin Popovich (20 catches, 211 yards, 2 TD's) and tight end Jaiden Huntington (13 catches, 185 yards, 1 TD). Running back Damir Green (44 carries, 179 yards, 3 TD's) is the leading ground gainer. Neither of their next two leading ball carriers - Jackson State transfer Ezequiel Johnson (32 carries, 167 yards) and Cureem Hathcock (39 carries, 157 yards, 1 TD) played in last week's game, so we may see Tucker Teats (18 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD) or Lorenzo Robinson (17 carries, 38 yards).

The top tackles for the Bald Eagles are strong safety Markel Morgan (35 tackles, 1 int, 2 PBU) and linebacker Rocco Daugherty (34 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 1 int, 2 PBU). Defensive lineman JahCure Maxam (17 tackles, 2.5 sacks) leads the team in sacks and free safety Troy Miller (17 tackles, 2 int, 2 PBU) leads Lock Haven in interceptions.

Bryant transfer punter Jimmy O'Brien (35.8 avg, 44 long) has dropped six of his 27 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line. Freshman kicker Caden Bauer has converted on nine of 12 PAT's and three of his four field goal attempts with a long of 42-yards.

Analysis:

West Chester hasn't lost to Lock Haven in this millennia and this year should be no different. Lock Haven struggles on offense and they are only scoring 16 points per game. With LHU having one of the worst kickoff and punting games in the PSAC, the Golden Ram offense should have good starting field position. The Lock Haven defense doesn't pressure the quarterback immensely, so a steady, patient attack on offense should suffice.

The four teams that have defeated Lock Haven are a combined 19-4, so thier 2-4 record may be a little deceiving. And looking ahead at the Golden Rams remaining schedule, the outcome of this game may determine if West Chester ends 2025 with a winning record. Versus Sports simulates a 17-16 Bald Eagle win while Massey Ratings predicts a 28-21 WCU victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video   Game Program

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Gridiron Gang Heads to Lock Haven Saturday

PSAC Site - 2025 PSAC Football Week 7 Notes

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Seven Preview