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,
senior defensive tackle Joe DeSanto and
sophomore running back Ja'Den McKenzie
will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show.
In addition, run game coordinator Osagie Osunde will join the show.
DeSanto had two solo tackles on Saturday in Shippensburg. In limited action this season, he has five total tackles including 0.5 tackle for loss at Bentley. Meanwhile, McKenzie had his toughest game of 2021 at Shippensburg, tallying just six yards on seven carries. However, for the season, he has 423 yards which is fifth in the PSAC and seven rushing touchdowns which leads the conference.
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, October 12, 2021
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Game Report - Shippensburg 34 - West Chester 18
As we cross the midpoint of the 2021 season, the Golden Rams (4-2, 2-1) have transitioned from a good team that makes a few bad plays to a bad team that makes a few good plays. So many mistakes in all facets were too costly as they fell to Shippensburg (5-1, 2-1) by a score of 34-18.
It’s hard to fault the WCU defense on Ship’s first two touchdowns. The first came after a fourth-down snap sailed over the head of 6’5” punter John George giving the Raiders the ball at the West Chester 18. It only took Shippensburg three plays for Brycen Mussina to toss a 13-yard TD pass. Ship’s second touchdown came after Golden Ram quarterback Zach Gilbert lost a fumble on first down on his only play of the game. Starting again from the West Chester 18, this time it took the Raiders four plays for Mussina to rush for the touchdown and go up 17-3.
The Golden Ram defense got things going early in the second half. Defensive end Michael Gobora had a strip sack that was recovered by Jackson Taylor. But even when the offense scored, it wasn’t easy. Running back Phil Poquie ripped a 37-yard run to the Shippensburg 5, only to have the balled stripped from him. Fortunately, he landed on the ball in the end zone for the score. Trailing 17-12, WCU’s two-point conversion succeeded, but was negated by an illegal formation penalty. The second attempt from five yards further out failed. Regardless, the Golden Rams scored and had closed the lead to five. Momentum was with the purple and gold, at least for a few seconds.
Shippensburg got a good kickoff return which, after a face mask penalty against West Chester, gave them the ball at midfield. The Golden Ram defense showed little resistance as the Raiders rushed for 12 yards then 39 yards to expand their lead to 23-12. West Chester lost any edge that they had. The offense quickly went three-and-out and George’s punt went all of 18 yards, giving Ship the ball at the West Chester 41. But this time, the Golden Ram defense stepped up. Omar Peterkin and Wyatt Smith teamed up on a sack, Elijah Beard registered a tackle for loss, and Cole Zapf made a key stop on fourth and one. So maybe the momentum was back?
It would seem so. Quarterback Desman Johnson lofted a ball to Seth Degree who made a great leaping catch at the Shippensburg 4. But three straight runs failed to penetrate the goal line and Bill Zwaan sent in the field goal unit. But after a timeout, Zwaan reconsidered and sent the offense back on the field. This time, Johnson kept it himself for the touchdown. Another failed two-point conversion put Ship’s lead at 23-18.
But just like after West Chester’s first touchdown, the defense allowed the Raiders to quickly score. From their own 29, Ship completed a ten-yard pass and the receiver went the final 61 yards untouched. In less than 90 seconds, West Chester’s deficit was once again 13 points.
The final tally for the Golden Rams? The offense turned the ball over five times, including two fumbles by the quarterback on the first play of a WCU possession. When the offense scored touchdowns, the defense allowed Ship to score quick touchdowns on big plays. And while WCU was flagged only three times, two were 15-yard penalties and one took two points off the scoreboard. The mountain of mistakes was too high to overcome this week.
Notes…Running back Ja'Den McKenzie was unable to get on track as he finished with just six yards on seven carries…kicker Sean Henry converted on both of his field goal attempts…in addition to his fumble recovery, Taylor had a team-high ten tackles and a spectacular downfield interception on a tip drill…Zapf finished with seven tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss…while the Golden Rams sacked Mussina four times, they were unable to contain the Ship running game that went for 160 yards…quarterback Shane Dooley, cornerback Ronnie James and right guard Dom Carey didn’t make the trip, speedy return man D'Shaun Seals was not dressed, and defensive end Fulani Freeman and defensive tackle Noah Collachi left the game with injuries.
It’s hard to fault the WCU defense on Ship’s first two touchdowns. The first came after a fourth-down snap sailed over the head of 6’5” punter John George giving the Raiders the ball at the West Chester 18. It only took Shippensburg three plays for Brycen Mussina to toss a 13-yard TD pass. Ship’s second touchdown came after Golden Ram quarterback Zach Gilbert lost a fumble on first down on his only play of the game. Starting again from the West Chester 18, this time it took the Raiders four plays for Mussina to rush for the touchdown and go up 17-3.
The Golden Ram defense got things going early in the second half. Defensive end Michael Gobora had a strip sack that was recovered by Jackson Taylor. But even when the offense scored, it wasn’t easy. Running back Phil Poquie ripped a 37-yard run to the Shippensburg 5, only to have the balled stripped from him. Fortunately, he landed on the ball in the end zone for the score. Trailing 17-12, WCU’s two-point conversion succeeded, but was negated by an illegal formation penalty. The second attempt from five yards further out failed. Regardless, the Golden Rams scored and had closed the lead to five. Momentum was with the purple and gold, at least for a few seconds.
Phil Poquie on a 62-yard kickoff return (Photo Gina Chapman)Shippensburg got a good kickoff return which, after a face mask penalty against West Chester, gave them the ball at midfield. The Golden Ram defense showed little resistance as the Raiders rushed for 12 yards then 39 yards to expand their lead to 23-12. West Chester lost any edge that they had. The offense quickly went three-and-out and George’s punt went all of 18 yards, giving Ship the ball at the West Chester 41. But this time, the Golden Ram defense stepped up. Omar Peterkin and Wyatt Smith teamed up on a sack, Elijah Beard registered a tackle for loss, and Cole Zapf made a key stop on fourth and one. So maybe the momentum was back?
Michael Gobora with a tackle for loss (Photo Gina Chapman)It would seem so. Quarterback Desman Johnson lofted a ball to Seth Degree who made a great leaping catch at the Shippensburg 4. But three straight runs failed to penetrate the goal line and Bill Zwaan sent in the field goal unit. But after a timeout, Zwaan reconsidered and sent the offense back on the field. This time, Johnson kept it himself for the touchdown. Another failed two-point conversion put Ship’s lead at 23-18.
But just like after West Chester’s first touchdown, the defense allowed the Raiders to quickly score. From their own 29, Ship completed a ten-yard pass and the receiver went the final 61 yards untouched. In less than 90 seconds, West Chester’s deficit was once again 13 points.
Brendan Ruskowski celebrates Desman Johnson's one-yard touchdown plungeThe final tally for the Golden Rams? The offense turned the ball over five times, including two fumbles by the quarterback on the first play of a WCU possession. When the offense scored touchdowns, the defense allowed Ship to score quick touchdowns on big plays. And while WCU was flagged only three times, two were 15-yard penalties and one took two points off the scoreboard. The mountain of mistakes was too high to overcome this week.
Notes…Running back Ja'Den McKenzie was unable to get on track as he finished with just six yards on seven carries…kicker Sean Henry converted on both of his field goal attempts…in addition to his fumble recovery, Taylor had a team-high ten tackles and a spectacular downfield interception on a tip drill…Zapf finished with seven tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss…while the Golden Rams sacked Mussina four times, they were unable to contain the Ship running game that went for 160 yards…quarterback Shane Dooley, cornerback Ronnie James and right guard Dom Carey didn’t make the trip, speedy return man D'Shaun Seals was not dressed, and defensive end Fulani Freeman and defensive tackle Noah Collachi left the game with injuries.
Quinton Derr offers protection on a field goal (Photo Gina Chapman)West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Football Falls To Shippensburg, 34-18
Shippensburg Athletic Site - Football gets past West Chester, 34-18
Daily Local News - Turnovers, mental mistakes doom Golden Ram at Shippensburg
WCU Football Family - Photo Album - Shippensburg
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Game Preview - Shippensburg
West Chester University (4-1, 2-0) travels to Shippensburg to take on the Shippensburg Raiders (4-1, 1-1) on Saturday. Kickoff at Seth Grove Stadium is set for 1:00 pm.
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 28-11-1. In his 18 years at West Chester, Bill Zwaan is 15-4 against the Raiders, as the two schools faced each other twice in both the 2004 and 2017 seasons. Shippensburg alumnus and head coach Mark Maciejewski is in his 11th season and holds a 70-37 record.
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. And in 2017, West Chester defeated Shippensburg on the road in October only to have to do it again in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Last 10 Meetings:
Last Meeting:
10/05/2019 West Chester 29 - Shippensburg 21
Since the Golden Rams passing game struggled by incurring three sacks and throwing three interceptions, it turned to the running game. Trailing 21-16 late in the third quarter, Ja'Den McKenzie (125 yards, 2 TD's) scored the final two touchdowns of the game to give West Chester the 29-21 win. Gabe Schappell also had a 67-yard touchdown catch. The Golden Ram defense was led by safety Shamar Edwards (6 tackles) and linebacker Jackson Taylor (6 tackles, 1.0 TFL).
Scouting the Opponent:
Quarterback Brycen Mussina (105 of 158, 1,388 yards, 13 TD's, 1 int) was the PSAC East Freshman of the Year in 2018 and remains as one of the top signal callers in the conference if not the nation. Despite having eligibility left, two of his top receivers from 2019 - Winston Eubanks (60 catches, 896 yards, 8 TD's) and Charles Headen III (33 catches, 342 yards, 5 TD's) - have moved on to Penn State and Southern Methodist respectively where they are seeing limited playing time. So Mussina's primary targets are
freshman Ian Sheehan (26 catches, 468 yards, 5 TD's),
All-American tight end David Balint (21 catches, 173 yards, 1 TD), and
5'9" Towson-transfer Kyle Evans (20 catches, 379 yards, 4 TD's).
The running game is led by
5'7" Bill Williams (70 carries, 279 yads, 3 TD's), but
Howard transfer Khalid Dorsey (54 carries, 214 yards, 2 TD's) and
Nasai Moon (30 carries, 120 yards, 1 TD) get plenty of touches.
David Shank used to handle all of the kicking duties, but this season he is only punting and averages 39 yards per punt, while forcing 8 fair catches on 21 punts. Jaxson Montross is 21 of 24 on PAT's and 8 of 12 on field goals with a long of 50 yards. Half of his kickoffs have gone for touchbacks.
The Golden Rams need to be on the lookout for free safety Trey Paul (23 tackles, 3 int's, 4 pass breakups) who is the team's leading tackler. Also among the Raiders' 11 players with double digit tackles are linebacker Demetrius Hudson (23 tackles, 3.0 TFL), Wesley-transfer Mike Brewer (19 tackles, 4 PBU), cornerback Khi'on Smith (18 tackles, 1 int, 4 PBU), and defensive tackle Jacoby Sherard (11 tackles, 2.5 sacks).
Analysis:
These two teams are very similar. Both are 4-1. Both have played pretty poor schedules overall. Both lost to the best team they faced so far (Bentley for West Chester, Shepherd for Shippensburg). Both have defeated Edinboro and Bloomsburg, although Shippensburg did it by a combined margin of 65 poins whereas the Golden Rams needed late game touchdown drives against both of those opponents to pull out a win. Both have top scoring offenses and both dominate time of possession.
So the differences? Ship moves the ball through the air while West Chester uses the ground game. The key for the Golden Ram offense is to continue running effectively to control the clock. Defensively, West Chester leads the the country in sacks, so getting pressure on, and preferably taking down, Mussina is a must since he doesn't throw picks.
Massey Ratings is projecting a three-point Shippensburg victory.
Game Coverage:
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 28-11-1. In his 18 years at West Chester, Bill Zwaan is 15-4 against the Raiders, as the two schools faced each other twice in both the 2004 and 2017 seasons. Shippensburg alumnus and head coach Mark Maciejewski is in his 11th season and holds a 70-37 record.
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. And in 2017, West Chester defeated Shippensburg on the road in October only to have to do it again in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Last 10 Meetings:
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
2011
|
Away
|
Win
|
52-17
|
2016
|
Home
|
Win
|
31-15
|
2012
|
Home
|
Loss
|
42-24
|
2017
|
Away
|
Win
|
37-27
|
2013
|
Away
|
Win
|
32-29
|
2017
|
Away
|
Win
|
27-6
|
2014
|
Home
|
Win
|
55-28
|
2018
|
Home
|
Win
|
28-21
|
2015
|
Away
|
Loss
|
24-11
|
2019
|
Away
|
Win
|
29-21
|
Last Meeting:
10/05/2019 West Chester 29 - Shippensburg 21
Since the Golden Rams passing game struggled by incurring three sacks and throwing three interceptions, it turned to the running game. Trailing 21-16 late in the third quarter, Ja'Den McKenzie (125 yards, 2 TD's) scored the final two touchdowns of the game to give West Chester the 29-21 win. Gabe Schappell also had a 67-yard touchdown catch. The Golden Ram defense was led by safety Shamar Edwards (6 tackles) and linebacker Jackson Taylor (6 tackles, 1.0 TFL).
Scouting the Opponent:
David Shank used to handle all of the kicking duties, but this season he is only punting and averages 39 yards per punt, while forcing 8 fair catches on 21 punts. Jaxson Montross is 21 of 24 on PAT's and 8 of 12 on field goals with a long of 50 yards. Half of his kickoffs have gone for touchbacks.
The Golden Rams need to be on the lookout for free safety Trey Paul (23 tackles, 3 int's, 4 pass breakups) who is the team's leading tackler. Also among the Raiders' 11 players with double digit tackles are linebacker Demetrius Hudson (23 tackles, 3.0 TFL), Wesley-transfer Mike Brewer (19 tackles, 4 PBU), cornerback Khi'on Smith (18 tackles, 1 int, 4 PBU), and defensive tackle Jacoby Sherard (11 tackles, 2.5 sacks).
Analysis:
So the differences? Ship moves the ball through the air while West Chester uses the ground game. The key for the Golden Ram offense is to continue running effectively to control the clock. Defensively, West Chester leads the the country in sacks, so getting pressure on, and preferably taking down, Mussina is a must since he doesn't throw picks.
Massey Ratings is projecting a three-point Shippensburg victory.
Game Coverage:
PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes, Week 6
KYW Newsradio - West Chester coach aims to add to historic feat
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Event News - October 7 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, redshirt freshman tight end Stone Huffman and sophomore defensive back Ronnie James will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show. In addition, defensive coordinator Mike Furlong will join the show.
This season, Huffman has played primarily on special teams, however he made his way onto the field with the offense this past week and made a tackle after an interception. Meanwhile, James has played in the past four games for the Golden Rams and, last week against Bloomsburg, logged four total tackles, a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup.
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, redshirt freshman tight end Stone Huffman and sophomore defensive back Ronnie James will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show. In addition, defensive coordinator Mike Furlong will join the show.
This season, Huffman has played primarily on special teams, however he made his way onto the field with the offense this past week and made a tackle after an interception. Meanwhile, James has played in the past four games for the Golden Rams and, last week against Bloomsburg, logged four total tackles, a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup.
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.
Monday, October 4, 2021
Player News - Ja'Den McKenzie Named PSAC East Offensive POW
For his efforts in West Chester's 21-20 homecoming win over Bloomsburg, sophomore running back Ja'Den McKenzie has been named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week.
McKenzie scored West Chester's first two touchdowns of the game on a couple of one-yard plunges. And he was the usual workhorse out of the Golden Rams' backfield as he had 22 carries for 121 yards on the day. He currenly leads the PSAC and is eighth in the country with seven rushing touchdowns this season.
McKenzie scored West Chester's first two touchdowns of the game on a couple of one-yard plunges. And he was the usual workhorse out of the Golden Rams' backfield as he had 22 carries for 121 yards on the day. He currenly leads the PSAC and is eighth in the country with seven rushing touchdowns this season.
Ja'Den McKenzie in the purple again (Photo Gina Chapman)PSAC Site - PSAC Football Athletes of the Week – 5
West Chester Athletic Site - Ja'Den McKenzie Named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Game Report - West Chester 21 - Bloomsburg 20
The Golden Rams (4-1, 2-0) jumped out to a 14-0 lead, then committed costly penalties and turned the ball over four times to give the Huskies (1-4, 0-2) a 20-14 edge. West Chester finally drove the length of the field to score a touchdown and convert the crucial PAT in the final minute to send the huge homecoming crowd home with a glorious 21-20 victory.
West Chester couldn’t ask for a better start. The Golden Ram defense forced a three-and-out, and the offense, despite a couple of penalties, went 59 yards in over five minutes for a touchdown. On Bloomsburg’s second possession, the Huskies were aided by a couple of major WCU penalties, but failed to come away with points even after having six snaps within the West Chester ten-yard line. The Golden Ram offense then marched 94 yards, with all four quarterbacks playing on the possession, and finished with a one-yard touchdown plunge by Ja'Den McKenzie. So early into the second quarter, the WCU offense had two long touchdown drives while the defense forced a three-and-out and exhibited a goal line stand.
But Bloomsburg responded with a long drive of their own, navigating 67 yards in six minutes to pull within 7. Then things took a turn. Instead of a fair catch, Phil Poquie returned the ensuing kickoff but only got to the ten-yard line. Two plays later, Shane Dooley threw an interception. And on the very next play, Bloomsburg converted a 30-yard touchdown pass on some shoddy Golden Ram tackling. The only saving grace was that the PAT failed, but the score went from 14-0 to 14-13 in less than 90 seconds.
West Chester responded with another long drive. Twelve plays, 76 yards, and almost six minutes was all for naught as McKenzie lost a fumble at the one-yard line. So the Golden Rams entered the locker room with a 14-13 lead.
D'Shaun Seals tried to spark the team with a 40-yard kickoff return to start the second half, but this possession would also end without points as Dooley lost a fumble on a sack. Fortunately, Bloomsburg had their own frustration. The Golden Rams forged another goal-line stand and that ended with a missed 21-yard field goal by the Huskies.
Desman Johnson took over at quarterback for West Chester and led the team deep into Bloomsburg territory, but the drive stalled at the 25. And this time Bloomsburg responded wisely. After a heavy dose of running plays, they finally completed a 26-yard touchdown pass. They oddly didn’t attempt a two-point conversion, and after the traditional PAT, led 20-14.
Maurice Mazzccua had a good kickoff return to give West Chester good field position. Dooley returned to the quarterback spot, and managed a first down, but when the drive stalled, John George stepped on the field for the first time on the day. The usually reliable punter simply dropped the snap and Bloomsburg recovered the fumble on the West Chester 42. But then it was a story that had been seen already in this game: the Huskies got into the red zone, the West Chester defense stiffened and Bloomsburg missed another field goal. With four minutes left, the Golden Rams had a chance.
Traditionally 80 yards in four minutes is no problem for a West Chester offense, but this year the passing game hasn’t been clicking, so the distance seemed much longer. But the offensive line opened holes for McKenzie, Poquie and Johnson with Poquie finishing the drive with an 18-yard touchdown run. And more importantly, Sean Henry converted the PAT to give West Chester the 21-20 lead.
But this is West Chester in 2021, so even though there was only a minute left, the game was far from over. Starting from their own 25, Bloomsburg completed one pass for 26 yards and a second for 21 yards. But their attempt at a third chunk play ended with a Kendall Singleton interception at the one, securing the victory for the purple and gold.
Linebacker Jackson Taylor missed most of the first half after being called for targeting, but after the play was reviewed after halftime, he was permitted to return to the game… Stone Huffman started at tight end in place of Dan Neuhaus and Luke Stengel played in place of Dom Carey at right guard… Seals turned a screen into a 24-yard gain for his first collegiate reception...one nice thing about 95 rushing plays and only 36 pass attempts is that the game was played in a speedy 2:41...This was Bill Zwaan's 148th win at West Chester, eclipsing the all-time wins mark set by W. Glenn Killinger...Cole Zapf led the defense with 12 total tackles.
West Chester couldn’t ask for a better start. The Golden Ram defense forced a three-and-out, and the offense, despite a couple of penalties, went 59 yards in over five minutes for a touchdown. On Bloomsburg’s second possession, the Huskies were aided by a couple of major WCU penalties, but failed to come away with points even after having six snaps within the West Chester ten-yard line. The Golden Ram offense then marched 94 yards, with all four quarterbacks playing on the possession, and finished with a one-yard touchdown plunge by Ja'Den McKenzie. So early into the second quarter, the WCU offense had two long touchdown drives while the defense forced a three-and-out and exhibited a goal line stand.
But Bloomsburg responded with a long drive of their own, navigating 67 yards in six minutes to pull within 7. Then things took a turn. Instead of a fair catch, Phil Poquie returned the ensuing kickoff but only got to the ten-yard line. Two plays later, Shane Dooley threw an interception. And on the very next play, Bloomsburg converted a 30-yard touchdown pass on some shoddy Golden Ram tackling. The only saving grace was that the PAT failed, but the score went from 14-0 to 14-13 in less than 90 seconds.
The Golden Ram defensive goal line stand (Photo Gina Chapman)West Chester responded with another long drive. Twelve plays, 76 yards, and almost six minutes was all for naught as McKenzie lost a fumble at the one-yard line. So the Golden Rams entered the locker room with a 14-13 lead.
D'Shaun Seals tried to spark the team with a 40-yard kickoff return to start the second half, but this possession would also end without points as Dooley lost a fumble on a sack. Fortunately, Bloomsburg had their own frustration. The Golden Rams forged another goal-line stand and that ended with a missed 21-yard field goal by the Huskies.
Phil Poquie springs Maurice Mazzccua (Photo Gina Chapman)Desman Johnson took over at quarterback for West Chester and led the team deep into Bloomsburg territory, but the drive stalled at the 25. And this time Bloomsburg responded wisely. After a heavy dose of running plays, they finally completed a 26-yard touchdown pass. They oddly didn’t attempt a two-point conversion, and after the traditional PAT, led 20-14.
Maurice Mazzccua had a good kickoff return to give West Chester good field position. Dooley returned to the quarterback spot, and managed a first down, but when the drive stalled, John George stepped on the field for the first time on the day. The usually reliable punter simply dropped the snap and Bloomsburg recovered the fumble on the West Chester 42. But then it was a story that had been seen already in this game: the Huskies got into the red zone, the West Chester defense stiffened and Bloomsburg missed another field goal. With four minutes left, the Golden Rams had a chance.
Joe Desanto and Omar Peterkin meet at the quarterback (Photo Gina Chapman)Traditionally 80 yards in four minutes is no problem for a West Chester offense, but this year the passing game hasn’t been clicking, so the distance seemed much longer. But the offensive line opened holes for McKenzie, Poquie and Johnson with Poquie finishing the drive with an 18-yard touchdown run. And more importantly, Sean Henry converted the PAT to give West Chester the 21-20 lead.
But this is West Chester in 2021, so even though there was only a minute left, the game was far from over. Starting from their own 25, Bloomsburg completed one pass for 26 yards and a second for 21 yards. But their attempt at a third chunk play ended with a Kendall Singleton interception at the one, securing the victory for the purple and gold.
Phil Poquie scores the game-winning TD (Photo Gina Chapman)Linebacker Jackson Taylor missed most of the first half after being called for targeting, but after the play was reviewed after halftime, he was permitted to return to the game… Stone Huffman started at tight end in place of Dan Neuhaus and Luke Stengel played in place of Dom Carey at right guard… Seals turned a screen into a 24-yard gain for his first collegiate reception...one nice thing about 95 rushing plays and only 36 pass attempts is that the game was played in a speedy 2:41...This was Bill Zwaan's 148th win at West Chester, eclipsing the all-time wins mark set by W. Glenn Killinger...Cole Zapf led the defense with 12 total tackles.
Kendall Singleton celebrates the game-winning pick (Photo Gina Chapman)West Chester Athletic Site - Poquie’s Late TD Run Lifts West Chester to 21-20 Win
Bloomsburg Athletic Site - Football Nearly Upsets West Chester on Their Homecoming
Daily Local News - West Chester needs another late drive to survive against Bloomsburg
WCU Football Family - Photo Album - Bloomsburg
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Game Preview - Bloomsburg
The Golden Rams (3-1, 1-0) host the Bloomsburg Huskies (1-3, 0-1) on Saturday in a PSAC East matchup. Kickoff for homecoming is scheduled for 2:00pm.
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 51-27 and these two schools often play big games. The two schools have met twice in playoffs - 2008 and again in 2013 - with both postseason games played in Bloomsburg. The Huskies took the 2008 contest while the Golden Rams won in 2013 en route to the NCAA Division II semi-finals. Former Bloomsburg All-American linebacker Frank Sheptock is in his first season as head coach at his alma mater.
Last 10 Meetings:
Last Meeting:
10/13/2019 West Chester 20 - Bloomsburg 17
As it usually is when West Chester and Bloomsburg play, it was a typical back-and-forth, close affair that didn't end until linebacker Jackson Taylor had a strip sack on the last play of the game. Running back Ja'Den McKenzie paced the offense with 89 yards rushing while Seth Degree (2 catches, 93 yards) and Dan Neuhaus (4 catches, 80 yards) each scored for the Golden Rams. Defensively, linebacker Cole Zapf led the way with nine tackles and a sack while Taylor and defensive tackle Joe DeSanto each notched six tackles.
Scouting the Opponent:
Four games into the season and the Huskies are still in search for a quarterback. Junior Logan Leiby (21 of 34, 233 yards, 1 int) started in 2019 and the first two games this season. Freshman Ben Ries (19 of 41, 306 yards, 2 TD's, 2 ints) started their past two games and had a game-winning 47-yard TD pass against Gannon as time expired. But freshman David LePoidevin (18 of 37, 226 yards, 2 TD's, 2 ints) has also seen action in their last three games.
Tyshaun Pollard (19 catches, 233 yards) and freshman Malik Langley (5 catches, 183 yards, 1 TD) are the two receivers that have to be watched.
What's unusual is that Bloomsburg doesn't have the running game that they have historically had. Freshman Kaleb Monaco (35 carries, 180 yards) and graduate student Nyfease West (26 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD) are their top two ground gainers.
The Golden Rams will need to keep the ball away from defensive back Quentin Gaskill (38 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 int) who is also the Huskies leading tackler. Ron Long (20 tackles, 2 int) also has an eye for the ball. Defensive lineman AJ Simon (14 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss) spends time in the opponent's backfield and linebacker Adam Burkhart (32 tackles) is their second leading tackler.
Freshman punter Jaco Sattamini (34 yard average) has landed ten of his 29 punts inside the opponent 20-yard line and is the reigning PSAC East Special Teams Athlete of the Week. Bloomsburg has used three different kickers this season with freshman Torsten Hartmann (3 of 4 PAT's, 1 27-yard field goal) getting the most opportunities.
Analysis:
The Huskies are getting outscored by an average of 31-14 this year and their defense is allowing 440 yards/game which is second worst in the PSAC, including a league worst 208 yards on the ground. So expect the West Chester offensive line and running backs Ja'Den McKenzie and Phil Poquie to have big games.
Bloomsburg is really scuffling this season, but it may not matter. In 2019, West Chester would go on to qualify for the NCAA Division II playoffs while Bloomsburg would finish under .500. But the outcome between these two teams wasn't decided until the final play of the game. The Huskies opened the season with four of their first five games on the road.
Massey Ratings shows a Golden Ram win by 14.
Game Coverage:
Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 51-27 and these two schools often play big games. The two schools have met twice in playoffs - 2008 and again in 2013 - with both postseason games played in Bloomsburg. The Huskies took the 2008 contest while the Golden Rams won in 2013 en route to the NCAA Division II semi-finals. Former Bloomsburg All-American linebacker Frank Sheptock is in his first season as head coach at his alma mater.
Last 10 Meetings:
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
2011
|
Home
|
Loss
|
55-42
|
2015
|
Home
|
Win
|
33-22
|
2012
|
Away
|
Loss
|
24-23
|
2016
|
Away
|
Win
|
27-7
|
2013
|
Home
|
Loss
|
31-28
|
2017
|
Home
|
Loss
|
20-19
|
2013
|
Away
|
Win
|
40-38
|
2018
|
Away
|
Win
|
17-14
|
2014
|
Away
|
Loss
|
41-10
|
2019
|
Home
|
Win
|
20-17
|
Last Meeting:
10/13/2019 West Chester 20 - Bloomsburg 17
As it usually is when West Chester and Bloomsburg play, it was a typical back-and-forth, close affair that didn't end until linebacker Jackson Taylor had a strip sack on the last play of the game. Running back Ja'Den McKenzie paced the offense with 89 yards rushing while Seth Degree (2 catches, 93 yards) and Dan Neuhaus (4 catches, 80 yards) each scored for the Golden Rams. Defensively, linebacker Cole Zapf led the way with nine tackles and a sack while Taylor and defensive tackle Joe DeSanto each notched six tackles.
Scouting the Opponent:
The Golden Rams will need to keep the ball away from defensive back Quentin Gaskill (38 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 int) who is also the Huskies leading tackler. Ron Long (20 tackles, 2 int) also has an eye for the ball. Defensive lineman AJ Simon (14 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss) spends time in the opponent's backfield and linebacker Adam Burkhart (32 tackles) is their second leading tackler.
Freshman punter Jaco Sattamini (34 yard average) has landed ten of his 29 punts inside the opponent 20-yard line and is the reigning PSAC East Special Teams Athlete of the Week. Bloomsburg has used three different kickers this season with freshman Torsten Hartmann (3 of 4 PAT's, 1 27-yard field goal) getting the most opportunities.
Analysis:
Bloomsburg is really scuffling this season, but it may not matter. In 2019, West Chester would go on to qualify for the NCAA Division II playoffs while Bloomsburg would finish under .500. But the outcome between these two teams wasn't decided until the final play of the game. The Huskies opened the season with four of their first five games on the road.
Massey Ratings shows a Golden Ram win by 14.
Game Coverage:
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Preps For Homecoming Weekend
PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes, Week 5
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