The Bill Zwaan Show will be held at Timothy's in the Parkway Shopping Center in West Chester on Thursday starting at 7:00pm. Golden Ram fans unable to attend the show can listen to it live on WCHE1520AM.COM.
According to the Bill Zwaan Show,
sophomore fullback Mason Griffiths and
junior defensive tackle Noah Collachi
will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show.
When not on special teams, Griffiths acts as the lead blocker out of the backfield. Collachi made 16 tackles in nine games last season and is expected to be more of a factor on the defensive line this year.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live. Or send your questions for coaches or the players to the Bill Zwaan Show.
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Saturday, September 10, 2022
Game Report - #18/#20 Slippery Rock 35 - West Chester 14
By midway through the opening quarter, it appeared that Slippery Rock had the game in their control. Sure Ja'Den McKenzie busted a 23-yard run on the first offensive play of the game, but the next three plays for the Golden Rams totaled negative four yards. The Rock’s opening drive was a steady 89-yard march to the end zone and a 7-0 lead. But West Chester battled back.
Late in the first quarter, the Golden Rams were in Rock territory, but Shane Dooley threw an interception at the 9-yard line. It turned out to be good fortune however. Redshirt freshman defensive end David Blay registered his first career sack at the Rock one. After the quarter ended, Rock got off a poor punt which gave West Chester possession at the Rock 21. This trip into the red zone proved more fruitful as Dooley ran it into the purple turf to knot the score at 7.
The favorable momentum for the purple and gold was short lived. Starting cornerback Obi Anyatonwu was forced to leave the game with an injury, and on the very next play, Rock went after his replacement - who got no safety help – for a 69-yard touchdown pass to give Slippery Rock a 14-7 lead. That score would remain until midway through the third quarter.
Although a West Chester drive stalled, punter Chris Barbera pinned the Rock at their own 3-yard line. However, the Rock dutifully drove 97-yards to extend their lead to 21-7. And then, the Golden Ram offense completely shut down. The next three possessions went -2, -1 and 9 yards. The Rock tacked on another touchdown, this time consuming over seven minutes to effectively end the game.
Trailing 35-7 with under three minutes to play, Cooper Jordan took over at quarterback. Granted, Slippery Rock defense was probably playing backups, and they certainly weren’t pressuring like they had the entire game, but Jordan did what he was asked and drove the Golden Rams 73 yards for another touchdown for the purple and gold.
In general, West Chester did not perform well. Prior to Cooper’s touchdown drive, West Chester’s longest offensive possession was 35 yards and it did not result in points. Dooley only completed six passes in 18 attempts, threw two interceptions and was sacked four times. With an ineffective WCU passing game, the Rock defense was able to sell out on the running game, holding McKenzie to just 34 yards (recall he had 23 on the first play of the game) and Phil Poquie to 19 yards rushing. Defensively, the Golden Rams allowed over 400 yards and three of Slippery Rock’s five touchdowns came on drives of 75 yards or more.
Besides Cooper’s performance on the final possession, another encouraging sign was Dooley’s effective scrambling which bought him time to throw or gain some positive yards. Barbera had a nice game, averaging 44 yards on six punts and dropping two inside the 20 including one on the 3-yard line. And with the Golden Rams backed up on the one, he was able to launch a punt 58 yards. Defensively, cornerback Sterlen Barr had West Chester’s first turnover of 2022 and a key tackle on fourth down to give West Chester possession. Anyatonwu had two pass breakups and linebackers Jackson Taylor and Maurice Beverly each registered six tackles.
Late in the first quarter, the Golden Rams were in Rock territory, but Shane Dooley threw an interception at the 9-yard line. It turned out to be good fortune however. Redshirt freshman defensive end David Blay registered his first career sack at the Rock one. After the quarter ended, Rock got off a poor punt which gave West Chester possession at the Rock 21. This trip into the red zone proved more fruitful as Dooley ran it into the purple turf to knot the score at 7.
Ja'Den McKenzie lowers his shoulder for more yards (Photo Joan Gillen)The favorable momentum for the purple and gold was short lived. Starting cornerback Obi Anyatonwu was forced to leave the game with an injury, and on the very next play, Rock went after his replacement - who got no safety help – for a 69-yard touchdown pass to give Slippery Rock a 14-7 lead. That score would remain until midway through the third quarter.
Although a West Chester drive stalled, punter Chris Barbera pinned the Rock at their own 3-yard line. However, the Rock dutifully drove 97-yards to extend their lead to 21-7. And then, the Golden Ram offense completely shut down. The next three possessions went -2, -1 and 9 yards. The Rock tacked on another touchdown, this time consuming over seven minutes to effectively end the game.
D'Shaun Seals makes a leaping catch over the middle (Photo Joan Gillen)Trailing 35-7 with under three minutes to play, Cooper Jordan took over at quarterback. Granted, Slippery Rock defense was probably playing backups, and they certainly weren’t pressuring like they had the entire game, but Jordan did what he was asked and drove the Golden Rams 73 yards for another touchdown for the purple and gold.
In general, West Chester did not perform well. Prior to Cooper’s touchdown drive, West Chester’s longest offensive possession was 35 yards and it did not result in points. Dooley only completed six passes in 18 attempts, threw two interceptions and was sacked four times. With an ineffective WCU passing game, the Rock defense was able to sell out on the running game, holding McKenzie to just 34 yards (recall he had 23 on the first play of the game) and Phil Poquie to 19 yards rushing. Defensively, the Golden Rams allowed over 400 yards and three of Slippery Rock’s five touchdowns came on drives of 75 yards or more.
Besides Cooper’s performance on the final possession, another encouraging sign was Dooley’s effective scrambling which bought him time to throw or gain some positive yards. Barbera had a nice game, averaging 44 yards on six punts and dropping two inside the 20 including one on the 3-yard line. And with the Golden Rams backed up on the one, he was able to launch a punt 58 yards. Defensively, cornerback Sterlen Barr had West Chester’s first turnover of 2022 and a key tackle on fourth down to give West Chester possession. Anyatonwu had two pass breakups and linebackers Jackson Taylor and Maurice Beverly each registered six tackles.
Phil Poquie uses the block of Bill Martelon (Photo Joan Gillen)West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Drops 35-14 Contest to No. 18 Slippery Rock Saturday
Slippery Rock Athletic Site - No. 18 Rock rolls by West Chester, 35-14
Daily Local News - Visiting Slippery Rock grinds down Golden Rams, 35-14
WCU Football Family - Photo Album - Slippery Rock
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Game Preview - #18/#20 Slippery Rock
The Golden Rams (1-0) host PSAC West favorite Slippery Rock (1-0) on Saturday at noon at John A. Farrell Stadium.
Series History:
The Rock narrowly leads the series between the two schools, 10-9. Head coach Bill Zwaan is 4-4 against Slippery Rock while his counterpart Shawn Lutz is 48-14 after five seasons as head coach there. Slippery Rock has reached the PSAC championship game and qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs in each of the last three seasons and was selected to win the PSAC West again this year.
In the final game of the regular season in 2006, with both teams owning a 7-3 record and the winner destined for the NCAA playoffs, West Chester won by a score of 21-20 when the Rock's 48-yard field goal attempt drifted wide left in the pouring rain in Slippery Rock. In 2010 also in Slippery Rock, Shawn Leo kicked a field goal to put the Golden Rams up 27-24 with two and a half minutes left. But the Rock converted a 47-yard field goal of their own with 31 seconds left to send the game into overtime. The Rock quickly scored a touchdown in overtime, but Nick Garcia blocked the point after giving West Chester hope. Although the Golden Rams picked up a first down, they were unable to get into the end zone and fell 33-27.
West Chester crushed the Rock in the first round of the 2014 NCAA playoffs at Farrell Stadium. The 2015 PSAC championship game pitted these two schools against each other, and Slippery Rock humiliated the Golden Rams in that game. The Rock had also won the next two games as these two teams faced each other in the early season crossover matchup in 2016 and 2017. Then in the 2018 PSAC Championship game, the Golden Rams scored touchdowns on their first four posessions to take a 27-3 lead, before they coasted to a 33-10 victory for West Chester's first conference crown since 1971.
Last 10 Meetings:
Last Meeting:
11/10/2018 West Chester 33 - Slippery Rock 10
West Chester captured its first conference championship in over 40 years as they dominated the Rock from start to finish on a frigid day in western Pennsylvania. Although Slippery Rock opened the scoring with a 32-yard field goal, the Golden Ram defense didn't allow a first down on the Rock's next five possessions. Meanwhile, the West Chester offense scored touchdowns on its opening four possessions to open a 27-3 lead. Each team scored a touchdown late in the second quarter to set the score ot 33-10.
The West Chester offense stalled in the second half, as they gained only 50 yards on six possessions, including four three-and-outs, but they still consumed 15 minutes off the clock and gave the Rock bad field position. The Golden Ram defense continued their strong play with a couple of interceptions and the purple and gold celebrated a championship.
Scouting the Opponent:
The Rock lost nine all-conference players from last year's playoff qualifying team, so they brought in 20 transfers this season with most expected to immediatley assume starting roles. This influx increases the number of transfers on the Slippery Rock roster to 32. One of the incumbent transfers who played in eight games last season is quarterback Noah Grover (137 of 206, 1,760 yards, 23 TD's, 8 int's in 2021) from North Dakota. He is the reigning PSAC West Offensive Athlete of the week after going 20 of 28 for 276 yards and three touchdowns in less than three quarters of work against Wayne St.
Grover was likely influential in getting his former Fighting Hawk teammate Jacob Odom (8 catches, 97 yards) to join him. Odom played in 22 games over four seasons for North Dakota. Tight end Max Maciejewski (28 catches, 413 yards, 4 TD's in 2021; 4 catches for 29 yards) also plays a key role in the passing game. Speedy Lackawanna transfer Cohen Russell (two catches, 82 yards, 2 TD's) had a kickoff return for 58 yards and punt return for 37 yards last week.
Defensively, tackle Jeff Marx is a Lindy’s Sports Preseason All-American and had an interception last Saturday. None of the starting linebackers started their collegiate football career at the Rock - Brandon Bischof (Akron), Brandon Tuck-Hayden (Wayne St) and Jake Miller (Akron). Tuck-Hayden led the team in tackles last week with ten while Bischof made six stops. The secondary features cornerbacks Kevin Hyde (Tiffin) and Jacob Williams (Ashland) along with safety Selvin Hayes.
Analysis:
Bentley was a very young team. The Rock has a lot of newness, but they aren't particularly very young. Offensively, they come out hot and consistently get chunk plays and score rather quickly. Defensively, last week they held Wayne St. to 104 yards passing and forced two interceptions which the Rock offense converted into two touchdowns. So West Chester must protect the ball. While Slippery Rock doesn't have any players returning that experienced the PSAC championship loss in 2018, certainly Coach Lutz remembers it all too well.
Versus Sports simulates a 37-26 win for Slippery Rock and Massey Ratings projects a 35-28 Rock victory.
Game Coverage:
Series History:
The Rock narrowly leads the series between the two schools, 10-9. Head coach Bill Zwaan is 4-4 against Slippery Rock while his counterpart Shawn Lutz is 48-14 after five seasons as head coach there. Slippery Rock has reached the PSAC championship game and qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs in each of the last three seasons and was selected to win the PSAC West again this year.
In the final game of the regular season in 2006, with both teams owning a 7-3 record and the winner destined for the NCAA playoffs, West Chester won by a score of 21-20 when the Rock's 48-yard field goal attempt drifted wide left in the pouring rain in Slippery Rock. In 2010 also in Slippery Rock, Shawn Leo kicked a field goal to put the Golden Rams up 27-24 with two and a half minutes left. But the Rock converted a 47-yard field goal of their own with 31 seconds left to send the game into overtime. The Rock quickly scored a touchdown in overtime, but Nick Garcia blocked the point after giving West Chester hope. Although the Golden Rams picked up a first down, they were unable to get into the end zone and fell 33-27.
West Chester crushed the Rock in the first round of the 2014 NCAA playoffs at Farrell Stadium. The 2015 PSAC championship game pitted these two schools against each other, and Slippery Rock humiliated the Golden Rams in that game. The Rock had also won the next two games as these two teams faced each other in the early season crossover matchup in 2016 and 2017. Then in the 2018 PSAC Championship game, the Golden Rams scored touchdowns on their first four posessions to take a 27-3 lead, before they coasted to a 33-10 victory for West Chester's first conference crown since 1971.
Last 10 Meetings:
| Year |
H/A |
W/L |
Score |
Year |
H/A |
W/L |
Score |
1996 |
Home |
Win |
31-21 |
2014
|
Home |
Win |
46-20 |
1997
|
Away
|
Loss
|
27-14
|
2015
|
Home
|
Loss
|
61-12
|
2006 |
Away |
Win |
21-20 |
2016 |
Home |
Loss |
36-28 |
2010
|
Away |
Loss |
33-27 OT |
2017 |
Away |
Loss |
49-42 |
2011 |
Home |
Win |
20-13 |
2018 |
Away |
Win |
33-10 |
Last Meeting:
11/10/2018 West Chester 33 - Slippery Rock 10
West Chester captured its first conference championship in over 40 years as they dominated the Rock from start to finish on a frigid day in western Pennsylvania. Although Slippery Rock opened the scoring with a 32-yard field goal, the Golden Ram defense didn't allow a first down on the Rock's next five possessions. Meanwhile, the West Chester offense scored touchdowns on its opening four possessions to open a 27-3 lead. Each team scored a touchdown late in the second quarter to set the score ot 33-10.
The West Chester offense stalled in the second half, as they gained only 50 yards on six possessions, including four three-and-outs, but they still consumed 15 minutes off the clock and gave the Rock bad field position. The Golden Ram defense continued their strong play with a couple of interceptions and the purple and gold celebrated a championship.
Scouting the Opponent:
Grover was likely influential in getting his former Fighting Hawk teammate Jacob Odom (8 catches, 97 yards) to join him. Odom played in 22 games over four seasons for North Dakota. Tight end Max Maciejewski (28 catches, 413 yards, 4 TD's in 2021; 4 catches for 29 yards) also plays a key role in the passing game. Speedy Lackawanna transfer Cohen Russell (two catches, 82 yards, 2 TD's) had a kickoff return for 58 yards and punt return for 37 yards last week.
Defensively, tackle Jeff Marx is a Lindy’s Sports Preseason All-American and had an interception last Saturday. None of the starting linebackers started their collegiate football career at the Rock - Brandon Bischof (Akron), Brandon Tuck-Hayden (Wayne St) and Jake Miller (Akron). Tuck-Hayden led the team in tackles last week with ten while Bischof made six stops. The secondary features cornerbacks Kevin Hyde (Tiffin) and Jacob Williams (Ashland) along with safety Selvin Hayes.
Analysis:
Versus Sports simulates a 37-26 win for Slippery Rock and Massey Ratings projects a 35-28 Rock victory.
Game Coverage:
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Hosts No. 18 Slippery Rock Saturday At Farrell Stadium
PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes, Week 2
Slippery Rock Athletic Site - No. 18 Rock travels to West Chester Saturday
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Two Preview
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Event News - September 8 Bill Zwaan Show
The Bill Zwaan Show will be held at Timothy's in the Parkway Shopping Center in West Chester on Thursday starting at 7:00pm. Golden Ram fans unable to attend the show can listen to it live on WCHE1520AM.COM.
According to the Bill Zwaan Show, junior offensive tackle Quinton Derr and sophomore punter Chris Barbera will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show.
Although only a junior, Derr is the elder statesman of the offensive line, playing in 24 games and making 15 starts through last week's victory over Bentley. Meanwhile, after a full season as the holder on place kicks, Barbera has now also taken over punting duties for the Golden Rams. On Saturday, he averaged 42 yards on three punts and landed one of them inside the Falcon 20-yard line.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live. Or send your questions for coaches or the players to the Bill Zwaan Show.
According to the Bill Zwaan Show, junior offensive tackle Quinton Derr and sophomore punter Chris Barbera will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show.
Although only a junior, Derr is the elder statesman of the offensive line, playing in 24 games and making 15 starts through last week's victory over Bentley. Meanwhile, after a full season as the holder on place kicks, Barbera has now also taken over punting duties for the Golden Rams. On Saturday, he averaged 42 yards on three punts and landed one of them inside the Falcon 20-yard line.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live. Or send your questions for coaches or the players to the Bill Zwaan Show.
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Game Report - West Chester 17 - Bentley 16
The end result is the ultimate arbiter, and in that measure, the Golden Rams came away with a 17-16 win over Bentley. But this game was certainly a tale of four very different quarters.
In the first quarter, both offenses were showing that it was their first game of the season with a lot of youth. By the end of the first 15 minutes, West Chester seemed to be getting the better of it. Ja'Den McKenzie and Phil Poquie both ran the ball effectively. Shane Dooley spread the ball around to Rahiem Bowens, Julian Kelly and D'Shaun Seals, but there was still no score.
But the long drive was capped off in the second quarter with a play action pass from Dooley to McKenzie for a two-yard touchdown to give the Golden Rams a 7-0 lead. Bentley's possession didn't last long, thanks to a couple of quarterback hurries by defenseive end Zach Liggitt. But the Falcon punt pinned the Golden Rams deep in their own territory. West Chester sustained another nice, long drive, however it stalled at the Bentley 17. And when Sean Henry's 34-yard field goal attempt sailed wide, West Chester had no points to show for the effort. Fortunately, the Golden Ram defense forced a quick three-and-out to give the offense another chance. West Chester immediately extended the lead when Dooley found a wide open Maurice Mazzccua who bobbled the ball, but managed to hang on and make his way into the end zone to stretch the lead to 14-0 for the purple and gold at halftime.
In the third quarter, things took a turn for the worse for West Chester. Bentley took the opening kickoff for a touchback, but then drove the length of the field thanks in large part to a 47-yard pass play down the middle of the field. True freshman Maurice Beverly blocked the PAT which turned out to be a pivotal play in the game. The Golden Ram slide continued as Dooley threw a point-blank interception giving the Bentley offense great field position. Two plays later, the Falcons closed the score to 14-13. In a bit of deja vu, Dooley threw another pick giving Bentley the ball at the West Chester 18. The Golden Rams dodged a bullet when a Bentley touchdown pass was nullified by an ineligible receiver penalty. A penalty then turned in Bentley's favor when the Golden Rams jumped offside giving the Falcons three more shots at the end zone. With their backs to the goal line, linebacker Jackson Taylor made a couple of stops and held Bentley to a field goal. Nevertheless, West Chester found themselves trailing 16-14. The disastrous quater ended with another Golden Ram punt.
In the final period, the Golden Ram defense turned up the pressure as Taylor and Oscar Uduma each registered quarterback hurries and forcing a punt. The Golden Ram offense then played what will be a familiar script this season - the McKenzie and Poquie show. Although the five minute drive stalled at the Bentley 17, this time Henry connected on a 34-yard field goal to give West Chester a 17-16 lead with just 4:26 left. However, Golden Ram hearts could not rest until Bentley's Hail Mary pass to the end zone was knocked down by Kaleb Brown with 0:00 showing on the scoreboard.
Several miscellanous observations:The question about Cooper Jordan's use this season was answered tonight. When Dooley's helmet popped off forcing him to sit out a play, it was Jordan that came into the game. He later ran another play on offense.
The big guys up front on defense did a nice job: Nate Desmond had four tackles, Ayyub Dail was credited with four stops, and Roderic Carson made three tackles including a key tackle for loss on third-and-short in the fourth quarter.
Quinton Derr did a pretty good job containing Bentley's preseason All-American defensive end, holding him to just five tackles, although he did register two sacks and a forced fumble.
Beverly got the start as shark linebacker and made nine tackles and had the blocked PAT which was the difference in the score. Uduma, who is listed on the roster as a linebacker, has moved to safety to take Shamar Edwards position. It looked like it was first game in that position, but he still made five tackles.
At the tight end spot, Stone Huffman was not dressed and Mason Griffiths got a lot of time in blocking situations. Dooley connected with Thatcher Miller on one pass for 23 yards.
The four team captains looked the part: Poquie had 92 yards rushing; McKenzie had 56 yards on the ground and two catches for 13 yards and a score; Taylor had seven tackles and QB hurry; and Liggit had a solo tackle for loss to go with his two QB hurries.
Bowens had a team-high three catches for 34 yards.
In the first quarter, both offenses were showing that it was their first game of the season with a lot of youth. By the end of the first 15 minutes, West Chester seemed to be getting the better of it. Ja'Den McKenzie and Phil Poquie both ran the ball effectively. Shane Dooley spread the ball around to Rahiem Bowens, Julian Kelly and D'Shaun Seals, but there was still no score.
Zach Liggitt pressures the Bentley quarterback (Photo Chuck Bitner)But the long drive was capped off in the second quarter with a play action pass from Dooley to McKenzie for a two-yard touchdown to give the Golden Rams a 7-0 lead. Bentley's possession didn't last long, thanks to a couple of quarterback hurries by defenseive end Zach Liggitt. But the Falcon punt pinned the Golden Rams deep in their own territory. West Chester sustained another nice, long drive, however it stalled at the Bentley 17. And when Sean Henry's 34-yard field goal attempt sailed wide, West Chester had no points to show for the effort. Fortunately, the Golden Ram defense forced a quick three-and-out to give the offense another chance. West Chester immediately extended the lead when Dooley found a wide open Maurice Mazzccua who bobbled the ball, but managed to hang on and make his way into the end zone to stretch the lead to 14-0 for the purple and gold at halftime.
In the third quarter, things took a turn for the worse for West Chester. Bentley took the opening kickoff for a touchback, but then drove the length of the field thanks in large part to a 47-yard pass play down the middle of the field. True freshman Maurice Beverly blocked the PAT which turned out to be a pivotal play in the game. The Golden Ram slide continued as Dooley threw a point-blank interception giving the Bentley offense great field position. Two plays later, the Falcons closed the score to 14-13. In a bit of deja vu, Dooley threw another pick giving Bentley the ball at the West Chester 18. The Golden Rams dodged a bullet when a Bentley touchdown pass was nullified by an ineligible receiver penalty. A penalty then turned in Bentley's favor when the Golden Rams jumped offside giving the Falcons three more shots at the end zone. With their backs to the goal line, linebacker Jackson Taylor made a couple of stops and held Bentley to a field goal. Nevertheless, West Chester found themselves trailing 16-14. The disastrous quater ended with another Golden Ram punt.
In the final period, the Golden Ram defense turned up the pressure as Taylor and Oscar Uduma each registered quarterback hurries and forcing a punt. The Golden Ram offense then played what will be a familiar script this season - the McKenzie and Poquie show. Although the five minute drive stalled at the Bentley 17, this time Henry connected on a 34-yard field goal to give West Chester a 17-16 lead with just 4:26 left. However, Golden Ram hearts could not rest until Bentley's Hail Mary pass to the end zone was knocked down by Kaleb Brown with 0:00 showing on the scoreboard.
Julian Kelly prevents a third quarter pick six (Photo Chuck Bitner)Several miscellanous observations:
West Chester Athletic Site - Henry’s Field Goal the Difference In West Chester’s Season Opening Win over Bentley, 17-16
Bentley Athletic Site - 4th-Quarter Field Goal Lifts West Chester Past Bentley, 17-16
Daily Local News - Golden Rams stage late comeback to edge Bentley in opener
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC West Chester Wins With Late Field Goal
D2football - NE10 Columnist - NE10 Week 1 Thoughts
WCU Football Family - Photo Album - Bentley
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Game Preview - Bentley
The West Chester Golden Rams open the season at home for the first time since 2019 when they host a familiar non-conference opponent in the Bentley Falcons. Kickoff on Friday evening is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
Series History:
West Chester has won four of the five meetings in this series which started in 2016. The Golden Rams had dominating wins in 2017 and 2018, but needed late game heroics to win in both 2016 and 2019, before dropping last year's game in Waltham, MA. After a long career as an assistant with several NFL franchises, Alvin Reynolds will be making his collegiate head coaching debut against West Chester. The Falcons were picked to finish third in the Northeast-10 Football Coaches’ Poll. Meanwhile, Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan starts his 20th season at West Chester with an overall record of 150-67, including 11-4 against Northeast-10 opponents and 4-1 against Bentley.
Last Meeting:
09/04/2021 Bentley 41 - West Chester 17
Bentley shot out to a 21-0 lead and West Chester didn't get into the end zone until the waning minutes of the fourth quarter after already trailing 41-3. Offensively, the Golden Ram passing game never got on track, turned the ball over twice, and surrendered three sacks. Meanwhile, Bentley threw for 300 yards, did not turn the ball over and did not allow a sack.
Ja'Den McKenzie (87 yards) and Phil Poquie (28 yards) paced the Golden Ram rushing attack. Nyeem Jones registered five tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss. Late in the contest, Michael Alexander scored a touchdown after returning a punt that was blocked by Zach Liggitt.
Scouting the Opponent:
Last year, after defeating West Chester, Bentley went 9-1 in the Northeast 10 conference and qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs, finishing the season with a record of 9-2.
But this is a very different Falcon team. Gone is two-time All-NE10 quarterback Stephen Sturm who threw 239 of Bentley's 244 pass attempts last season. And over half of the team's rushing yards came from Andrew Brazicki (724 yards, 6 TD's) and Sturm (500 yards, 6 TD's). This year's options at quarterback include senior punter Charlie Ogletree (1 of 1 for 13 yards in 2021), Brett Pullman (0 of 2 in 2021), and Youngstown State transfer Mark Waid (69 of 122 for 600 yards and 3 TD's, 440 yards rushing in 1+ seasons for the Penguins).
But the offense does have some weapons returning. In the backfield are Nate Larkins (558 yards and 6 TD's rushing in 2021) and Anthony Doung (228 yards and 1 TD rushing in 2021). And whoever is at quarterback can target the team's top two receivers from last year in Noah Neville (32 catches, 555 yards, 6 TD's in 2021) and Tajon Vassar (26 catches, 242 yards, 3 TD's in 2021). Tackles Dom DePaoli and Gavin Olsen return on the line.
The experience and strength of this Bentley team lies on defense. Reigning NE10 Defensive Lineman of the Year Cedie Dashiell II (55 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles) has help up front from NE10 All-Rookie team member Herve Tshibamba (32 tackles, 2.5 sacks). Linebacker Salvatore Lupoli Jr. (90 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception) is the team's top returning tackler. The secondary is led by Mathieu Severance (35 tackles, 2 interceptions), cornerback Jailen Branch (31 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 1 interception), and free safety Aaron Racki (54 tackles, 1 forced fumble). Dashiell and Lupoli each forced a fumble against the Golden Rams last season.
Ogletree was an all-conference punter last season and Abel Lopes Jr. returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown in 2021.
Analysis:
Last year, West Chester faced a senior-laden, playoff-bound Bentley team and the Golden Rams weren't prepared for that test. This year, the Falcons have undergone a lot of changes, including at quarterback and head coach. However, the Golden Rams return only a handful of starters from last year's opener, so both squads appear to be fairly inexperienced. While West Chester returns the quarterback and running backs, there is youth on the offensive line and the receiving corps. The game will come down to who can get their act together quickly and minimize mistakes for a season opener.
Versus Sports simulates a 30-25 Golden Ram victory while Massey Ratings projects a similar 31-27 win.
Game Coverage:
Series History:
West Chester has won four of the five meetings in this series which started in 2016. The Golden Rams had dominating wins in 2017 and 2018, but needed late game heroics to win in both 2016 and 2019, before dropping last year's game in Waltham, MA. After a long career as an assistant with several NFL franchises, Alvin Reynolds will be making his collegiate head coaching debut against West Chester. The Falcons were picked to finish third in the Northeast-10 Football Coaches’ Poll. Meanwhile, Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan starts his 20th season at West Chester with an overall record of 150-67, including 11-4 against Northeast-10 opponents and 4-1 against Bentley.
Last Meeting:
09/04/2021 Bentley 41 - West Chester 17
Bentley shot out to a 21-0 lead and West Chester didn't get into the end zone until the waning minutes of the fourth quarter after already trailing 41-3. Offensively, the Golden Ram passing game never got on track, turned the ball over twice, and surrendered three sacks. Meanwhile, Bentley threw for 300 yards, did not turn the ball over and did not allow a sack.
Ja'Den McKenzie (87 yards) and Phil Poquie (28 yards) paced the Golden Ram rushing attack. Nyeem Jones registered five tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss. Late in the contest, Michael Alexander scored a touchdown after returning a punt that was blocked by Zach Liggitt.
Scouting the Opponent:
But this is a very different Falcon team. Gone is two-time All-NE10 quarterback Stephen Sturm who threw 239 of Bentley's 244 pass attempts last season. And over half of the team's rushing yards came from Andrew Brazicki (724 yards, 6 TD's) and Sturm (500 yards, 6 TD's). This year's options at quarterback include senior punter Charlie Ogletree (1 of 1 for 13 yards in 2021), Brett Pullman (0 of 2 in 2021), and Youngstown State transfer Mark Waid (69 of 122 for 600 yards and 3 TD's, 440 yards rushing in 1+ seasons for the Penguins).
But the offense does have some weapons returning. In the backfield are Nate Larkins (558 yards and 6 TD's rushing in 2021) and Anthony Doung (228 yards and 1 TD rushing in 2021). And whoever is at quarterback can target the team's top two receivers from last year in Noah Neville (32 catches, 555 yards, 6 TD's in 2021) and Tajon Vassar (26 catches, 242 yards, 3 TD's in 2021). Tackles Dom DePaoli and Gavin Olsen return on the line.
The experience and strength of this Bentley team lies on defense. Reigning NE10 Defensive Lineman of the Year Cedie Dashiell II (55 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles) has help up front from NE10 All-Rookie team member Herve Tshibamba (32 tackles, 2.5 sacks). Linebacker Salvatore Lupoli Jr. (90 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception) is the team's top returning tackler. The secondary is led by Mathieu Severance (35 tackles, 2 interceptions), cornerback Jailen Branch (31 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 1 interception), and free safety Aaron Racki (54 tackles, 1 forced fumble). Dashiell and Lupoli each forced a fumble against the Golden Rams last season.
Ogletree was an all-conference punter last season and Abel Lopes Jr. returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown in 2021.
Analysis:
Versus Sports simulates a 30-25 Golden Ram victory while Massey Ratings projects a similar 31-27 win.
Game Coverage:
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Opens 100th Season of Football With Bentley Friday Night
West Chester Athletic Site - Football Lifts Lid On 2022 Campaign Friday Night Under the Lights At Farrell Stadium
PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes, Week 1
Bentley Athletic Site - The Reynolds Era Starts Friday When Bentley Opens at West Chester
Bentley Athletic Site - Talented Quartet to Serve as Bentley Football Captains
Bentley Athletic Site - Bentley Football Returns to Campus Sunday for Preseason Camp
KYW Newsradio - The WCU Golden Rams bring a lot of talent to the 2022 season
Eagle-Tribune - After injury and COVID cost him two seasons, Lawrence's Howshan returns to the field for Bentley
Daily Local News- Promising prospects look to fill in for Golden Rams’ attack
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week One Preview
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC East 2022 Preview
D2football - Northeast-10 Columnist - NE10 Week One Preview
D2football - Northeast-10 Columnist - NE10 2022 Season Preview
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Player News - Taylor Named to 2022 Elite 100 Watch List
In 2021, Taylor was named first team All-PSAC East, PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year, All-Super Region 1 by the Division 2 Conference Commissioner's Association and a Cliff Harris Award nominee. He finished the season with 97 total tackles (7th in the PSAC) including 11.5 tackles for loss (12th in the PSAC). He also had interceptions at Shippensburg and Lock Haven and recovered a fumble at Shippensburg as well.
Jackson Taylor (Photo Gina Chapman)D2Football.com - 2022 Elite 100 Watch List
Sunday, August 28, 2022
Team News - 2022 Second Scrimmage Report
Here are some observations from Friday's action:
- With Brendan Ruskowski clearly departed, his uniform has been taken by defensive tackle Mike Yeakel and his captain's role has been assumed by running back Phil Poquie.
- In limited action, running back Ja'Den McKenzie had a nice run and clearly had no intention of being tackled by the West Chester second team defense.
- Tight end Stone Huffman had a nice catch and run and survived a severe facemask.
- While linebacker Jackson Taylor is a preseason All-American selection, the second team offense took advantage by getting him matched up one-on-one with a speedy wide receiver on a drag play that went for a big gain.
- It was good to see cornerback Sterlen Barr back and he managed a pass breakup in limited action.
- With safety Shamar Edwards out, Oscar Uduma was getting reps in the secondary.
- Golden Ram alumni Omar Peterkin and Rondell White made an appearance on the sideline.
- The defense definitely stepped up the pressure tonight by bringing blitzes for the offensive line and quarterback to decipher. It usually didn't bode well for the offense, but Ethan Kohler did avoid the rush and completed a touchdown pass to Jahmair Rider.
- Prior to the scrimmage, Coach Zwaan, and captains Phil Poquie and Jackson Taylor addressed the large contingent of new students that were in attendance. And during breaks in the game action, there were opportunities for students to participate in punting, passing and running competitions. Overall it was great engagement between the team and the incoming freshman.
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Team News - 2022 First Scrimmage Report
Here are some observations from Friday's action:
- The quaterback situation appears to be as expected. Sophomore Shane Dooley is 1A and classmate Desman Johnson is 1B. That is, both of them ran with the first team offense. Among the three true freshmen, Perk Valley alumnus Ethan Kohler looks to be ahead of the other two.
- That being said, freshman quartrback Cooper Jordan is fast. Really fast. Which raises a few questions. Are there enough other offensive playmakers for Jordan to retain his redshirt, or do the Golden Rams get him on the field in 2022? If he does play this season, how much will his role be as a quarterback or will he find his way onto the field at some other position? An interesting area to watch.
- The first offensive line was from left to right:
redshirt freshman Patrick Methlie,
redshirt freshman Caelan Krasley,
sophomore Luke Stengel, #74, and
junior Quinton Derr, the elder stateman of the group. There was at least one play when there were two #74's on the right of the line and to make matters more confusing to people in the stands, there's no #74 on the roster.
- Senior captain Zach Liggitt leads the defensive line and is joined by IUP transfer Ayyub Dail, Roderic Carson and redshirt freshman Nate Desmond.
- It was of little surprise that the defense "won" the scrimmage. They forced a couple of turnovers and, with the exception of Ja'Den McKenzie and Mari Wright, held the offense in check, although it was fun to see sophomore fullback Mason Griffiths catch a touchdown pass
- With Sterlen Barr, Nyeem Jones, and Shamar Edwards not dressed, defensive backs Mahmud Dioubate and Matt Marshall got more time.
- Since he wasn't on the field, Chris Barbera spent a lot of time punting to a kid on the sideline. He never dropped a punt, even while holding a football in one hand and catching the the next punt with the other hand. Recruit him now.
Monday, August 15, 2022
Team News - Golden Rams Receiving Votes in AFCA Preseason Poll
West Chester opens the 2022 season against Bentley, which is also receiving votes in the AFCA preseason poll, on Friday September 2.
American Football Coaches Association - Division II Coaches’ Poll – August 15, 2022
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