The Golden Ram Football Club will be meeting on Thursday at 7:45 pm at Timothy's in the Parkway Shopping Center in West Chester. The meeting will begin immediately following the Bill Zwaan Football Show which is also held at Timothy's starting at 7:00pm. Golden Ram fans unable to attend the show can listen to it live on WCHE1520AM.COM. The meeting will not be broadcast.
According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show facebook page, sophomore linebacker Drew Formica will be the special guest on Coach Zwaan's show. Last season, Formica had ten total tackles primarily on special teams. So far this season, he has been the starting rover and has 22 total tackles, four pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Special guest at the Golden Ram Football Club meeting will be former West Chester running back Bill Blystone. Blystone was an AFCA First-Team All-American selection at running back in 1976 and rushed for a then school record 254 yards against Kutztown that season. He finished his Golden Ram career with 2,044 yards rushing which is 15th on the all time list. Blystone is a member of the WCU Football Hall of Fame.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00 pm to participate in the show live.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Team News - Second 2013 Lambert Poll
The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) has released the second Lambert Meadowlands football poll of the 2013 season. The West Chester University Golden Rams appear on the list at #2, behind Bloomsburg at #1. Both teams were previously tied at #1 and both teams won this past Saturday, but the pollsters were more impressed with Bloomsburg's 14-point victory over East Stroudsburg (a team that West Chester also beat by 14 points) than West Chester's 21-point win over Lock Haven. The Lambert Meadowlands Trophy recognizes supremacy in Eastern college football.
Ranking |
School |
Overall Record |
1. |
Bloomsburg |
7-0 |
2. |
West Chester |
7-0 |
3. |
Slippery Rock |
6-1 |
4. |
Shippensburg |
5-2 |
5. |
American International |
5-2 |
6. |
Stonehill |
5-2 |
6. |
California |
5-2 |
8. |
New Haven |
5-2 |
9. |
Indiana |
5-2 |
10. |
East Stroudsburg |
4-3 |
Monday, October 21, 2013
Team News - West Chester to #13 in AFCA
The Golden Rams remain second in the nation in net punting and 17th in the country in total offense with 505 yards per game. West Chester is 11th in kickoff returns with a 26.1 yard average. West Chester is still third in the nation in fewest sacks allowed with 0.43 per game. The Golden Ram rushing defense now stands at sixth in the country yielding less than 80 yards per game, and fifth in pass sacks with 3.86 per game.
Senior captain Rondell White leads the nation in all-purpose yards with 248 yards per game, is fourth in the country in rushing with 162 yards per game and is fourth in the nation in scoring with 12 points per game. Junior quarterback Sean McCartney is 11th in the nation in passing efficiency with a rating of 167.7.
The Golden Rams travel to Shippensburg this Saturday for a 1:00 pm kickoff. Shippensburg will be celebrating their homecoming.
American Football Coaches Association - Division II Coaches’ Poll – October 21, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Game Report - West Chester 34 - Lock Haven 13
Although the Golden Rams (7-0, 4-0) remained unbeaten in 2013 by spoiling Lock Haven’s (2-5, 1-3) homecoming by a score of 34-13, few came away feeling like the win was as convincing as it was expected to be.
The game started out well enough. The Golden Rams scored touchdowns on their first two possessions by marching 75 and 91 yards. The first came on a 39-yard pass from Sean McCartney to Erick Brundidge while the second came on a two-yard run by Rondell White.
On Lock Haven’s next possession, the Bald Eagles moved the ball fairly well, but on a second and ten, linebacker Ronell Williams dropped back in coverage and gathered in his second interception in as many games on a great leaping catch.
West Chester, however, would return the favor. On the first play of the second quarter, the Golden Rams ran an inside reverse flea flicker. Tim Keyser got behind the fooled Lock Haven defense, but McCartney’s pass had too much loft on it and the underthrown ball got picked off. The Bald Eagles used a long pass play and a pass interference penalty to quickly get into the red zone, but the Golden Ram defense limited the damage to a field goal.
West Chester then went on another long drive, this one 75 yards in over five minutes, which also ended in a White two-yard touchdown run. Kicker Shawn Leo later nailed a 41-yard field goal and the Golden Rams took a 24-3 lead into the locker room. However, Lock Haven had already rolled up 175 yards on offense in the first 30 minutes.
After the homecoming king and queen were announced and a majority of the students poured out of the stadium, the Bald Eagles put on their best showing. They parlayed great field position supplied by a good kickoff return and 15-yard facemask penalty into an 8-play touchdown drive. The Lock Haven defense fed off that energy and forced the Golden Rams into a three-and-out. Everyone could feel the momentum shifting to the team with only two wins on the season. The Lock Haven offense kept it rolling as they methodically moved the ball into the red zone. But Shawn Krautzel came up with a tackle and a pass breakup followed by a Chris DiValentino tackle, forcing Lock Haven to settle for a field goal. However, West Chester’s lead was whittled down to 24-13.
McCartney used a completion to White and two to Keyser to quickly lead the Golden Rams down the field, but his pass into the end zone was picked off thwarting the scoring opportunity. This time, however, the West Chester defense maintained the intensity they showed at the end of the previous drive to force a three-and-out. The Golden Rams then went on 70-yard touchdown drive – the first 50 yards from White and the final 20 on a run by Brandon Monk.
Another West Chester defensive stand forced another apparent three-and-out, but from punt formation, Lock Haven unsuccessfully attempted a pass from their own 32. Leo tacked on a 29-yard field goal to end the scoring. So in the fourth quarter, the Golden Ram defense held Lock Haven without a first down and a total of eight yards on three possessions, while the offense tacked on ten more points, making that third quarter one to forget.
Notes – Although it seemed like White had more touches than usual, it was only two more than his average of 30 rushes and five receptions per game. However, the Golden Rams only ran 59 offensive plays which was 15 below their season average. And he did account for 281 of West Chester's 483 offensive yards…West Chester declined a fourth quarter Lock Haven holding penalty which preserved Shaquil Ryder’s first collegiate sack…West Chester had NO negative offensive plays while the Golden Ram defense registered nine tackles for loss including two each by Demrick Cook and Andrew Cohen…Kevin Malone saw action after missing the previous three games…Leo performed the kickoff duties...Lock Haven's 10 third quarter points were the first points the West Chester defense has yielded in that period this season.
The game started out well enough. The Golden Rams scored touchdowns on their first two possessions by marching 75 and 91 yards. The first came on a 39-yard pass from Sean McCartney to Erick Brundidge while the second came on a two-yard run by Rondell White.
On Lock Haven’s next possession, the Bald Eagles moved the ball fairly well, but on a second and ten, linebacker Ronell Williams dropped back in coverage and gathered in his second interception in as many games on a great leaping catch.
West Chester, however, would return the favor. On the first play of the second quarter, the Golden Rams ran an inside reverse flea flicker. Tim Keyser got behind the fooled Lock Haven defense, but McCartney’s pass had too much loft on it and the underthrown ball got picked off. The Bald Eagles used a long pass play and a pass interference penalty to quickly get into the red zone, but the Golden Ram defense limited the damage to a field goal.
West Chester then went on another long drive, this one 75 yards in over five minutes, which also ended in a White two-yard touchdown run. Kicker Shawn Leo later nailed a 41-yard field goal and the Golden Rams took a 24-3 lead into the locker room. However, Lock Haven had already rolled up 175 yards on offense in the first 30 minutes.
After the homecoming king and queen were announced and a majority of the students poured out of the stadium, the Bald Eagles put on their best showing. They parlayed great field position supplied by a good kickoff return and 15-yard facemask penalty into an 8-play touchdown drive. The Lock Haven defense fed off that energy and forced the Golden Rams into a three-and-out. Everyone could feel the momentum shifting to the team with only two wins on the season. The Lock Haven offense kept it rolling as they methodically moved the ball into the red zone. But Shawn Krautzel came up with a tackle and a pass breakup followed by a Chris DiValentino tackle, forcing Lock Haven to settle for a field goal. However, West Chester’s lead was whittled down to 24-13.
McCartney used a completion to White and two to Keyser to quickly lead the Golden Rams down the field, but his pass into the end zone was picked off thwarting the scoring opportunity. This time, however, the West Chester defense maintained the intensity they showed at the end of the previous drive to force a three-and-out. The Golden Rams then went on 70-yard touchdown drive – the first 50 yards from White and the final 20 on a run by Brandon Monk.
Another West Chester defensive stand forced another apparent three-and-out, but from punt formation, Lock Haven unsuccessfully attempted a pass from their own 32. Leo tacked on a 29-yard field goal to end the scoring. So in the fourth quarter, the Golden Ram defense held Lock Haven without a first down and a total of eight yards on three possessions, while the offense tacked on ten more points, making that third quarter one to forget.
Notes – Although it seemed like White had more touches than usual, it was only two more than his average of 30 rushes and five receptions per game. However, the Golden Rams only ran 59 offensive plays which was 15 below their season average. And he did account for 281 of West Chester's 483 offensive yards…West Chester declined a fourth quarter Lock Haven holding penalty which preserved Shaquil Ryder’s first collegiate sack…West Chester had NO negative offensive plays while the Golden Ram defense registered nine tackles for loss including two each by Demrick Cook and Andrew Cohen…Kevin Malone saw action after missing the previous three games…Leo performed the kickoff duties...Lock Haven's 10 third quarter points were the first points the West Chester defense has yielded in that period this season.
West Chester Athletic Site - No. 15 West Chester Rides Rondell White To Victory Over Lock Haven, 34-13
The Express - Rams roll, play spoiler
Lock Haven Athletic Site - Football falls to undefeated & #15 West Chester on Homecoming
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week 7 Headlines
Friday, October 18, 2013
Player News - Williams Featured
After earning All-American accolades last year, linebacker Ronell Williams has garnered a PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week award and two ECAC Defensive Player of the Week awards already this season and is only a junior. Terry Toohey of the Delaware County Daily Times features the Chester High product.
DelCo Times - Chester product Williams a force at West Chester
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Reader Question - Punting Statistics
This question came in from one of our readers:
Q - GRFC, Thanks for all of your efforts. I love having one place to read EVERYTHING Golden Ram football including polls and key statistical rankings. How is West Chester listed second in the country in net punting but our punter isn't listed among the individual leaders at either the NCAA or PSAC level?
A - The short answer is the Golden Ram offense is too productive. As you mentioned, the Golden Rams are second in Division II in net punting with a 41.4 yard average per punt. However, for individual recognition, the NCAA requires that punters have 3.6 punts per game and Rich Bruno has only punted the ball 17 times through the first six games of the season, or 2.8 punts per game. For the team and head coach Bill Zwaan, that's not a bad problem to have.
For what it's worth, in the PSAC, which ranks individual punters by gross average, Bruno would be fourth with a 42.5 yards average per punt, and in the country, which ranks individual punters by net average (gross minus returns and touchbacks), Bruno would be #24 with a 41.4 yards average per punt.
Some other interesting notes on Bruno's performance thus far:
As always, if you have any questions, comments or ideas for topics, please e-mail them to GoldenRamFootballClub@comcast.net and be sure to follow us on twitter @GoldenRamFC
Q - GRFC, Thanks for all of your efforts. I love having one place to read EVERYTHING Golden Ram football including polls and key statistical rankings. How is West Chester listed second in the country in net punting but our punter isn't listed among the individual leaders at either the NCAA or PSAC level?
A - The short answer is the Golden Ram offense is too productive. As you mentioned, the Golden Rams are second in Division II in net punting with a 41.4 yard average per punt. However, for individual recognition, the NCAA requires that punters have 3.6 punts per game and Rich Bruno has only punted the ball 17 times through the first six games of the season, or 2.8 punts per game. For the team and head coach Bill Zwaan, that's not a bad problem to have.
For what it's worth, in the PSAC, which ranks individual punters by gross average, Bruno would be fourth with a 42.5 yards average per punt, and in the country, which ranks individual punters by net average (gross minus returns and touchbacks), Bruno would be #24 with a 41.4 yards average per punt.
Some other interesting notes on Bruno's performance thus far:
- Only one has gone in the opponents' end zone for a touch back, and that was a 74-yarder at Millersville
- Only four have been returned - two for 0 yards, one for 3 yards, and one for -4 yards - for a net total of -1 yard on returns
- Four have been fair caught
- Six have landed inside the opponents' 20 yard line
- Two have gone for 50+ yards
As always, if you have any questions, comments or ideas for topics, please e-mail them to GoldenRamFootballClub@comcast.net and be sure to follow us on twitter @GoldenRamFC
Game Preview - Lock Haven
The Golden Rams (6-0, 3-0) travel to Hubert Jack Stadium to take on the Lock Haven Bald Eagles (2-4, 1-2) for the first time since 2009. Kickoff for Lock Haven's homecoming game is set for noon. It will also mark the first time that the two will meet as members of the PSAC East division. In the off season, Seton Hill was added to the conference and assigned to the West division and Lock Haven was moved from the West division to the East. Lock Haven's two wins this season have come over Cheyney (0-6) and West Virginia State (0-6).
Series History:
West Chester holds a 19-6-1 lead in the series although the two schools have met only four times since JFK was president. The last time that Lock Haven defeated West Chester was in 1991. Prior to that, you have to look back to the days of head coach Glenn Killinger (as in Killinger Hall and Killinger Foundation). Interestingly enough, that was the Golden Rams' only loss that season. Current WCU head coach Bill Zwaan is 2-0 against Lock Haven. This is the first year that Lock Haven has had two wins since 2006. John Allen is in his third season as head coach of the Bald Eagles.
Last 10 Meetings:
Last Meeting:
08/27/2009 West Chester 43 - Lock Haven 0
What looks like a laugher certainly did't start out that way. West Chester's offense incurred 55 yards of penalties in the first quarter which kept them from being productive. The defense, which dominated the entire evening, provided the only points of the first 15 minutes, giving the Golden Rams a 2-0 lead. While the offense eventually scored five touchdowns and rolled up 460 yards of offense, it wasn't as easy as it seems. The defense, on the other hand, was wicked. They held the Bald Eagles to 44 yards passing and eight yards rushing. Lock Haven ran 52 plays for a total of 52 net yards!!! The Golden Ram defense had five sacks, a pick six, and held Lock Haven to 1 of 13 on third down and 0 for 2 on fourth down.
Scouting the Opponent:
The Bald Eagles offense is anchored by All-PSAC left guard Anthony Herko. The ground game is led by running back Brandon Brader (99 carries, 444 yards, 4 TD's; 4 catches, 94 yards, 2 TD's). Shippensburg transfer Dillon Mazzoni (53-116, 680 yards, 6 TD's, 6 interceptions) is the starting quarterback, but Caleb Walton (29-53, 330 yards, 1 TD, 2 interceptions) has seen action in every game this season. Leading receivers are Jesse Hoover (26 catches, 252 yards, 1 TD) and James Wilbern (15 catches, 302 yards, 2 TD's).
On special teams, kicker Alex Boumerhi is 8 of 11 on PAT's and 4 of 7 on field goals with a long of 46. Defensive back Mike Williams also serves as punt returner (8 returns, 75 yards).
The defense is led by linebackers Tony Ballon (54 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss) and Tashawn Bunch (35 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup, 1 blocked kick). Safety George Christas (50 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 4 pass breakups) provides the bulk of the pass coverage.
Analysis:
It's hard to imagine a scenario where Lock Haven can beat West Chester other than complete self-destruction by the Golden Rams. Offensively, Lock Haven ranks among the bottom in rushing, passing, and scoring in the conference. Their rushing defense is second worst in the PSAC. The pass defense has eight interceptions and 14 sacks, which are good for sixth in both categories in the conference, and they yield the fewest passing yards per game in the PSAC with 165. Last week, Lock Haven closed their deficit to Shippensburg to 30-24 with just over five minutes remaining, but the Raiders were able to run out the clock. In that game, they sacked Ship quarterbacks four times and picked off reigning Harlon Hill Trophy winner Zach Zulli twice.
Expect a big day from Rondell White and hopefully some additional touches for Brandon Monk. The passing offense doesn't need to win this game, but do just enough to maintain balance. Defensively West Chester should dominate this game with a big pass rush providing some opportunities for the secondary.
Notes:
Saturday marks homecoming for Lock Haven. Parking near the stadium is EXTREMELY limited so consider the other larger lots on Susquehanna Ave. Expect a 3.25 hour drive with the easiest, although not shortest, route being the Northeast Extension to I80 West to US220 North to exit 109 to PA150 North to left on Fairview which turns into Susquehanna...Hubert Jack Stadium has seating only on the home side, but the view of the river and the valley is very picturesque.
Game Coverage:
Series History:
West Chester holds a 19-6-1 lead in the series although the two schools have met only four times since JFK was president. The last time that Lock Haven defeated West Chester was in 1991. Prior to that, you have to look back to the days of head coach Glenn Killinger (as in Killinger Hall and Killinger Foundation). Interestingly enough, that was the Golden Rams' only loss that season. Current WCU head coach Bill Zwaan is 2-0 against Lock Haven. This is the first year that Lock Haven has had two wins since 2006. John Allen is in his third season as head coach of the Bald Eagles.
Last 10 Meetings:
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
1949
|
Away
|
Win
|
7-0
|
1955
|
Away
|
Win
|
20-0
|
1950
|
Home
|
Win
|
39-21
|
1990
|
Away
|
Win
|
28-27
|
1951
|
Away
|
Win
|
35-6
|
1991
|
Home
|
Loss
|
13-7
|
1952
|
Home
|
Win
|
74-7
|
2008
|
Home
|
Win
|
37-6
|
1954
|
Home
|
Win
|
32-0
|
2009
|
Away
|
Win
|
43-0
|
Last Meeting:
08/27/2009 West Chester 43 - Lock Haven 0
What looks like a laugher certainly did't start out that way. West Chester's offense incurred 55 yards of penalties in the first quarter which kept them from being productive. The defense, which dominated the entire evening, provided the only points of the first 15 minutes, giving the Golden Rams a 2-0 lead. While the offense eventually scored five touchdowns and rolled up 460 yards of offense, it wasn't as easy as it seems. The defense, on the other hand, was wicked. They held the Bald Eagles to 44 yards passing and eight yards rushing. Lock Haven ran 52 plays for a total of 52 net yards!!! The Golden Ram defense had five sacks, a pick six, and held Lock Haven to 1 of 13 on third down and 0 for 2 on fourth down.
Scouting the Opponent:
On special teams, kicker Alex Boumerhi is 8 of 11 on PAT's and 4 of 7 on field goals with a long of 46. Defensive back Mike Williams also serves as punt returner (8 returns, 75 yards).
The defense is led by linebackers Tony Ballon (54 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss) and Tashawn Bunch (35 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup, 1 blocked kick). Safety George Christas (50 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 4 pass breakups) provides the bulk of the pass coverage.
Analysis:
Expect a big day from Rondell White and hopefully some additional touches for Brandon Monk. The passing offense doesn't need to win this game, but do just enough to maintain balance. Defensively West Chester should dominate this game with a big pass rush providing some opportunities for the secondary.
Notes:
Saturday marks homecoming for Lock Haven. Parking near the stadium is EXTREMELY limited so consider the other larger lots on Susquehanna Ave. Expect a 3.25 hour drive with the easiest, although not shortest, route being the Northeast Extension to I80 West to US220 North to exit 109 to PA150 North to left on Fairview which turns into Susquehanna...Hubert Jack Stadium has seating only on the home side, but the view of the river and the valley is very picturesque.
Game Coverage:
PSAC Site - Football - Week 7 Notes
Lock Haven Athletic Site - Lock Haven vs. West Chester – Homecoming
KYW Newsradio - West Chester Visits Lock Haven, Looks To Stay Perfect
The Express - Bald Eagles prepare for WCU after last week’s tough loss
Daily Local News - Walk-on DiValentino becoming key cog for WCU defense
D2football - PSAC Columnist - Setting up Week 7 in the PSAC
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Player News - McCartney, Labor Honored by ECAC
For their efforts in West Chester's 34-20 victory over East Stroudsburg, quarterback Sean McCartney was named ECAC Offensive Player of the Week and linebacker Mike Labor was named ECAC Defensive Player of the Week.
McCartney scored West Chester's first touchdown on a two-yard naked bootleg run. He then went on to complete 25 of 39 attempts for 275 yards and three touchdowns. The three touchdowns all went to receivers who made their first scoring catches of their collegiate careers. McCartney was also named Philadelphia Daily News local Player of the Weekend.
Labor had four solo tackles and four assisted tackles for eight total tackles. Included in that total were two sacks for a total of 12 yards. Labor also intercepted an East Stroudsburg pass which led to West Chester's go ahead touchdown.
McCartney scored West Chester's first touchdown on a two-yard naked bootleg run. He then went on to complete 25 of 39 attempts for 275 yards and three touchdowns. The three touchdowns all went to receivers who made their first scoring catches of their collegiate careers. McCartney was also named Philadelphia Daily News local Player of the Weekend.
Labor had four solo tackles and four assisted tackles for eight total tackles. Included in that total were two sacks for a total of 12 yards. Labor also intercepted an East Stroudsburg pass which led to West Chester's go ahead touchdown.
Philly.com - Kern's college football wrap
West Chester Athletic Site - McCartney and Labor Named ECAC Players of the Week
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Team News - First 2013 Lambert Poll
The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) has released the first Lambert Meadowlands football poll of the 2013 season. The West Chester University Golden Rams appear on the list tied with Bloomsburg at #1. The Lambert Meadowlands Trophy recognizes supremacy in Eastern college football.
Ranking |
School |
Overall Record |
1. |
West Chester |
6-0 |
1. |
Bloomsburg |
6-0 |
3. |
Slippery Rock |
5-1 |
4. |
New Haven |
5-1 |
5. |
Shippensburg |
5-1 |
6. |
Indiana |
5-1 |
7. |
American International |
4-2 |
8. |
East Stroudsburg |
4-2 |
8. |
Stonehill |
4-2 |
8. |
California |
4-2 |
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Tied For Top Spot In First Lambert Meadowlands Trophy Poll
Monday, October 14, 2013
Player News - Labor Named BSN Defensive Player of the Week
For his efforts in West Chester's 34-20 victory over East Stroudsburg, linebacker Mike Labor was named Beyond Sports Network Defensive Player of the Week. Labor had four solo tackles and four assisted tackles for eight total tackles. Included in that total were two sacks for a total of 12 yards. Labor also intercepted an East Stroudsburg pass which led to West Chester's go ahead touchdown.
Beyond Sports Network - Football Athletes of the Week - 7
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