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 7:00 pm. Golden Ram fans unable to attend the show can listen to it live on WCHE 1520AM. The meeting will not be broadcast.
According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show facebook page, wide receiver Sean Beahan will be the special guest on Coach Zwaan's show. The senior co-captain from Garden Spot High School had his best collegiate performance this past week, catching five passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.
After head coach Bill Zwaan speaks at the meeting, this week's guest speakers will be WCU Asssitant Head Coach Gerald Toney
and WCU Defensive Coordinator Mike Furlong.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00 pm to participate in the show live.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Game Preview - LIU Post
West Chester (4-2) returns to Farrell Stadium for the first time in almost a month as the Golden Rams host LIU-Post (2-3) on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm. The Pioneers opened the season with wins over Clarion and Cheyney, but have since fallen to Bloomsburg, Edinboro and Shippensburg.
West Chester lost last year's contest 34-23 at Hickox Field, in a game that wasn't as close as the score. The Golden Rams scored their two touchdowns - a 75-yard pass from Sean McCartney to Tim Keyser and a 81-yard pass from Matt Carroll to Erick Brundidge - in "drives" that totaled 102 seconds. Those two quick scores, coupled with four Golden Ram turnovers, gave Post a seven minute advantage in time of possession. Other significant statistics from that game - Post had 269 yards rushing, West Chester quarterbacks were sacked nine times, and three West Chester interceptions resulted in three Post touchdowns. West Chester also incurred two major injuries in that game. Running back Rondell White went down early in the second quarter and the Rams turned to a running back that had 21 career carries (none in 2011 prior to that game). Wide receiver Keyser was the Rams' leading rusher for the game. And on the last play of the first half, linebacker Mike Pereira made the tackle, but hasn't played a down since. The only consolation that can be found in Pereria's loss is that Ronell Williams has played well enough this season to be a serious candidate for PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year.
So what about this year's Pioneer squad? Reigning PSAC East Freshman of the Year Steven Laurino (84 carries, 259 yards, 7 TD's, 97-161, 898 yards, 10 TD's 1 int) doesn't have Zach Zulli type numbers, but the dual threat signal caller is extremely efficient. He looks for brother Grayson Laurino (19 catches, 140 yards, 1 TD), Joe Botti (18 catches, 159 yards, 1 TD) and Ryan Derham (13 catches, 218 yards, 3 TD's), although just about anybody in green and gold is a target as 13 different players have catches and seven different players have touchdown receptions. Diminutive Jeff Mack (72 carries, 297 yards, 1 TD) returns as the leading ball carrier.
Where LIU-Post is different this season is on defense. The Pioneers lost five all-PSAC East players to graduation and the effects are noticeable. Last season, Post had the 20th best rushing defense in the country (111 yards per game) and were fifth in Division II in sacks. This year, the Pioneers are yielding 204 yards per game on the ground and rank in the bottom 10% nationally in rushing defense, passing efficiency defense and total defense. They're led in the secondary by Antonio Powell-Fields (45 tackles, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups), in the middle by Rob Bright (40 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 QB hurry, 1 blocked kick) and up front by Joseph Thompson (17 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery).
Grayson Laurino also serves as the punter and has a 40 yard average including six punts of more than 50 yards. Freshman kicker Tim Sternfeld is two of three on field goal attempts with a long of 33 yards.
Notes - Saturday will mark Military and Veterans Appreciation Day benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. Those with a military ID and/or hat will receive free general admission. Donations and care package items (e.g. protein bars, sunflower seeds, any kind of nuts, wipes, hand sanitizer, gum, crackers, magazines, beef jerky) will be collected...Shawn Leo converted more field goals in last year's game against Post (39, 47, 48) than he has this entire season up to this point...LIU-Post leads the nation in turnover margin at +16...This may be the last time these two teams play each other on a regular basis. Seton Hill is due to enter the league next season as a full member and LIU Post is an associate member of the PSAC in football and field hockey only.
West Chester lost last year's contest 34-23 at Hickox Field, in a game that wasn't as close as the score. The Golden Rams scored their two touchdowns - a 75-yard pass from Sean McCartney to Tim Keyser and a 81-yard pass from Matt Carroll to Erick Brundidge - in "drives" that totaled 102 seconds. Those two quick scores, coupled with four Golden Ram turnovers, gave Post a seven minute advantage in time of possession. Other significant statistics from that game - Post had 269 yards rushing, West Chester quarterbacks were sacked nine times, and three West Chester interceptions resulted in three Post touchdowns. West Chester also incurred two major injuries in that game. Running back Rondell White went down early in the second quarter and the Rams turned to a running back that had 21 career carries (none in 2011 prior to that game). Wide receiver Keyser was the Rams' leading rusher for the game. And on the last play of the first half, linebacker Mike Pereira made the tackle, but hasn't played a down since. The only consolation that can be found in Pereria's loss is that Ronell Williams has played well enough this season to be a serious candidate for PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year.
So what about this year's Pioneer squad? Reigning PSAC East Freshman of the Year Steven Laurino (84 carries, 259 yards, 7 TD's, 97-161, 898 yards, 10 TD's 1 int) doesn't have Zach Zulli type numbers, but the dual threat signal caller is extremely efficient. He looks for brother Grayson Laurino (19 catches, 140 yards, 1 TD), Joe Botti (18 catches, 159 yards, 1 TD) and Ryan Derham (13 catches, 218 yards, 3 TD's), although just about anybody in green and gold is a target as 13 different players have catches and seven different players have touchdown receptions. Diminutive Jeff Mack (72 carries, 297 yards, 1 TD) returns as the leading ball carrier.
Where LIU-Post is different this season is on defense. The Pioneers lost five all-PSAC East players to graduation and the effects are noticeable. Last season, Post had the 20th best rushing defense in the country (111 yards per game) and were fifth in Division II in sacks. This year, the Pioneers are yielding 204 yards per game on the ground and rank in the bottom 10% nationally in rushing defense, passing efficiency defense and total defense. They're led in the secondary by Antonio Powell-Fields (45 tackles, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups), in the middle by Rob Bright (40 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 QB hurry, 1 blocked kick) and up front by Joseph Thompson (17 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery).
Grayson Laurino also serves as the punter and has a 40 yard average including six punts of more than 50 yards. Freshman kicker Tim Sternfeld is two of three on field goal attempts with a long of 33 yards.
Notes - Saturday will mark Military and Veterans Appreciation Day benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. Those with a military ID and/or hat will receive free general admission. Donations and care package items (e.g. protein bars, sunflower seeds, any kind of nuts, wipes, hand sanitizer, gum, crackers, magazines, beef jerky) will be collected...Shawn Leo converted more field goals in last year's game against Post (39, 47, 48) than he has this entire season up to this point...LIU-Post leads the nation in turnover margin at +16...This may be the last time these two teams play each other on a regular basis. Seton Hill is due to enter the league next season as a full member and LIU Post is an associate member of the PSAC in football and field hockey only.
PSAC Site - Football - Week 7 Notes
LIU Post Pioneers Athletics - Football Travels This Week For Saturday Game At West Chester
KYW Newsradio - West Chester Back Home To Host LIU-Post
Daily Local News - Golden Rams need bounce back effort vs. C.W. Post
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week 7 Preview
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Team News - 2012 Mid-season Report
It's always a dilemma when to write a mid-season review in the midst of an eleven-game season. Most often, one game either way doesn't matter much. Not so the case for the 2012 Golden Rams.
If one were to predict that West Chester was going to be 4-2 at this point in the season, most fans would have been quite pleased, figuring losses to nationally ranked Delaware (#15 in the latest FCS rankings) and California (#16 in the latest AFCA Division II rankings). It also would have implied expected victories over Gannon, Millersville and East Stroudsburg and stealing a win back from Kutztown, whom the Rams hadn't beaten since 2009. But after knocking off then #6 California, West Chester was 4-1 and off to their best start since 2007. Play was clean and crisp. Turnovers were few. Offensive yards were plentiful on the ground and through the air. Expectations were raised. And then the reality of East Stroudsburg struck.
So the record sits at 4-2, equaling their win total of 2010. And with a 1-5 Cheyney team on the horizon, the Rams seem almost assured of equaling last year's win total. But the prospects of eclipsing that mark, to break above .500, are not so sure. Shippensburg (6-0) comes to town in two weeks and a trip to Bloomsburg (6-0) is two weeks hence. First up is a home contest with LIU Post (2-3) and the final week is scheduled to be at Clarion (3-3), who knocked off the Warriors last week. After six games, it's time to dig into this team a little closer.
Credit for the offensive numbers getting back to 2008 levels goes to the men up front: Erik Pratt, Trey Farmer, Brian Margetich, Derek Schatz, Blair Gower, and Adam Citko. They've only given up seven sacks on the season including none to Delaware. There's no question the offensive line was a big reason for the win at California, but also the loss at East Stroudsburg. Efforts like those witnessed along the Monongahela River will carry the offense forward the remainder of this season.
So rather than entering the second half of the season on a five game win streak, West Chester starts a three-game home stand with the season in the balance. They face division foe LIU-Post (2-3, 1-2), a team they haven't defeated since 2009. Treating every opponent as if they were Delaware or California is likely the needed approach.
If one were to predict that West Chester was going to be 4-2 at this point in the season, most fans would have been quite pleased, figuring losses to nationally ranked Delaware (#15 in the latest FCS rankings) and California (#16 in the latest AFCA Division II rankings). It also would have implied expected victories over Gannon, Millersville and East Stroudsburg and stealing a win back from Kutztown, whom the Rams hadn't beaten since 2009. But after knocking off then #6 California, West Chester was 4-1 and off to their best start since 2007. Play was clean and crisp. Turnovers were few. Offensive yards were plentiful on the ground and through the air. Expectations were raised. And then the reality of East Stroudsburg struck.
So the record sits at 4-2, equaling their win total of 2010. And with a 1-5 Cheyney team on the horizon, the Rams seem almost assured of equaling last year's win total. But the prospects of eclipsing that mark, to break above .500, are not so sure. Shippensburg (6-0) comes to town in two weeks and a trip to Bloomsburg (6-0) is two weeks hence. First up is a home contest with LIU Post (2-3) and the final week is scheduled to be at Clarion (3-3), who knocked off the Warriors last week. After six games, it's time to dig into this team a little closer.
Offense
The quarterback issues of last season seemed to be resolved all the way until midway through the third quarter of the first game. Sean McCartney incurred a broken ankle, but Mike Mattei has stepped right in and played very well. Even after struggling the past two weeks (58% and 5 interceptions against California and East Stroudsburg), Mattei has thrown for almost 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns and owns a QB rating of 168.4, good for 6th in the entire country. And he's accomplishing this with injuries affecting the two most experienced receivers, LaRonn Lee (14 catches, 195 yards, 2 TD's) and Tim Keyser (6 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD). With Lee's and Keyser's playing time limited, Jim Kelly (24 catches, 401 yards, 5 TD's), Erick Brundidge (17 catches, 350 yards, 5 TD's), and Sean Beahan (13 catches, 238 yards, 2 TD's) have filled in nicely.
Mattei is also being aided by a renewed emphasis on the running game. Even after netting only 57 yards on the ground against East Stroudsburg, the Golden Rams are still averaging 157 yards per game rushing, which is the best they've done in that category since 2008, the last season they went to the playoffs. The workload has been primarily carried by Rondell White (150 carries, 714 yards, 6 TD's). Backup tailback Brandon Monk (17 carries, 103 yards) has seen limited action in the backfield and one must wonder if he may have provided a spark or at least a different look against East Stroudsburg.
Credit for the offensive numbers getting back to 2008 levels goes to the men up front: Erik Pratt, Trey Farmer, Brian Margetich, Derek Schatz, Blair Gower, and Adam Citko. They've only given up seven sacks on the season including none to Delaware. There's no question the offensive line was a big reason for the win at California, but also the loss at East Stroudsburg. Efforts like those witnessed along the Monongahela River will carry the offense forward the remainder of this season.
Defense
The Golden Ram defense took a big step to address the rushing defense. Yielding 197 yards per game in 2010 and 180 yards per game last season certainly warranted it. So for the first time ever, a Bill Zwaan coached team is sporting a four-man defensive line. Thus far, it has been a great success. After six games, the Rams are giving up only 103 yards per game on the ground. Although Eric Edwers, Demrick Cook, Anthony McCloskey, Andrew Cohen and Lew Esposito are averaging 16 tackles so far this season, they are occupying all blockers allowing linebackers Ronell Williams (64 tackles) and Mike Labor (39 tackles) to make the majority of stops.
It's apparent that this 4-2-5 defense isn't going to generate a lot of sacks, although the Rams do have eleven thus far on the season, led by Edwers' three. But it does generate some pressure on the quarterback and has created a league leading twelve interceptions, led by Williams' three picks. What was thought to be an area of strength on the Golden Ram defense this season was its experience and depth in the secondary. However, West Chester is dead last in the conference in passing yards allowed. Part of this is due to the scheme which allows for short underneath passes, especially over the middle, but aims to take away the deep ball. But there have been some noticeable personnel struggles in the secondary as was apparent on the last play of the East Stroudsburg game. Even so, the defense has scored four touchdowns this season, led by John O'Donnell's two.
Special Teams
Special teams is a short title that covers a lot of areas. Kick coverage is in the middle of the conference averages, despite surrendering two kick returns for touchdown to open the second half of consecutive games. Punt coverage is also performing adequately. Besides Monk ripping a 47-yard punt return, the punt and kick return game has not been anything special. Kicker Shawn Leo is 28-29 on PAT's and has converted two of his only three field goal attempts.
General
Despite being -4 in turnover margin against East Stroudsburg, the Rams are still +3 on the season. This is a key statistic in West Chester controlling and winning games this season. Red zone success rate is at 82% which is just about the same as last year. But unlike last year, that entire 82% has been for touchdowns as opposed to last year's 57% touchdown rate in the red zone. The Golden Rams start games strong. Defensively, they've only allowed 7 first-quarter points to D2 competition and have outscored their opponents 114-75 in the first half. But the third quarter is an area that requires focus. Although West Chester has played their opponents fairly evenly in the third quarter, in the their three close games (Gannon, California, East Stroudsburg), they are getting outscored 28-0. These Rams need to find a way to start the second half as strong as they start the first half.
So rather than entering the second half of the season on a five game win streak, West Chester starts a three-game home stand with the season in the balance. They face division foe LIU-Post (2-3, 1-2), a team they haven't defeated since 2009. Treating every opponent as if they were Delaware or California is likely the needed approach.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Game Report - East Stroudsburg 35 - West Chester 28
The Golden Rams (4-2, 2-1) put forth a very good team effort last week to defeat #6 California. They put forth a very poor effort in today's 35-28 loss to East Stroudsburg (3-2, 2-1). It was if the Golden Rams from an alternate universe took the field at Eiler-Martin stadium as East Stroudsburg dominated play on both sides of the ball for all but a few minutes of the contest. West Chester was hurt on offense by five turnovers and just 57 total rushing yards, while the defense surrendered 508 total yards and yielded 12 of 17 (70%) third down conversions. The combined effort gave the Warriors a 25 minute advantage in time of possession.
It all started ominously enough as QB Mike Mattei threw into triple coverage on the third play of the game which resulted in East Stroudsburg 's first interception of the day. The Warriors responded with a six-minute drive, but the usually reliable Taylor Groff's 35-yard field goal attempt hooked wide left. The Golden Rams' next possession also lasted only three plays and ended when Rondell White lost a fumble. The Warriors moved to the Rams' 16-yard line before Shawn Krautzel got his second interception of the season.
Mattei finally turned on the offense with a 16-yard pass to Sean Beahan and a 37-yard strike to Jim Kelly which was further aided by a roughing call. This time, White capped the West Chester drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. However, East Stroudsburg immediately answered with an 84-yard touchdown drive that consumed five minutes. It was during this drive that East Stroudsburg QB Matt Soltes showed how dangerous he can be. Eric Edwers almost sacked the QB, but Soltes managed to spin around and not only get rid of the ball, but find an open receiver to pick up a first down.
The Golden Rams broke out a gadget play for the first time this season. On the first play from scrimmage, an inside reverse handoff turned into a flea flicker and Mattei found a wide open Beahan for a 73-yard touchdown pass. The interesting part about it was that the lateral back to Mattei included the running back's glove. The one-play drive lasted all of twelve seconds. East Stroudsburg responded with another five minute drive, but Groff's field goal attempt was again wide left.
West Chester's next possession was also a brief one, due to another interception on the third play of the drive. East Stroudsburg drove to the six-yard line where West Chester's defense stood for three plays. It looked like the Rams held the Warriors to another field goal attempt, but a pass interference penalty gave the East Stroudsburg a new set of downs. On third down, Thomas Tippet punched it in to tie the game at 14. Similar to last week, a Hail Mary attempt at the end of the half was picked off by the opponent. At half time, although the score was even, the statistics were not. East Stroudsburg held the ball for 23 minutes and most of the other offensive categories were heavily skewed in their favor as well.
The West Chester defense was inspired to start the second half as they forced a three-and-out, but East Stroudsburg did the same. East Stroudsburg steadily moved the ball downfield until penalties put them in a third-and-23. On that play, the pass was dropped, but the Rams were called for pass interference and the Warriors got a new set of downs. Four plays later, Soltes avoided a heavy rush from Krautzel and lobbed it up to where only Jordan Hallman could catch it for the 9-yard touchdown. West Chester appeared to be responding, but two minutes into the drive, White lost his second fumble of the game. So instead, the Warriors used 47 rushing yards from Kendrick Williams and a 24-yard Soltes to Dusty Reed touchdown pass to extend their lead to 28-14.
Kelly, who sparkled in his last three games, struggled on this drive, picking up a facemask penalty which negated his six-yard reception, and dropping two passes. After the two teams traded punts, the Golden Rams appeared to be moving until the drive stalled at their own 44. Rich Bruno boomed a 52-yard punt which was fumbled and recovered by Edwers at the five. White took it in on the next play and the score was suddenly 28-21.
The Ram defense forced a punt and with less than five minutes left, West Chester had the ball on their own 23. Mattei was masterful as he completed five passes for 58 yards including a 5-yard touchdown pass to Erick Brundidge to knot the game at 28 with 70 seconds left. But Soltes was equal to the task as he guided the Warriors 68 yards on five completed passes for the game winning touchdown.
Notes - After rushing for 200 yards against California last week and 203 yards against East Stroudsburg in last year's 37-26 win, White was held to 51 yards on 15 carries and two fumbles...Beahan had the best game of his college career, hauling in five catches for 129 yards including the 73-yard touchdown on the flea flicker. His other four receptions all resulted in first downs, including three critical ones on West Chester's two fourth-quarter touchdown drives...Ronell Williams had another monster game, registering 17 total tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss...There were a few instances when a pass resulted in shared possession and each time, regardless of whether West Chester was on offense or defense, the Warriors wrestled to gain possession...East Stroudsburg's offensive game plan was short, low passes (so no yards after the catch) to ensure possession and move the chains. This set up several longer stop-and-go and deeper routes later in the game that Soltes executed very well...Nickel players Mike Labor and Mike Lonergan were in street clothes due to injury. Their backup, Drew Persa, left the game with an injury and did not return and his backup Mike Culbreath was hobbled late in the game...WR LaRonn Lee did not dress...WR Tim Keyser played sparingly and did not figure in statistically...ESU QB Soltes finished 30-37 (81%) for 366 yards and 3 TD's...The game will be rebroadcast on Wednesday at 8:00 pm on the Comcast Network (TCN)
It all started ominously enough as QB Mike Mattei threw into triple coverage on the third play of the game which resulted in East Stroudsburg 's first interception of the day. The Warriors responded with a six-minute drive, but the usually reliable Taylor Groff's 35-yard field goal attempt hooked wide left. The Golden Rams' next possession also lasted only three plays and ended when Rondell White lost a fumble. The Warriors moved to the Rams' 16-yard line before Shawn Krautzel got his second interception of the season.
Mattei finally turned on the offense with a 16-yard pass to Sean Beahan and a 37-yard strike to Jim Kelly which was further aided by a roughing call. This time, White capped the West Chester drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. However, East Stroudsburg immediately answered with an 84-yard touchdown drive that consumed five minutes. It was during this drive that East Stroudsburg QB Matt Soltes showed how dangerous he can be. Eric Edwers almost sacked the QB, but Soltes managed to spin around and not only get rid of the ball, but find an open receiver to pick up a first down.
The Golden Rams broke out a gadget play for the first time this season. On the first play from scrimmage, an inside reverse handoff turned into a flea flicker and Mattei found a wide open Beahan for a 73-yard touchdown pass. The interesting part about it was that the lateral back to Mattei included the running back's glove. The one-play drive lasted all of twelve seconds. East Stroudsburg responded with another five minute drive, but Groff's field goal attempt was again wide left.
West Chester's next possession was also a brief one, due to another interception on the third play of the drive. East Stroudsburg drove to the six-yard line where West Chester's defense stood for three plays. It looked like the Rams held the Warriors to another field goal attempt, but a pass interference penalty gave the East Stroudsburg a new set of downs. On third down, Thomas Tippet punched it in to tie the game at 14. Similar to last week, a Hail Mary attempt at the end of the half was picked off by the opponent. At half time, although the score was even, the statistics were not. East Stroudsburg held the ball for 23 minutes and most of the other offensive categories were heavily skewed in their favor as well.
The West Chester defense was inspired to start the second half as they forced a three-and-out, but East Stroudsburg did the same. East Stroudsburg steadily moved the ball downfield until penalties put them in a third-and-23. On that play, the pass was dropped, but the Rams were called for pass interference and the Warriors got a new set of downs. Four plays later, Soltes avoided a heavy rush from Krautzel and lobbed it up to where only Jordan Hallman could catch it for the 9-yard touchdown. West Chester appeared to be responding, but two minutes into the drive, White lost his second fumble of the game. So instead, the Warriors used 47 rushing yards from Kendrick Williams and a 24-yard Soltes to Dusty Reed touchdown pass to extend their lead to 28-14.
Kelly, who sparkled in his last three games, struggled on this drive, picking up a facemask penalty which negated his six-yard reception, and dropping two passes. After the two teams traded punts, the Golden Rams appeared to be moving until the drive stalled at their own 44. Rich Bruno boomed a 52-yard punt which was fumbled and recovered by Edwers at the five. White took it in on the next play and the score was suddenly 28-21.
The Ram defense forced a punt and with less than five minutes left, West Chester had the ball on their own 23. Mattei was masterful as he completed five passes for 58 yards including a 5-yard touchdown pass to Erick Brundidge to knot the game at 28 with 70 seconds left. But Soltes was equal to the task as he guided the Warriors 68 yards on five completed passes for the game winning touchdown.
Notes - After rushing for 200 yards against California last week and 203 yards against East Stroudsburg in last year's 37-26 win, White was held to 51 yards on 15 carries and two fumbles...Beahan had the best game of his college career, hauling in five catches for 129 yards including the 73-yard touchdown on the flea flicker. His other four receptions all resulted in first downs, including three critical ones on West Chester's two fourth-quarter touchdown drives...Ronell Williams had another monster game, registering 17 total tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss...There were a few instances when a pass resulted in shared possession and each time, regardless of whether West Chester was on offense or defense, the Warriors wrestled to gain possession...East Stroudsburg's offensive game plan was short, low passes (so no yards after the catch) to ensure possession and move the chains. This set up several longer stop-and-go and deeper routes later in the game that Soltes executed very well...Nickel players Mike Labor and Mike Lonergan were in street clothes due to injury. Their backup, Drew Persa, left the game with an injury and did not return and his backup Mike Culbreath was hobbled late in the game...WR LaRonn Lee did not dress...WR Tim Keyser played sparingly and did not figure in statistically...ESU QB Soltes finished 30-37 (81%) for 366 yards and 3 TD's...The game will be rebroadcast on Wednesday at 8:00 pm on the Comcast Network (TCN)
West Chester Athletic Site - Late TD Pass Lifts East Stroudsburg Over West Chester, 35-28
East Stroudsburg Athletic Site - Freshmen Soltes, Wilson Stun West Chester with 33-Yard TD Pass, Warriors Triumph 35-28
Daily Local News - Reversal of fortunes for West Chester
Lehigh Valley Live - East Stroudsburg University football team knocks off West Chester 35-28
Morning Call - Wilson makes up for blunder, helps ESU stun West Chester
Pocono Record - ESU's Wilson caps wild win over West Chester
Bert Garbutt - Photo Collage
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Six Headlines
Friday, October 5, 2012
Event News - Post Game Fundraiser
There will be a fundraiser after the Golden Rams' October 13 game against LIU-Post. Game time is set for 1:00 pm. Then from 5:00 to 8:00, Barnaby's of America will host Golden Ram fans with food and drink. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for anyone under age 21. There will also be a silent auction at the event. Come join in the fun and support the Golden Ram football team.
To reserve your place or if you have any questions, please contact Nancy Martin at martin3699@comcast.net by October 8.
To reserve your place or if you have any questions, please contact Nancy Martin at martin3699@comcast.net by October 8.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Team News - Mattei Featured, Team Ranked
West Chester finds itself mentioned twice this week on D2football.com. First QB Mike Mattei was featured by PSAC columnist Chuck Bitner. Then, the Golden Rams cracked the D2football.com national Top 25 poll for the first time in three years. After defeating #6 California on Saturday, West Chester checks in at #24.
The Golden Rams play at East Stroudsburg this coming Saturday.
The Golden Rams play at East Stroudsburg this coming Saturday.
D2football - PSAC Columnist - Mattei takes advantage of second chance to lead WCU
D2football Poll - D2Football.com Top 25 Poll - October 2, 2012
Daily Local News - West Chester breaks into national poll
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Player News - White Named ECAC Player of the Week
For his efforts against California, running back Rondell White has been named ECAC Division II Offensive Player of the Week. The junior rushed for 200 yards and a touchdown and caught six passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in the Golden Rams' 37-30 win over the #6 ranked Vulcans.
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Club News - October 4 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 7:00 pm. Golden Ram fans unable to attend the show can listen to it live on WCHE 1520AM. The meeting will not be broadcast.
According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show facebook page, center Brian Margetich will be the special guest on Coach Zwaan's show. The senior from Interboro High School has been a regular contributor on the offensive line for three years before becoming a starter this season. He now anchors the line that has gained 169 rushing yards per game and has only yielded six sacks through five games this season.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live.
According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show facebook page, center Brian Margetich will be the special guest on Coach Zwaan's show. The senior from Interboro High School has been a regular contributor on the offensive line for three years before becoming a starter this season. He now anchors the line that has gained 169 rushing yards per game and has only yielded six sacks through five games this season.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Game Preview - East Stroudsburg
West Chester (4-1) concludes their three-game road trip when it travels to East Stroudsburg (2-2) Saturday. Kickoff at Eiler-Martin Stadium is set for 1:05 pm.
The Warriors are coming off a come-from-ahead 31-27 loss to Clarion (3-2). The Warriors led 27-17 early in the fourth quarter, but surrendered two touchdowns including the game-winning run with 27 seconds left in the game. They've defeated Lock Haven 31-0 and Cheyney 59-27 while they fell to Shippensburg 63-21.
It's difficult to read too much into East Stroudsburg statistics as they have had great success over Lock Haven (1-4) and Cheyney (0-5), but were not very effective against their better competition. Against Clarion, R-Fr QB Matt Soltes was a one-man show as he threw for 256 yards and was the team's leading rusher with 62 yards. On the season, he's completing 50% of his attempts with 2 TD's and 1 int. He's assumed the role of Nate Daniels (30-54 for 563 yards, TD's 3 int's) who started the season at QB. Their primary targets are Dusty Reed (21 catches, 362 yards, 2 TD's) and Jordan Hallman (9 catches, 270 yards, 4 TD's). The Warriors' main running threat comes from Kendrick Williams (44 carries, 260 yards, 3 TD's) and Eric Deery (37 carries, 253 yards, 2 TD's).
East Stroudsburg's defense has only registered five sacks and three interceptions thus far on the season. A pleasant surprise has been freshman LB Brandon Pearce (14 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss). The Kinney brothers, Mike (27 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss) and Don (26 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss) also clog up the middle. Darius Jackson played the last two seasons at fullback but is now at linebacker (23 total tackles, 1 int returned for a TD).
The Warriors continue their long standing tradition of good kickers. Although Taylor Groff is only 5 of 9 on field goal attempts, his misses have come from 49, 53, 50 and 38 yards. Groff converted a 51-yarder against Clarion. Punter Jordan Bair has landed 5 of his 12 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line.
Notes - Saturday will be homecoming for East Stroudsburg...WCU QB Mike Mattei is 6th in the country in passing efficiency...the Rams are tied for 20th in the country in turnover margin at +6...the new four-man front has had its intended affect thus far as West Chester is ranked 19th nationally in run defense with 95 yards per game...In nine seasons, Zwaan is 8-2 against the Warriors, including two wins in 2004 at East Stroudsburg...the two losses were each by one point in 2003 and 2009...West Chester won last year's game 37-26 at Farrell Stadium as Shawn Leo booted three field goals, Rondell White ran for 203 yards, and Sean McCartney threw for 239 yards.
The Warriors are coming off a come-from-ahead 31-27 loss to Clarion (3-2). The Warriors led 27-17 early in the fourth quarter, but surrendered two touchdowns including the game-winning run with 27 seconds left in the game. They've defeated Lock Haven 31-0 and Cheyney 59-27 while they fell to Shippensburg 63-21.
It's difficult to read too much into East Stroudsburg statistics as they have had great success over Lock Haven (1-4) and Cheyney (0-5), but were not very effective against their better competition. Against Clarion, R-Fr QB Matt Soltes was a one-man show as he threw for 256 yards and was the team's leading rusher with 62 yards. On the season, he's completing 50% of his attempts with 2 TD's and 1 int. He's assumed the role of Nate Daniels (30-54 for 563 yards, TD's 3 int's) who started the season at QB. Their primary targets are Dusty Reed (21 catches, 362 yards, 2 TD's) and Jordan Hallman (9 catches, 270 yards, 4 TD's). The Warriors' main running threat comes from Kendrick Williams (44 carries, 260 yards, 3 TD's) and Eric Deery (37 carries, 253 yards, 2 TD's).
East Stroudsburg's defense has only registered five sacks and three interceptions thus far on the season. A pleasant surprise has been freshman LB Brandon Pearce (14 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss). The Kinney brothers, Mike (27 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss) and Don (26 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss) also clog up the middle. Darius Jackson played the last two seasons at fullback but is now at linebacker (23 total tackles, 1 int returned for a TD).
The Warriors continue their long standing tradition of good kickers. Although Taylor Groff is only 5 of 9 on field goal attempts, his misses have come from 49, 53, 50 and 38 yards. Groff converted a 51-yarder against Clarion. Punter Jordan Bair has landed 5 of his 12 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line.
Notes - Saturday will be homecoming for East Stroudsburg...WCU QB Mike Mattei is 6th in the country in passing efficiency...the Rams are tied for 20th in the country in turnover margin at +6...the new four-man front has had its intended affect thus far as West Chester is ranked 19th nationally in run defense with 95 yards per game...In nine seasons, Zwaan is 8-2 against the Warriors, including two wins in 2004 at East Stroudsburg...the two losses were each by one point in 2003 and 2009...West Chester won last year's game 37-26 at Farrell Stadium as Shawn Leo booted three field goals, Rondell White ran for 203 yards, and Sean McCartney threw for 239 yards.
PSAC Site - Football - Week 6 Notes
East Stroudsburg Athletic Site - ESU Football Game Notes vs. West Chester
KYW Newsradio - West Chester Looks To Continue Roll At East Stroudsburg
Morning Call - COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: West Chester at ESU
Lehigh Valley Live - Local athletes making an impact on the East Stroudsburg University football team
Daily Local News - WCU aims to keep momentum going against ESU
D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week 6 Preview
Monday, October 1, 2012
Team News - Golden Rams Considered in Ranking
After the Golden Rams' 37-34 victory at #6 California, West Chester (4-1) is now receiving votes in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II poll. It's the first time in over three years that the Rams have been considered by the AFCA. West Chester last appeared in the top 25 of the poll on August 30, 2010 at #21 prior to their first game of the season at Delaware.
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