The Golden Ram Football Club will be meeting on Thursday at 7:45pm 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,
junior wide receiver Tyler Karpinski and
sophomore linebacker Steven Denby
will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show.
In addition, defensive coordinator Mike Furlong will join the show.
In West Chester's 31-15 win over Shippensburg, Karpinski led all receivers with seven catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns. His first score came on a five-yard pass late in the first quarter and his second was a one-yard grab with just three seconds left in the first half. Karpinsky is currently among the top ten in the PSAC in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
Denby had a game-high 11 tackles including 2.0 tackles for loss. One of those TFL's was an eight-yard sack. Denby was named PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live. Or send your questions for coach or the players to Bill Zwaan Show.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Reader Question - Playoff Possibilities
This question came in from one of our readers:
Q - GRFC, Now that West Chester is back to .500 and knocked off Shippensburg, a team with a winning record, what are our chances for the postseason?
A - For an overview of the NCAA Division II playoff structure and selection, please refer to a similar article from 2013. The only thing that differs from three years ago is that seven teams are now invited from each Super Region.
Unfortunately, with three Division II losses, the playoffs are nothing more than a very remote possibility for West Chester this season. From the Mountain East Conference, Shepherd's (5-0) most difficult remaining opponent is Fairmont St (6-0) which has played a very soft schedule to this point. In the Northeast-10 Conference, LIU Post (6-0) has defeated its most difficult opponent in Assumption (5-1) and will likely face the winner of Assumption and New Haven (4-2) in the NE10 championship game. In the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, California (5-0) has already knocked off Slippery Rock (5-1), a team that already beat West Chester and Indiana (4-1). The Vulcans won't be tested until November when they face Edinboro (5-1), another team that has beaten the Golden Rams. Even though conference champions don't get an automatic bid to the the postseason, the winner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association will surely have a good enough record to qualify for the playoffs. So that's ten teams that currently have two or fewer losses, with few having scenarios where they will lose three or more games this season.
The PSAC championship game is within reach of the Golden Rams, but not without help. West Chester is currently in a four-way for second place with Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg and Shippensburg who are all 2-1 in the East Division. The Golden Rams hold the head-to-head tiebreaker with Shippensburg and can give both Bloomsburg and East Stroudsburg their second division loss in the next three weeks. However, winning out is not enough for the Golden Rams to make their second consecutive appearance in the PSAC championship game. Kutztown (3-0) holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over West Chester, so the Golden Bears will need to drop two of their final four division games. Kutztown hosts Lock Haven and Cheyney, but neither of these two teams appears to offer a significant challenge. The best chances of Golden Bear losses appear to be this Saturday and October 29 when Kutztown plays at East Stroudsburg and at Shippensburg. So if Kutztown wins this Saturday in the Poconos, they are almost surely on their way to play for the PSAC crown at California.
Q - GRFC, Now that West Chester is back to .500 and knocked off Shippensburg, a team with a winning record, what are our chances for the postseason?
A - For an overview of the NCAA Division II playoff structure and selection, please refer to a similar article from 2013. The only thing that differs from three years ago is that seven teams are now invited from each Super Region.
Unfortunately, with three Division II losses, the playoffs are nothing more than a very remote possibility for West Chester this season. From the Mountain East Conference, Shepherd's (5-0) most difficult remaining opponent is Fairmont St (6-0) which has played a very soft schedule to this point. In the Northeast-10 Conference, LIU Post (6-0) has defeated its most difficult opponent in Assumption (5-1) and will likely face the winner of Assumption and New Haven (4-2) in the NE10 championship game. In the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, California (5-0) has already knocked off Slippery Rock (5-1), a team that already beat West Chester and Indiana (4-1). The Vulcans won't be tested until November when they face Edinboro (5-1), another team that has beaten the Golden Rams. Even though conference champions don't get an automatic bid to the the postseason, the winner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association will surely have a good enough record to qualify for the playoffs. So that's ten teams that currently have two or fewer losses, with few having scenarios where they will lose three or more games this season.
The PSAC championship game is within reach of the Golden Rams, but not without help. West Chester is currently in a four-way for second place with Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg and Shippensburg who are all 2-1 in the East Division. The Golden Rams hold the head-to-head tiebreaker with Shippensburg and can give both Bloomsburg and East Stroudsburg their second division loss in the next three weeks. However, winning out is not enough for the Golden Rams to make their second consecutive appearance in the PSAC championship game. Kutztown (3-0) holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over West Chester, so the Golden Bears will need to drop two of their final four division games. Kutztown hosts Lock Haven and Cheyney, but neither of these two teams appears to offer a significant challenge. The best chances of Golden Bear losses appear to be this Saturday and October 29 when Kutztown plays at East Stroudsburg and at Shippensburg. So if Kutztown wins this Saturday in the Poconos, they are almost surely on their way to play for the PSAC crown at California.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Player News - Denby Named PSAC East Defensive POW
For his efforts in West Chester's 31-15 win over Shippensburg, sophomore linebacker Steven Denby has been named PSAC Defensive Athlete of the Week. After redshirting in 2014 and not playing in 2015, Denby has increased his playing time every game this season up to starting on Saturday against the Raiders. In that contest, he had a game-high 11 tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss. Denby sacked the Shippensburg quarterback for a loss of eight yards late in the third quarter and teamed up with Josh Ganzelli on one tackle for loss and Kevin Duggan on another TFL. He becomes the first Golden Ram to be recognized by the conference this season.
Steven Denby (Photo R&R Photography)PSAC Site - PSAC Football Athletes of the Week - 6
West Chester Athletic Site - Denby Receives PSAC Defensive Athlete of the Week Honors
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Alumni News - Steelers Activate Shabazz
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former cornerback Golden Ram Al-Hajj Shabazz from their practice squad to their active roster. Joining him in the transition is former Bloomsburg offensive lineman Matt Feiler. Both are expected to be uniform for today's game against the Jets, with Hajj wearing number 20.
West Chester Athletic Site - Former West Chester Defensive Back Al-Hajj Shabazz Promoted To Active Roster
pennlive.com - Pittsburgh Steelers sign CB Al-Hajj Shabazz to active roster
Steelers.com - Feiler, Shabazz promoted; Golson, Harris to IR
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Versatile Hubbard likely to step in on Steelers offensive line
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Game Report - West Chester 31 - Shippensburg 15
It was a tale of two halves as the Golden Rams completely dominated the first 30 minutes before reverting to the type of play that’s been exhibited for most of the season. In the end, they played well enough to hold on for a 31-15 victory.
In the first half, the West Chester defense held Shippensburg to just 73 yards, three first downs, 0 for 6 on third down, and no points. Meanwhile the Golden Ram offense rolled up 268 yards and 31 points. There were three factors that were critical entering the contest, and all three favored West Chester in the first half: turnovers (West Chester was +1); penalties (the Raiders were flagged 7 times for 60 yards to just 15 yards on two violations for West Chester); and special teams (Brendan Paulison converted a career long 42-yard field goal and West Chester recovered an onside kick in the final minute of play). Leading 31-0 at intermission, everyone felt rather comfortable.
But it was the mistake riddled Golden Rams that returned from the locker room. On West Chester’s first possession, they drove to the Raider 17-yard line. But three penalties on five plays - a false start, a hold and a personal foul – forced a 41-yard field goal attempt which hit the left upright. Shippensburg took all of four plays and 72 seconds to go 76 yards for their first touchdown of the game.
Then in the fourth quarter with the score still 31-7 in favor of the Golden Rams, West Chester took over at their own 26. The offense consumed over six minutes of the clock, but it was all for naught as quarterback Pat Moriarty lost a fumble at the Shippensburg 2-yard line. The Raiders then drove 98 yards for a touchdown, converting two third downs along the way plus two fourth down conversions – the first a West Chester pass interference penalty in the end zone and the second a one-yard run for the score.
With quarterback Andrew Derr in street clothes, Moriarty played extremely well. He was 20 of 29 for 338 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions. His only blemish was the goal line fumble and he took three sacks in the game. Jarel Elder had two touchdown runs and 173 all-purpose yards – 77 rushing, 22 on kick returns and 74 receiving including a 55-yard jaunt on a short swing pass. Wide receiver Tyler Karpinski had his usual seven catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, linebacker Steven Denby had a game-high 11 tackles including an 8-yard sack. Defensive end Ch'aim Smith had eight tackles and shark Nydair Rouse had three pass breakups, including swatting one away in the end zone. Safety Kevin Malone had an interception that led to West Chester’s third touchdown of the game.
Overall special teams had a good game. Paulison was 1 of 2 on field goals, perfect on four PAT’s, averaged 44 yards per punt, and kicked off deep and to the corner. Anthony Brown had 45 yards on four punt returns and the West Chester punt and kick coverage did a great job containing Shippensburg returns. Redshirt freshman quarterback Paul Dooley saw his first collegiate action running the wildcat and picking up 23 yards on three carries including a determined 17-yard first down run.
In the first half, the West Chester defense held Shippensburg to just 73 yards, three first downs, 0 for 6 on third down, and no points. Meanwhile the Golden Ram offense rolled up 268 yards and 31 points. There were three factors that were critical entering the contest, and all three favored West Chester in the first half: turnovers (West Chester was +1); penalties (the Raiders were flagged 7 times for 60 yards to just 15 yards on two violations for West Chester); and special teams (Brendan Paulison converted a career long 42-yard field goal and West Chester recovered an onside kick in the final minute of play). Leading 31-0 at intermission, everyone felt rather comfortable.
Jarel Elder flips into the end zone (Photo Ron Hockman)But it was the mistake riddled Golden Rams that returned from the locker room. On West Chester’s first possession, they drove to the Raider 17-yard line. But three penalties on five plays - a false start, a hold and a personal foul – forced a 41-yard field goal attempt which hit the left upright. Shippensburg took all of four plays and 72 seconds to go 76 yards for their first touchdown of the game.
John Dubyk and Kevin Duggan make a stop (Photo Ron Hockman)Then in the fourth quarter with the score still 31-7 in favor of the Golden Rams, West Chester took over at their own 26. The offense consumed over six minutes of the clock, but it was all for naught as quarterback Pat Moriarty lost a fumble at the Shippensburg 2-yard line. The Raiders then drove 98 yards for a touchdown, converting two third downs along the way plus two fourth down conversions – the first a West Chester pass interference penalty in the end zone and the second a one-yard run for the score.
Ch'aim Smith stops a runner short of the goal line (Photo R&R Photography)With quarterback Andrew Derr in street clothes, Moriarty played extremely well. He was 20 of 29 for 338 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions. His only blemish was the goal line fumble and he took three sacks in the game. Jarel Elder had two touchdown runs and 173 all-purpose yards – 77 rushing, 22 on kick returns and 74 receiving including a 55-yard jaunt on a short swing pass. Wide receiver Tyler Karpinski had his usual seven catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
Tyler Karpinski with a leaping catch (Photo R&R Photography)Defensively, linebacker Steven Denby had a game-high 11 tackles including an 8-yard sack. Defensive end Ch'aim Smith had eight tackles and shark Nydair Rouse had three pass breakups, including swatting one away in the end zone. Safety Kevin Malone had an interception that led to West Chester’s third touchdown of the game.
Nydair Rouse breaks up a pass in the end zone (Photo Ron Hockman)Overall special teams had a good game. Paulison was 1 of 2 on field goals, perfect on four PAT’s, averaged 44 yards per punt, and kicked off deep and to the corner. Anthony Brown had 45 yards on four punt returns and the West Chester punt and kick coverage did a great job containing Shippensburg returns. Redshirt freshman quarterback Paul Dooley saw his first collegiate action running the wildcat and picking up 23 yards on three carries including a determined 17-yard first down run.
Simon Williams and Vince Lostracco open a hole for a score (Photo Ron Hockman) West Chester Athletic Site - Strong First Half Enough For West Chester In Win Over Shippensburg
Shippensburg Athletic Site - Football Cannot Overcome Tough Start, Falls at West Chester, 31-15
Daily Local News - WCU Honors Dick Yoder
Public Opinion - Ship. U starts slow, falls to West Chester, 31-15
The Slateonline.com - Golden Rams knock off Red Raiders, 31–15
Friday, October 7, 2016
Team News - Athletic Shirts Available
The Killinger Foundation and the West Chester University Football Alumni are once again offering the "Michael Horrocks Dedication" shirt which is the same one that was originally made for the Michael Horrocks statue dedication held on September 11, 2010. The "Strength of the Team" shirt is in honor of the memory of recently deceased Golden Ram Sean Boylan. Both shirts have high quality features such as 100% moisture-wicking, snag-resistant, pill-resistant polyester, an athletic fit and double-needle stitched crew neck and are available for just $21 (more for XXL and XXXL) with all proceeds going to benefit the West Chester University football program.
Orders must be submitted via the online order store by October 9. Shirts will be available for pickup at the homecoming game against Cheyney on October 22nd. Any questions or special delivery arrangement requests can be e-mailed to Joe Walsh.
Orders must be submitted via the online order store by October 9. Shirts will be available for pickup at the homecoming game against Cheyney on October 22nd. Any questions or special delivery arrangement requests can be e-mailed to Joe Walsh.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Game Preview - Shippensburg
West Chester University (2-3, 1-1) celebrates Community Day when it welcomes Shippensburg (4-1, 2-0) to John A. Farrell Stadium. Kickoff for the televised game is scheduled for noon.
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 25-11-1. In his 13 years at West Chester, Bill Zwaan is 10-4 against the Raiders. Shippensburg head coach Mark Maciejewski is in his sixth season and holds a 43-19 record.
In the final regular season game of the 2004 season, Shippensburg knocked off the Golden Rams at Farrell Stadium in overtime. But two weeks later in the second round of the NCAA playoffs, West Chester avenged that loss in Shippensburg. West Chester took the next four contests during the Golden Rams' run of qualifying for the NCAA playoffs from 2005-2008. Shippensburg won in 2009 and went on to win the PSAC championship that season.
In one of the most memorable games in West Chester football history, Golden Ram quarterback Sean McCartney made his first collegiate start and threw for 444 yards and five touchdowns to lead West Chester to a 44-43 victory in two overtimes in a nationally televised Thursday night game in 2010. The following year, West Chester laid a 52-17 loss on the Raiders, but Shippensburg returned the favor in 2012, beating West Chester 42-24 on homecoming at Farrell Stadium and continued on to the PSAC championship game and the NCAA playoffs that year. In 2013, Shawn Leo booted a 26-yard field goal with one second left to give West Chester the thrilling victory.
Last 10 Meetings:
Last Meeting:
10/17/2015 Shippensburg 27 - West Chester 11
The Golden Rams dominated the game on both sides of the ball in every category but two: turnovers and score. In front of almost 8,000 people in Shippensburg, the defense held the Raiders to 275 total yards and just 12 first downs. Conversely, the Golden Ram offense ran up 402 yards and 23 first downs. But due to interceptions and special teams, all of Shippensburg's five scoring drives started in Golden Ram territory.
Pete Galiano led the defense with eight tackles while Ralph Reeves had seven tackles and a sack. For the offense, Tyler Karpinski had six catches for 63 yards. Pat Moriarty (19 of 38 for 244 yards, 1 TD, 3 int) played most of the game while Alec Werner (5 of 9 for 43 yards) played in three series in the third and fourth quarter.
Scouting the Opponent:
Quarterback Ryan Zapoticky (96 of 146, 1,159 yards, 4 TD's, 4 int's) is one of the top signal callers in the league, but left last week's game at Lock Haven with an injury. His replacement last week, Chase Yocum (3 of 6, 41 yards) only threw the ball five times in that game, but the Raiders scored 28 of their 38 points off Lock Haven turnovers. If Zapoticky can't go, expect to see a lot of running backs Justin Pyle (76 carries, 366 yards, 2 TD's) and Penn State transfer Cole Chiappialle (64 carries, 268 yards, 6 TD's). Pyle (26 catches, 230 yards) leads the team in receptions while Chiappialle (12 catches, 110 yards) is fourth. The top wide receivers are Seton Hill transfer Erik Kerns (21 catches, 318 yards, 2 TD's) and Mike Brown (12 catches, 120 yards). Right guard Hayden Rigo and left tackle Schuyler Harting were All-PSAC East a season ago.
All-PSAC East kicker Billy Deane handles all of the legwork for the Raiders. He's perfect on 17 PAT's this season and 9 of 13 on field goals with a long of 43. Deane averages 36 yards per punt, forcing 10 fair catches and landing seven inside the opponent 20. Chiappialle averages over 10 yards per punt return and also handles kickoff returns.
The Shippensburg defense is led by reigning PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week and IUP transfer, linebacker Allen Holman (36 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles). Pressure up front comes from All-PSAC East defensive end Richard Nase (13 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 9 QB hurries). The secondary is stocked with cornerback Kevin Taylor II (25 total tackles, 1 int, 6 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery for TD) and free safety D.J. Burkey (26 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 4 pass breakups).
Analysis:
When two teams are so evenly matched offensively and defensively, outcomes are often determined by three other factors: turnovers, penalties, and special teams. These do not bode well for the Golden Rams.
West Chester has yet to lose a fumble this season, but has thrown 13 interceptions. Meanwhile, West Chester has managed to generate nine takeaways - four interceptions and five fumbles. On the other hand, Shippensburg has thrown only four interceptions and lost one fumble while defensively causing six interceptions and recovering five fumbles. So in the turnover department, West Chester is -4 and Shippensburg is +6.
In the area of penalties, West Chester has the fourth most yards in the PSAC with almost 85 yards per game while Shippensburg is at the very bottom of the list at 46.6 yards per game. Compounding this is the fact that West Chester's opponents are only flagged for 45 yards per game, least in the conference while the Raiders' opponents are penalized 60 yards per game.
Finally, Shippensburg's special teams is better than West Chester's in the area of kick off coverage (Deane has seven touchbacks), field goals (Deane is 9 of 13 with a long of 43) and punting (Shippensburg has allowed seven total return yards this year to West Chester's 81).
The one wild card is the status of Shippensburg starting quarterback Zapoticky. Although he only had 67 yards passing in the first half last week against Lock Haven, the Raiders only threw the ball fives times the entire second half with Yocum under center.
Atomic Football gives Shippensburg a one-point edge while Massey Ratings favors the Raiders by three.
Notes:
The depth chart shows that captain Ralph Reeves is still out and will be replaced again by linebacker Steven Denby, but left tackle Doug Gilbert, who left the Kutztown game early with a leg injury, is expected to start.
Game Coverage:
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 25-11-1. In his 13 years at West Chester, Bill Zwaan is 10-4 against the Raiders. Shippensburg head coach Mark Maciejewski is in his sixth season and holds a 43-19 record.
In the final regular season game of the 2004 season, Shippensburg knocked off the Golden Rams at Farrell Stadium in overtime. But two weeks later in the second round of the NCAA playoffs, West Chester avenged that loss in Shippensburg. West Chester took the next four contests during the Golden Rams' run of qualifying for the NCAA playoffs from 2005-2008. Shippensburg won in 2009 and went on to win the PSAC championship that season.
In one of the most memorable games in West Chester football history, Golden Ram quarterback Sean McCartney made his first collegiate start and threw for 444 yards and five touchdowns to lead West Chester to a 44-43 victory in two overtimes in a nationally televised Thursday night game in 2010. The following year, West Chester laid a 52-17 loss on the Raiders, but Shippensburg returned the favor in 2012, beating West Chester 42-24 on homecoming at Farrell Stadium and continued on to the PSAC championship game and the NCAA playoffs that year. In 2013, Shawn Leo booted a 26-yard field goal with one second left to give West Chester the thrilling victory.
Last 10 Meetings:
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
2006
|
Home
|
Win
|
24-0
|
2011
|
Away
|
Win
|
52-17
|
2007
|
Away
|
Win
|
34-29
|
2012
|
Home
|
Loss
|
42-24
|
2008
|
Home
|
Win
|
25-7
|
2013
|
Away
|
Win
|
32-29
|
2009
|
Away
|
Loss
|
24-19
|
2014
|
Home
|
Win
|
55-28
|
2010
|
Home
|
Win
|
44-43 2OT
|
2015
|
Away
|
Loss
|
27-11
|
Last Meeting:
10/17/2015 Shippensburg 27 - West Chester 11
The Golden Rams dominated the game on both sides of the ball in every category but two: turnovers and score. In front of almost 8,000 people in Shippensburg, the defense held the Raiders to 275 total yards and just 12 first downs. Conversely, the Golden Ram offense ran up 402 yards and 23 first downs. But due to interceptions and special teams, all of Shippensburg's five scoring drives started in Golden Ram territory.
Pete Galiano led the defense with eight tackles while Ralph Reeves had seven tackles and a sack. For the offense, Tyler Karpinski had six catches for 63 yards. Pat Moriarty (19 of 38 for 244 yards, 1 TD, 3 int) played most of the game while Alec Werner (5 of 9 for 43 yards) played in three series in the third and fourth quarter.
Scouting the Opponent:
All-PSAC East kicker Billy Deane handles all of the legwork for the Raiders. He's perfect on 17 PAT's this season and 9 of 13 on field goals with a long of 43. Deane averages 36 yards per punt, forcing 10 fair catches and landing seven inside the opponent 20. Chiappialle averages over 10 yards per punt return and also handles kickoff returns.
The Shippensburg defense is led by reigning PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week and IUP transfer, linebacker Allen Holman (36 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles). Pressure up front comes from All-PSAC East defensive end Richard Nase (13 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 9 QB hurries). The secondary is stocked with cornerback Kevin Taylor II (25 total tackles, 1 int, 6 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery for TD) and free safety D.J. Burkey (26 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 4 pass breakups).
Analysis:
West Chester has yet to lose a fumble this season, but has thrown 13 interceptions. Meanwhile, West Chester has managed to generate nine takeaways - four interceptions and five fumbles. On the other hand, Shippensburg has thrown only four interceptions and lost one fumble while defensively causing six interceptions and recovering five fumbles. So in the turnover department, West Chester is -4 and Shippensburg is +6.
In the area of penalties, West Chester has the fourth most yards in the PSAC with almost 85 yards per game while Shippensburg is at the very bottom of the list at 46.6 yards per game. Compounding this is the fact that West Chester's opponents are only flagged for 45 yards per game, least in the conference while the Raiders' opponents are penalized 60 yards per game.
Finally, Shippensburg's special teams is better than West Chester's in the area of kick off coverage (Deane has seven touchbacks), field goals (Deane is 9 of 13 with a long of 43) and punting (Shippensburg has allowed seven total return yards this year to West Chester's 81).
The one wild card is the status of Shippensburg starting quarterback Zapoticky. Although he only had 67 yards passing in the first half last week against Lock Haven, the Raiders only threw the ball fives times the entire second half with Yocum under center.
Atomic Football gives Shippensburg a one-point edge while Massey Ratings favors the Raiders by three.
Notes:
The depth chart shows that captain Ralph Reeves is still out and will be replaced again by linebacker Steven Denby, but left tackle Doug Gilbert, who left the Kutztown game early with a leg injury, is expected to start.
Game Coverage:
West Chester Athletic Site - Depth Chart - 10/8 vs Shippensburg
PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes Week - 6
Shippensburg Athletic Site - Football Hits Road For Televised Game With PSAC Rival West Chester
KYW Newsradio - West Chester Readies For Showdown With Shippensburg
Public Opinion - Ship. U to be led by sophomore QB vs. West Chester
The Slateonline.com - Defensive prowess key to football’s success
WCHE 1520 - West Chester University to Honor Dick Yoder
D2football - PSAC Columnist - California and IUP Battle for PSAC Supremacy in Week 6
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Club News - October 6 Meeting
The Golden Ram Football Club will be meeting on Thursday at 7:45pm 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, junior running back Jarel Elder and junior cornerback Shaquille James will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show. In addition, assistant head coach Gerald Toney will join the show. At Kutztown, Elder had 62 yards rushing, a six-yard reception and an 18-yard kickoff return. He currently ranks sixth in the PSAC with 530 yards rushing and had 193 yards and two touchdowns on the ground at Edinboro. James had a team-high ten tackles at Kutztown and was credited with a forced fumble. He is currently third in the PSAC with seven pass breakups on the season.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live. Or send your questions for coach or the players to Bill Zwaan Show.
According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show, junior running back Jarel Elder and junior cornerback Shaquille James will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show. In addition, assistant head coach Gerald Toney will join the show. At Kutztown, Elder had 62 yards rushing, a six-yard reception and an 18-yard kickoff return. He currently ranks sixth in the PSAC with 530 yards rushing and had 193 yards and two touchdowns on the ground at Edinboro. James had a team-high ten tackles at Kutztown and was credited with a forced fumble. He is currently third in the PSAC with seven pass breakups on the season.
Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live. Or send your questions for coach or the players to Bill Zwaan Show.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Alumni News - Eddie Elliott to Play in France
According to a facebook post, former Golden Ram Eddie Elliott has signed to play next season with the Nice Dauphins which play in the South Conference of the Fédération Française Football Américain. Elliott will be the second Golden Ram to play for the Dauphins as that is where Rondell White played this past season.
Elliot played running back and wide receiver, providing the team any opportunity to move the ball downfield. As a junior, he carried the ball 129 times for 639 yards and five touchdowns, had 26 catches for 328 yards and a score receiving, for 967 all-purpose yards. In his senior year, he had 29 carries for 243 yards and two touchdowns and 30 catches for 429 yards and two more scores. When adding a 24-yard kickoff return, he amassed 696 all-purpose yards. Elliott was named second team All-PSAC East in both his junior and senior seasons.
American Football International - South of France Champs Nice Dauphins Sign Running Back For 2017
Elliot played running back and wide receiver, providing the team any opportunity to move the ball downfield. As a junior, he carried the ball 129 times for 639 yards and five touchdowns, had 26 catches for 328 yards and a score receiving, for 967 all-purpose yards. In his senior year, he had 29 carries for 243 yards and two touchdowns and 30 catches for 429 yards and two more scores. When adding a 24-yard kickoff return, he amassed 696 all-purpose yards. Elliott was named second team All-PSAC East in both his junior and senior seasons.
Eddie Elliott hauls in a touchdown against East Stroudsburg (Photo Ron Hockman)American Football International - South of France Champs Nice Dauphins Sign Running Back For 2017
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Game Report - Kutztown 20 - West Chester 14
It’s actually rather remarkable. With how poorly the Golden Rams played in the continuous mist of Andre Reed Stadium, they were just 24 yards and 5 seconds away from tying the game. And since Kutztown had missed a PAT earlier in the game, a victory was oh so close. But when quarterback Andrew Derr was sacked for the fourth time in the contest, it was the Golden Bears that celebrated the 20-14 win.
West Chester’s first two offensive possessions started at midfield but resulted in no points. Despite converting on a fourth-and-three, the first drive stalled at the Kutztown one-yard line. The second possession ended much more quickly, with a Derr interception on the second play of the series. It was one of three picks that Derr threw on the evening. Although one clearly bounced but none of the officials could call it one way or another and succumbed to the convincing of the Kutztown defender, the other two were ill-advised passes into triple coverage.
In Derr’s defense, he was under constant pressure the entire game, often forced to scramble for whatever yards he could with no receivers open downfield. And he did toss two touchdown passes, the first a 40-yard bomb to Tyler Karpinski and the second a 10-yarder to Jim Hurley. The second was setup when Jarey Elder recovered a Kutztown muffed punt on their 11-yard line.
The Golden Ram defense kept Kutztown off the scoreboard except for the second quarter, but what a disastrous period it was. Kutztown scored on three consecutive possessions, the first two being quick-strike, long touchdown passes with the third being a 12-play, 75-yard drive that consumed almost five minutes. When Nydair Rouse blocked the PAT after the second touchdown, it kept that glimmer of hope for a late game winning Golden Ram win.
After West Chester narrowed the score to 20-14 early in the third quarter, the defense maintained the momentum by forcing a three-and-out. Anthony Brown’s 10-yard punt return was further aided by a facemask penalty, so the Golden Rams were starting at the Kutztown 48-yard line. But on the first play of that possession, Kutztown made the trap interception.
Later the offense showed new life with Eerin Young (3 carries, 18 yards) and Mike Class (4 carries, 27 yards). But a holding call and a sack setup fourth-and-long at the Kutztown 28. There were some questionable coaching moves in the game and this certainly was one of them. Kicker Brendan Paulison, whose career long field goal is from 37 yards, was sent out to attempt a 45-yarder into the wind. It fell short. Early in the fourth quarter, trailing by six, Paulison missed another 45-yard attempt. Another time when there was an opportunity to be aggressive, was with 24 seconds left in the first half, facing a fourth-and-two at the Kutztown 47, West Chester elected to punt rather than take a shot at scoring. And many were surprised that the Golden Rams also elected to punt on fourth down from their own 40-yard line with under two and a half minutes left in the contest.
Jarel Elder finished the game with 62 yards on the ground thanks in large part to a 23-yard run where he barreled his way over and through multiple defenders. One of the most enjoyable moments was when Elder laid a block on a Kutztown defensive lineman with a 100-pound advantage that allowed Derr to scramble for a first down. Jordan Banks had another big game with seven catches for 92 yards
The Golden Ram defense failed to pressure the Kutztown freshman quarterback, registering no sacks or turnovers. Cornerback Shaquille James, who was one-on-one with Kutztown’s best receiver all night, had a team-high ten tackles. Linebacker Steven Denby, starting in place of injured Ralph Reeves, registered nine tackles while defensive end Ch'aim Smith and seven tackles and two pass breakups.
Notes - This is the earliest point in the season that West Chester has had three losses since 2010 when the team finished 4-7. Tight end Simon Williams had his first catch for West Chester. In addition to Reeves and Shannon Mayer not playing due to injury, West Chester lost left tackle Doug Gilbert and receiver Tyler Karpinski late in the game due to injuries.
West Chester’s first two offensive possessions started at midfield but resulted in no points. Despite converting on a fourth-and-three, the first drive stalled at the Kutztown one-yard line. The second possession ended much more quickly, with a Derr interception on the second play of the series. It was one of three picks that Derr threw on the evening. Although one clearly bounced but none of the officials could call it one way or another and succumbed to the convincing of the Kutztown defender, the other two were ill-advised passes into triple coverage.
In Derr’s defense, he was under constant pressure the entire game, often forced to scramble for whatever yards he could with no receivers open downfield. And he did toss two touchdown passes, the first a 40-yard bomb to Tyler Karpinski and the second a 10-yarder to Jim Hurley. The second was setup when Jarey Elder recovered a Kutztown muffed punt on their 11-yard line.
The West Chester defense gang tackles the Kutztown ball carrier The Golden Ram defense kept Kutztown off the scoreboard except for the second quarter, but what a disastrous period it was. Kutztown scored on three consecutive possessions, the first two being quick-strike, long touchdown passes with the third being a 12-play, 75-yard drive that consumed almost five minutes. When Nydair Rouse blocked the PAT after the second touchdown, it kept that glimmer of hope for a late game winning Golden Ram win.
After West Chester narrowed the score to 20-14 early in the third quarter, the defense maintained the momentum by forcing a three-and-out. Anthony Brown’s 10-yard punt return was further aided by a facemask penalty, so the Golden Rams were starting at the Kutztown 48-yard line. But on the first play of that possession, Kutztown made the trap interception.
Later the offense showed new life with Eerin Young (3 carries, 18 yards) and Mike Class (4 carries, 27 yards). But a holding call and a sack setup fourth-and-long at the Kutztown 28. There were some questionable coaching moves in the game and this certainly was one of them. Kicker Brendan Paulison, whose career long field goal is from 37 yards, was sent out to attempt a 45-yarder into the wind. It fell short. Early in the fourth quarter, trailing by six, Paulison missed another 45-yard attempt. Another time when there was an opportunity to be aggressive, was with 24 seconds left in the first half, facing a fourth-and-two at the Kutztown 47, West Chester elected to punt rather than take a shot at scoring. And many were surprised that the Golden Rams also elected to punt on fourth down from their own 40-yard line with under two and a half minutes left in the contest.
Mike Class gains some tough yards(Photo R&R Photography)Jarel Elder finished the game with 62 yards on the ground thanks in large part to a 23-yard run where he barreled his way over and through multiple defenders. One of the most enjoyable moments was when Elder laid a block on a Kutztown defensive lineman with a 100-pound advantage that allowed Derr to scramble for a first down. Jordan Banks had another big game with seven catches for 92 yards
Jarel Elder was the Golden Rams' leading rusher (Photo R&R Photography)The Golden Ram defense failed to pressure the Kutztown freshman quarterback, registering no sacks or turnovers. Cornerback Shaquille James, who was one-on-one with Kutztown’s best receiver all night, had a team-high ten tackles. Linebacker Steven Denby, starting in place of injured Ralph Reeves, registered nine tackles while defensive end Ch'aim Smith and seven tackles and two pass breakups.
Notes - This is the earliest point in the season that West Chester has had three losses since 2010 when the team finished 4-7. Tight end Simon Williams had his first catch for West Chester. In addition to Reeves and Shannon Mayer not playing due to injury, West Chester lost left tackle Doug Gilbert and receiver Tyler Karpinski late in the game due to injuries.
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Falls to Kutztown, 20-14
Kutztown Athletic Site - Defense Makes Final Stand, Kutztown Takes Down Defensing PSAC East Champs Saturday Night
Daily Local News - Miscues hamper Golden Rams at Kutztown
Reading Eagle - Kutztown holds off West Chester
Allentown Morning Call - Williams, defense lead Kutztown past West Chester
KUTV - Game Replay
D2football - PSAC Columnist - News and Notes from Week 5 in the PSAC
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