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 Brandon Monk will be the special guest on Coach Zwaan's show.
In West Chester's 41-14 win over Clarion, Monk had three punt returns for 63 yards and nine carries for 51 yards. For the season, Mock has 54 carries for 437 yards and four touchdowns, 12 punt returns for 150 yards and 12 kickoff returns for 373 yards and a touchdown against California that provided an immediate answer to the Vulcans' kickoff return for touchdown.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00 pm to participate in the show live.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Player News - Golden Rams Named All PSAC East
The West Chester Golden Rams placed 14 players on 2013 PSAC East first and second teams.
Senior running back and captain Rondell White (311 carries, 1,626 yards, 19 TD's; 56 catches, 660 yards, 2 TD's), who currently leads the country in all-purpose yards, was named first team at running back. The support that he received to achieve that status did not go unnoticed. Left tackle Justin Bathurst, left guard and captain Trey Farmer and center Derek Schatz were named to the first team while right guard James Colivas and right tackle Adam Citko were named to the second team. This offensive line has allowed only nine sacks this season which is 11th in the country. Also named to the second team offense was wide receiver Erick Brundidge (38 catches, 643 yards, 9 TD's) and kicker Shawn Leo (55 of 56 PAT's, 11 of 17 FG's including game winner at Shippensburg).
On defense, linebacker Ronell Williams (80 tackles, 7.5 TFL's, 2 interceptions) was named to the first team for the second year in a row. He was joined this year by cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz (43 tackles, 2 TFL's, 3 interceptions, 6 pass breakups). Named to the second team defense were tackle Andrew Cohen (29 tackles, 8.5 TFL's, 4 pass breakups), end Eric Edwers (48 tackles, 8.5 TFL's, 2 QB hurries), linebacker Mike Labor (77 tackles, 9.0 TFL's, 1 interception) and safety captain Shawn Krautzel (59 tackles, 5.5 TFL's, 2 interceptions).
Senior running back and captain Rondell White (311 carries, 1,626 yards, 19 TD's; 56 catches, 660 yards, 2 TD's), who currently leads the country in all-purpose yards, was named first team at running back. The support that he received to achieve that status did not go unnoticed. Left tackle Justin Bathurst, left guard and captain Trey Farmer and center Derek Schatz were named to the first team while right guard James Colivas and right tackle Adam Citko were named to the second team. This offensive line has allowed only nine sacks this season which is 11th in the country. Also named to the second team offense was wide receiver Erick Brundidge (38 catches, 643 yards, 9 TD's) and kicker Shawn Leo (55 of 56 PAT's, 11 of 17 FG's including game winner at Shippensburg).
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On defense, linebacker Ronell Williams (80 tackles, 7.5 TFL's, 2 interceptions) was named to the first team for the second year in a row. He was joined this year by cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz (43 tackles, 2 TFL's, 3 interceptions, 6 pass breakups). Named to the second team defense were tackle Andrew Cohen (29 tackles, 8.5 TFL's, 4 pass breakups), end Eric Edwers (48 tackles, 8.5 TFL's, 2 QB hurries), linebacker Mike Labor (77 tackles, 9.0 TFL's, 1 interception) and safety captain Shawn Krautzel (59 tackles, 5.5 TFL's, 2 interceptions).
PSAC Football Site - Quiteh and Metz Named PSAC East Players of the Year
West Chester Athletic Site - 14 Golden Rams Earn All-PSAC East Honors
Team News - Sixth 2013 Lambert Poll
Ranking |
School |
Overall Record |
1. |
Bloomsburg |
10-1 |
2t. |
West Chester |
10-1 |
2t. |
American International |
9-2 |
4. |
Slippery Rock |
9-2 |
5. |
Indiana |
9-2 |
6. |
Stonehill |
8-3 |
7. |
New Haven |
8-3 |
8. |
Shippensburg |
7-4 |
9. |
California |
7-4 |
10. |
Mercyhurst |
7-4 |
Monday, November 18, 2013
Team News - Golden Rams at #15 in AFCA
The Golden Rams are now fifth in the nation in net punting with a 39.2 yard average and are 23rd in kickoff returns with a 23.3 yard average. Offensively, West Chester is 11th in the nation in fewest sacks allowed with 0.8 per game, 14th in the country in total offense with 489 yards per game and 10th in the red zone. The Golden Ram defense now stands at 26th in the country in rushing yielding 120.1 yards per game and ninth in pass sacks with 3.4 per game.
Rondell White leads the nation in all-purpose yards with 231.2 yards per game and sixth in the country in rushing with 147.8 yards per game. White is also eightht in the nation in scoring with 11.5 points per game. Quarterback Sean McCartney is ninth in the nation in passing efficiency with a rating of 167.9.
The Golden Rams host American International this Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. Kickoff is set for noon.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Teams News - Golden Rams Playoff Bound!!!!
For the first time since 2008, the West Chester Golden Rams will be participating in postseason play as the #3 seed when they host NE10 champion American International on Saturday at noon. The NCAA announced the 2013 Division II football playoff field and Super Region I shapes up as follows:
West Chester finished the regular season with a 10-1 record which is the most wins they've achieved since 2004.
- Shepherd
- Bloomsburg
- West Chester
- Winston-Salem St
- Slippery Rock
- American International
West Chester finished the regular season with a 10-1 record which is the most wins they've achieved since 2004.
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West Chester Athletic Site - No. 17 West Chester Earns Third Seed In Super Region 1; Hosts AIC Saturday
Daily Local News - West Chester will open the playoffs with a home game
D2football - PSAC Columnist - Super Region 1 Playoff Field for the 2013 D2 Football Championship
D2football - National Columnist - Bob Eblen - National Columnist
Team News - Playoff Possibilities
A discussion about the playoff possibilities was held after the eighth game. Now that the regular season is complete, it's worth revisiting the subject. Keep in mind that only six teams from the region will qualify and there is a provision for a conference to be represented as long as one of its teams appears in the top eight of the rankings held after the regular season. One analysis based on each team's Division II record and strength of schedule looks as follows:
Due to an incident at the CIAA Championship luncheon, the CIAA Championship game between Winston-Salem St and Virginia St was cancelled. It has been documented that a Virginia St player has been arrested for assaulting the Winston-Salem St quarterback. But it's unclear what, if any, impact this will have on the NCAA playoffs. As a result of the CIAA Championship game being cancelled, Winston-Salem St finished with a regular season Division II record of 8-1. However, this leaves them one game short of the minimum ten games required by the NCAA to qualify for the postseason. Will the NCAA grant them an exception for this shortfall and still consider them for the postseason? And if so, will it come at no penalty whatsoever? Despite Winston-Salem St's very strong schedule, there are three other teams with only one loss but more Division II wins.
But one of those teams with a better Division II record is Virginia St at 9-1. They've met the NCAA minimum ten games, but will Virginia St be excused, by their own administration or by the NCAA, from being considered for the postseason due to the incident that took place Friday? If not, will the seedings be "adjusted" such that Virginia St and Winston-Salem St don't meet in the first or second rounds?
Virginia St has the worst schedule strength among the top seven teams. One approach the NCAA could do is to move Slippery Rock up to #5 ahead of Virginia St at #6 and then bump the Trojans for American International due to earned access. This would mean no official sanctions against Virginia St, but rank the teams in such a way that they are not rewarded with postseason play. Another possibility is to permit Winston-Salem St to participate in the playoffs, but rank them behind the teams that have two more Division II wins than they do. There are far too many possibilities and permutations to consider and the imagination can run wild.
Some observations about Slippery Rock in comparison to West Chester. West Chester (10-1) has a better record than Slippery Rock (9-2), but Slippery Rock's strength of schedule is better. Another consideration is common opponents which, between the Rock and the Golden Rams, are Bloomsburg, Kutztown, Shippensburg, California, Clarion and Gannon. West Chester is 5-1 against those six teams while Slippery Rock is 4-2. It would seem that West Chester is safely ahead of the Rock.
One thing is for sure - all the speculation will end at 5:00 pm when the Division II Football Selection Show announces the field on NCAA.com.
- Shepherd 10-0
- Winston-Salem St 8-1
- Bloomsburg 10-1
- West Chester 10-1
- Virginia St 9-1
- Slippery Rock 9-2
- American International 9-2
Due to an incident at the CIAA Championship luncheon, the CIAA Championship game between Winston-Salem St and Virginia St was cancelled. It has been documented that a Virginia St player has been arrested for assaulting the Winston-Salem St quarterback. But it's unclear what, if any, impact this will have on the NCAA playoffs. As a result of the CIAA Championship game being cancelled, Winston-Salem St finished with a regular season Division II record of 8-1. However, this leaves them one game short of the minimum ten games required by the NCAA to qualify for the postseason. Will the NCAA grant them an exception for this shortfall and still consider them for the postseason? And if so, will it come at no penalty whatsoever? Despite Winston-Salem St's very strong schedule, there are three other teams with only one loss but more Division II wins.
But one of those teams with a better Division II record is Virginia St at 9-1. They've met the NCAA minimum ten games, but will Virginia St be excused, by their own administration or by the NCAA, from being considered for the postseason due to the incident that took place Friday? If not, will the seedings be "adjusted" such that Virginia St and Winston-Salem St don't meet in the first or second rounds?
Virginia St has the worst schedule strength among the top seven teams. One approach the NCAA could do is to move Slippery Rock up to #5 ahead of Virginia St at #6 and then bump the Trojans for American International due to earned access. This would mean no official sanctions against Virginia St, but rank the teams in such a way that they are not rewarded with postseason play. Another possibility is to permit Winston-Salem St to participate in the playoffs, but rank them behind the teams that have two more Division II wins than they do. There are far too many possibilities and permutations to consider and the imagination can run wild.
Some observations about Slippery Rock in comparison to West Chester. West Chester (10-1) has a better record than Slippery Rock (9-2), but Slippery Rock's strength of schedule is better. Another consideration is common opponents which, between the Rock and the Golden Rams, are Bloomsburg, Kutztown, Shippensburg, California, Clarion and Gannon. West Chester is 5-1 against those six teams while Slippery Rock is 4-2. It would seem that West Chester is safely ahead of the Rock.
One thing is for sure - all the speculation will end at 5:00 pm when the Division II Football Selection Show announces the field on NCAA.com.
West Chester Athletic Site - Football Awaits NCAA Selection Show Sunday Night At 5 PM
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Game Report - West Chester 41 - Clarion 14
The #17 Golden Rams defeated the Clarion Golden Eagles 41-14 to finish the regular season at 10-1. Last week’s game against Bloomsburg had all the excitement one could imagine. A big game, a big crowd, the prospects of an undefeated season and PSAC East Division and Conference championship still on the horizon made for a lot of emotion. But Bloomsburg dashed all of that and the last home game of the 2013 regular season against Clarion had none of that. And that’s what made the Golden Rams effort so special. Despite a small and disinterested crowd, West Chester dominated the lesser opponent 41-14 and secured a place in the postseason.
The defense held the Golden Eagles to 78 first half yards while the offense used a balanced attack in taking a 20-0 halftime lead. Kicker Shawn Leo opened the scoring with a 38-yard field goal. West Chester’s second drive made it to the end zone when quarterback Sean McCartney found tight end Tim Brown for a nine-yard touchdown pass.
McCartney had two very efficient drives wrapped around a long interception. On the first, he completed six straight passes to Adam Dempsey, Shannon Mayer and Erick Brundidge before Rondell White plunged the last two yards for the touchdown.
On the Golden Rams’ next possession, deep in their own territory, McCartney’s long pass had too much air under it and it got picked off. But the defense followed with a quick three-and-out giving the offense one last opportunity with under two minutes left in the half. This time, McCartney hit Brown for 31 yards, Eddie Elliott for 18 yards, Brundidge for 14 and White for 6 to set up Leo’s 21-yard field goal.
West Chester opened the second half with an authoritative drive that went 85 yards in almost four minutes. The big play on the drive was a 46-yard pass from McCartney to Brundidge and the drive was capped off by a two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Shawn Driggins. Clarion then went on a drive of their own, chewing over five minutes off the clock. But their 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Anthony McCloskey. The officials erroneously placed the ball at the Golden Rams 10 and West Chester went three-and-out which led to Clarion’s first touchdown of the game.
Clarion scored another touchdown, sandwiched between a Brundidge touchdown catch and White touchdown run. Brandon Monk then took eight straight handoffs for 49 yards to run out the remainder of the clock.
Notes - The Division II Football Selection Show will be held on Sunday, November 17 at 5:00 pm and can be viewed live on NCAA.com...Nine different Golden Rams caught passes, and none was more entertaining than Adam Dempsey's tip drill to himself over the middle...Al-Hajj Shabazz had a great pass breakup in the endzone to prevent a touchdown...Shawn Krautzel, Andrew Cohen and Shaquil Ryder each registered solo sacks in the game.
The defense held the Golden Eagles to 78 first half yards while the offense used a balanced attack in taking a 20-0 halftime lead. Kicker Shawn Leo opened the scoring with a 38-yard field goal. West Chester’s second drive made it to the end zone when quarterback Sean McCartney found tight end Tim Brown for a nine-yard touchdown pass.
McCartney had two very efficient drives wrapped around a long interception. On the first, he completed six straight passes to Adam Dempsey, Shannon Mayer and Erick Brundidge before Rondell White plunged the last two yards for the touchdown.
On the Golden Rams’ next possession, deep in their own territory, McCartney’s long pass had too much air under it and it got picked off. But the defense followed with a quick three-and-out giving the offense one last opportunity with under two minutes left in the half. This time, McCartney hit Brown for 31 yards, Eddie Elliott for 18 yards, Brundidge for 14 and White for 6 to set up Leo’s 21-yard field goal.
West Chester opened the second half with an authoritative drive that went 85 yards in almost four minutes. The big play on the drive was a 46-yard pass from McCartney to Brundidge and the drive was capped off by a two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Shawn Driggins. Clarion then went on a drive of their own, chewing over five minutes off the clock. But their 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Anthony McCloskey. The officials erroneously placed the ball at the Golden Rams 10 and West Chester went three-and-out which led to Clarion’s first touchdown of the game.
Clarion scored another touchdown, sandwiched between a Brundidge touchdown catch and White touchdown run. Brandon Monk then took eight straight handoffs for 49 yards to run out the remainder of the clock.
Notes - The Division II Football Selection Show will be held on Sunday, November 17 at 5:00 pm and can be viewed live on NCAA.com...Nine different Golden Rams caught passes, and none was more entertaining than Adam Dempsey's tip drill to himself over the middle...Al-Hajj Shabazz had a great pass breakup in the endzone to prevent a touchdown...Shawn Krautzel, Andrew Cohen and Shaquil Ryder each registered solo sacks in the game.
West Chester Athletic Site - No. 17 West Chester Topples Clarion, 41-14; White Sets Two Rushing Records
Daily Local News - WCU pounds Clarion to clinch playoff berth
Bert Garbutt - Photo Collage WCU Football vs Clarion
Clarion Athletic Site - #17 West Chester Tops Clarion 41-14
Friday, November 15, 2013
Player News - Rondell White Nominated for Harlon Hill Award
Senior running back Rondell White has been named one of 28 candidates for the Harlon Hill Trophy. The Harlon Hill Trophy is presented to NCAA Division II's College Football Player of the Year.
Prior to Saturday's game against Clarion, White has 1,503 yards rushing which is sixth on the country and just 45 yards short from his own school single season record. He has 17 rushing touchdowns which is eighth in the country and just one shy of the West Chester single season record. White also has 622 yards and two touchdowns receiving and 257 yards on kick returns this season. His 2,382 all-purpose yards leads the nation and is a West Chester single season record, and his 19 total touchdowns is good for eighth in the country and are three shy of the school record. This season, White has been named PSAC East Offensive Player of the Week twice (New Haven and Shippensburg) and ECAC Offensive Player of the Week thrice (Gannon, Millersville and Shippensburg).
The country is divided into four regions and the sports information directors from each region voted to get to the current field. Regional voting, which ends November 22, narrows the field from seven players to two players from each region. Those eight players are then placed on the national ballot. The three finalists are then invited to the Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet which is held on December 20 in Florence, AL on the eve of the NCAA Division II Championship Game.
The seven candidates from Super Region I are:
Prior to Saturday's game against Clarion, White has 1,503 yards rushing which is sixth on the country and just 45 yards short from his own school single season record. He has 17 rushing touchdowns which is eighth in the country and just one shy of the West Chester single season record. White also has 622 yards and two touchdowns receiving and 257 yards on kick returns this season. His 2,382 all-purpose yards leads the nation and is a West Chester single season record, and his 19 total touchdowns is good for eighth in the country and are three shy of the school record. This season, White has been named PSAC East Offensive Player of the Week twice (New Haven and Shippensburg) and ECAC Offensive Player of the Week thrice (Gannon, Millersville and Shippensburg).
The country is divided into four regions and the sports information directors from each region voted to get to the current field. Regional voting, which ends November 22, narrows the field from seven players to two players from each region. Those eight players are then placed on the national ballot. The three finalists are then invited to the Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet which is held on December 20 in Florence, AL on the eve of the NCAA Division II Championship Game.
The seven candidates from Super Region I are:
- QB Nigel Barksdale - Slippery Rock
- QB Joe Clancy - Merrimack
- QB D.J. Mendenhall - Urbana
- RB Franklyn Quiteh - Bloomsburg
- QB Matt Soltes - East Stroudsburg
- RB Rondell White - West Chester
- QB Zach Zulli - Shippensburg
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Game Preview - Clarion
The #17 Golden Rams (9-1) will seek their first playoff bid since 2008 when they take on the Clarion Golden Eagles (4-6) this Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon at Farrell Stadium.
West Chester is currently ranked fourth in the region and the top six teams (for the most part) are invited to the NCAA playoffs. No one-loss team from Super Region 1 has failed to qualify for the playoffs since they expanded to their current format in 2004, but this season there are currently five teams with just one loss along with undefeated Shepherd. Two of those one-loss teams will absorb their second defeat on Saturday as Slippery Rock (9-1) plays Bloomsburg (9-1) and Virginia St (9-1) plays Winston-Salem St (8-1). But one of the NE10 teams already with two losses will almost surely make the playoffs as Stonehill (8-2) takes on American International (8-2). But the Golden Rams can only control what's in front of them and on Saturday, that's Clarion.
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series with the Golden Eagles 19-3. Despite being in the other division of the PSAC, West Chester head coach Bill Zwaan has already faced Clarion six times in his ten years at the helm and is perfect against them, winning those six contests by an average score of 38-17. Clarion's last two wins in the series happened away from Farrell Stadium in 2000 and 2002.
Last 10 Meetings:
Last Meeting:
11/10/2012 West Chester 33 - Clarion 12
In the final game of the season last year, the Golden Rams led 26-0 midway through the fourth quarter on their way to the victory in Clarion. It was a true character win for West Chester - at 6-4 with no chance for the postseason, plus a long bus ride to Clarion, the team could have easily packed it in early. Instead, the Golden Rams used all the tools at their disposal - 227 rushing yards from Rondell White, four field goals from Shawn Leo and two sacks from Andrew Cohen to completely control the game. Although West Chester only outgained Clarion 450-348, the Golden Eagles amassed 156 yards of offense in the final seven minutes of the game.
Scouting the Opponent:
When Clarion lost All-PSAC quarterback Ben Fiscus to a season-ending injury in the second game of the year, the emphasis of the Golden Eagle offense swung drastically from the air to the ground. Bobby Thomas (156 carries, 663 yards, 6 TD's) and Travis Day (62 carries, 273 yards, 4 TD's) are the leading running backs. R-Fr. quarterback Darelle Carson (142 carries, 535 yards, 6 TD's) is more dangerous with his legs than his arm (81-179, 1,084 yards, 5 TD's, 7 interceptions). When Carson does throw, he'll look for Mark Nicholas (15 catches, 280 yards, 3 TD's all in the first five games of the season), tight end Mike Deitrick (23 catches, 223 yards, 2 TD's), Caleb Mancini (12 catches, 186 yards) and Matt Lehman (12 catches, 154 yards, 1 TD). Up front they're led by All-PSAC tackle Mike Felker.
Punter Nathan Conway is third in the PSAC with a 42.5 yard average and has landed 18 of his 51 punts inside the opponents 20 yard line. Kicker Phil Esposito is only 5 of 16 on field goal attempts, but perfect on all 25 PAT's. Day handles most of the kickoff and punt return duties. Notable on special teams is the fact that Clarion has blocked eight kicks (fourth in the NCAA) and four punts (seventh in the NCAA).
The Clarion defense is anchored by All-PSAC defensive end Julian Howsare (76 tackles, 15.1 tackles TFL's, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 4 blocked kicks). Alongside him on the defensive line is Andrew Fragale (35 tackles, 9 TFL's, 2 forced fumbles). Their leading tackler is cornerback Cory McNamara (81 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 interception, 12 pass breakups) who is aided in the secondary by Adam Lynch (28 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups). The two linebackers in their 4-2-5 alignment are Kyle McWreath (57 tackles, 4 TFL's) and Rocco Yauger (53 tackles, 1 interception).
Analysis:
This will be another tough test for the Golden Ram offensive line as Clarion is fourth in the PSAC in sacks. If the line can manage to hold their blocks, especially against Howsare, the offense should be able to move the ball effectively both on the ground and through the air. Offensively Clarion doesn't pose much of a passing threat as they're only better than Cheyney in the PSAC in that department. However, containing a mobile quarterback such as Carson isn't one of West Chester's strong suits. On special teams, the Golden Rams have been hurt this season covering returns, but Saturday the pressure will be at the point of the kick, not the return. Will the spread punt formation hold up against Clarion's rush?
Clarion isn't shy about going for it on fourth down and they lead the PSAC with 13 conversions in 20 attempts (65%). And they're the second least penalized team in the conference. Is that the result of clean play or a lack of assertiveness?
Notes:
Saturday will mark senior day at West Chester when before the game, all senior members of the marching band, cheerleading squad and football team and training staff will be recognized...West Chester football is teaming up with WCU’s Catholic Newman Student Association to "Help Hungry Neighbors Have a Happy Thanksgiving" by supporting St. Agnes Day Room and Project ONE. Fans attending the game are asked to bring non-perishable food items to the game to help Chester County families in need...Rondell White is 12 carries, 46 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns and four overall touchdowns away from setting West Chester single season records in each of those categories. He's also 159 yards on the ground from setting the school career record in rushing.
Game Coverage:
West Chester is currently ranked fourth in the region and the top six teams (for the most part) are invited to the NCAA playoffs. No one-loss team from Super Region 1 has failed to qualify for the playoffs since they expanded to their current format in 2004, but this season there are currently five teams with just one loss along with undefeated Shepherd. Two of those one-loss teams will absorb their second defeat on Saturday as Slippery Rock (9-1) plays Bloomsburg (9-1) and Virginia St (9-1) plays Winston-Salem St (8-1). But one of the NE10 teams already with two losses will almost surely make the playoffs as Stonehill (8-2) takes on American International (8-2). But the Golden Rams can only control what's in front of them and on Saturday, that's Clarion.
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series with the Golden Eagles 19-3. Despite being in the other division of the PSAC, West Chester head coach Bill Zwaan has already faced Clarion six times in his ten years at the helm and is perfect against them, winning those six contests by an average score of 38-17. Clarion's last two wins in the series happened away from Farrell Stadium in 2000 and 2002.
Last 10 Meetings:
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
1999
|
Home
|
Win
|
62-20
|
2004
|
Away
|
Win
|
20-17
|
2000
|
Away
|
Loss
|
28-21
|
2005
|
Home
|
Win
|
43-14
|
2001
|
Home
|
Win
|
16-14
|
2006
|
Away
|
Win
|
49-21
|
2002
|
Away
|
Loss
|
34-28
|
2007
|
Home
|
Win
|
49-21
|
2003
|
Home
|
Win
|
35-17
|
2012
|
Away
|
Win
|
33-12
|
Last Meeting:
11/10/2012 West Chester 33 - Clarion 12
In the final game of the season last year, the Golden Rams led 26-0 midway through the fourth quarter on their way to the victory in Clarion. It was a true character win for West Chester - at 6-4 with no chance for the postseason, plus a long bus ride to Clarion, the team could have easily packed it in early. Instead, the Golden Rams used all the tools at their disposal - 227 rushing yards from Rondell White, four field goals from Shawn Leo and two sacks from Andrew Cohen to completely control the game. Although West Chester only outgained Clarion 450-348, the Golden Eagles amassed 156 yards of offense in the final seven minutes of the game.
Scouting the Opponent:
Punter Nathan Conway is third in the PSAC with a 42.5 yard average and has landed 18 of his 51 punts inside the opponents 20 yard line. Kicker Phil Esposito is only 5 of 16 on field goal attempts, but perfect on all 25 PAT's. Day handles most of the kickoff and punt return duties. Notable on special teams is the fact that Clarion has blocked eight kicks (fourth in the NCAA) and four punts (seventh in the NCAA).
The Clarion defense is anchored by All-PSAC defensive end Julian Howsare (76 tackles, 15.1 tackles TFL's, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 4 blocked kicks). Alongside him on the defensive line is Andrew Fragale (35 tackles, 9 TFL's, 2 forced fumbles). Their leading tackler is cornerback Cory McNamara (81 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 interception, 12 pass breakups) who is aided in the secondary by Adam Lynch (28 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups). The two linebackers in their 4-2-5 alignment are Kyle McWreath (57 tackles, 4 TFL's) and Rocco Yauger (53 tackles, 1 interception).
Analysis:
Clarion isn't shy about going for it on fourth down and they lead the PSAC with 13 conversions in 20 attempts (65%). And they're the second least penalized team in the conference. Is that the result of clean play or a lack of assertiveness?
Notes:
Saturday will mark senior day at West Chester when before the game, all senior members of the marching band, cheerleading squad and football team and training staff will be recognized...West Chester football is teaming up with WCU’s Catholic Newman Student Association to "Help Hungry Neighbors Have a Happy Thanksgiving" by supporting St. Agnes Day Room and Project ONE. Fans attending the game are asked to bring non-perishable food items to the game to help Chester County families in need...Rondell White is 12 carries, 46 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns and four overall touchdowns away from setting West Chester single season records in each of those categories. He's also 159 yards on the ground from setting the school career record in rushing.
Game Coverage:
PSAC Site - Football - Week 11 Notes
Clarion Athletic Site - Clarion at #17 West Chester in Football Season Finale
Daily Local News - WCU needs win in regular season finale
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Championship Week Preview
D2football - National Columnist - Bob Eblen - National Columnist
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Club News - November 14 Meeting
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, senior safety Shawn Krautzel will be the special guest on Coach Zwaan's show. In the Golden Rams' 31-28 setback to Bloomsburg, Krautzel tallied seven solo tackles and three assisted tackles for a total of ten tackles. He also recovered a fumble on a fourth and two play on Bloomsburg's opening drive of the game. For the season, Krautzel has 54 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, five pass breakups, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00 pm to participate in the show live.
According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show facebook page, senior safety Shawn Krautzel will be the special guest on Coach Zwaan's show. In the Golden Rams' 31-28 setback to Bloomsburg, Krautzel tallied seven solo tackles and three assisted tackles for a total of ten tackles. He also recovered a fumble on a fourth and two play on Bloomsburg's opening drive of the game. For the season, Krautzel has 54 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, five pass breakups, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00 pm to participate in the show live.
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