Game Report - Shepherd 28 - West Chester 14

Tell me if you've heard this before, but the Golden Ram (3-3, 1-2) defense could do little to slow down the Shepherd (5-1, 2-1) running game in what resulted in a 28-14 loss to the visiting Rams.

The O line opens a hole for Mic Johnson (Photo Chuck Greco)

Both teams opened with sound offensive game plans. Shepherd took the opening kickoff and marched 63 yards in seven minutes to take a 7-0 lead. The Golden Rams answered with a long touchdown drive of their own - 74 yards in five minutes - highlighted by a Future Robertson (11 carries, 79 yards) 38-yard run and capped by an Isaiah Wright 1-yard score to tie the game at seven. Just like that, the first quarter was over. And so was much of the West Chester offense on this evening.

Isaiah Wright goes up and over for the Golden Rams' opening score
(Photo Chuck Greco)

Shepherd doubled down, taking ten minutes to go 75 yards to take a 14-7 lead. The Golden Rams were unable to equalize and were forced to punt. Then Shepherd was facing fourth-and-14 from their own 33 with 1:21 left in the half and West Chester called a timeout. In a game where it's clear that possessions are going to be at premium, that can be a good strategy. But Shepherd has one of the best punters in the country and booted it 50 yards to the WCU 17. When the Golden Ram offense subsequently sputtered, Shepherd called their timeouts while on defense, which resulted in them getting the ball back on their own 35 with 37 seconds left. The Rams swiftly moved to the WCU 23, but their 40-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left. While it was much ado about nothing, after such a speedy first quarter, the second quarter seemed to take forever. The teams retreated to their locker rooms with Shepherd leading 14-7.

A.J. Sanders' QB hurry setup a third and long (Photo Chuck Greco)

After going 5 of 6 for just 23 yards in the first half, Colin O'Sullivan (16 of 20, 120 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) finally took a shot downfield to start the third quarter. Unfortunately, the ball was intercepted by Shepherd at the WCU 9. This time the Rams only needed four minutes to go 91 yards and take a 21-7 lead. West Chester's next possession only went 22 yards before reserve/running quarterback Tyler Douglas lost a fumble. Fortunately, the Golden Ram defense forced their only three-and-out of the game, but another great Shepherd punt went 51 yards and pinned West Chester at its own 7-yard line.

Ronnell McCorn envelops the Shepherd QB for a 5-yard loss (Photo Chuck Greco)

Facing fourth-and-five from their own 29, the Golden Rams lined up to punt, but instead ran a fake with Nick Rogers getting the ball. One more block may have sprung him, however he only gained three yards and Shepherd took over in West Chester territory. This time it didn't take long for Shepherd to puncture the end zone and go up 28-7 early in the fourth quarter.

Bryan Anderson upends a Ram receiver (Photo Chuck Greco)

Now the Golden Ram offense moved with urgency. And it was quite effective. While everyone in the offense was involved, the primary target was Reese Clark (4 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD) who made all four of his catches in the game on the drive including a hard fought, tackle breaking catch for a 10-yard touchdown. With the score closed to 28-14 and having just scored quickly, West Chester was feeling some confidence with nine minutes remaining. But the Shepherd Ram offense consumed the remainder of the clock to end the game.

Reese Clark extends into the end zone (Photo Chuck Greco)

While West Chester committed two turnovers which led to seven Shepherd points, there were two glaring issues. The Golden Ram offense had just two pass plays that went longer than ten yards - a 15-yard catch by Ryan Johnston and a 12-yard reception by Clark - and only one run over ten yards. The second issue was the inability of the West Chester defense to get off the field. On three possessions, Shepherd had the ball for 7:35, 10:04 and 9:20 leading to a 36-23 advantage in time of possession. Shepherd ran 16 more plays, rolled up 213 yards on the ground (5.2 avg), didn't turn the ball over, and was successful on 9 of 11 third-down plays.

Ryan Johnston uses a stiff arm to get more yards (Photo Chuck Greco)

Notes - Center Connor Tuk was not dressed and was replaced in the starting lineup by Anthony Aviles. When Aviles left the game with an injury in the second half, Richard Pohorilenko finished the game at center...reserve offensive lineman Joey Svoboda and fullback Mitch Ragni were not dressed...defensive tackle Anthony Delle Donne led West Chester with nine tackles while defensive back Miles Goodwin registered eight stops.

Sortable Box Score   

West Chester Athletic Site - Shepherd Tops West Chester Football, 28-14

Shepherd Athletic Site - Shepherd Football Knocks Off West Chester

Golden Rams Review - Photo Album - Shepherd

Game Replay

Game Preview - Shepherd

The Golden Rams (3-2, 1-1) play host to the Shepherd Rams (4-1, 1-1) on Saturday. Kickoff in Tomlinson-Fillippo Field at Farrell Stadium is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

Series History:
Shepherd leads the overall series 5-2. These two teams met for the first time in 2013 in the NCAA Division II Regional Championship when the Golden Rams came away with a 28-7 victory. Since Shepherd joined the conference in 2019, the first four PSAC East meetings had been won by Shepherd before WCU's upset in 2024. Shepherd has since had to vacate their 13 wins in both 2021 and 2022, when they advanced to the NCAA Division II semi-finals, due to multiple eligibility violations.

Shepherd head coach Ernie McCook (43-21) is in his ninth season at the helm of the Rams. In 2022, he was tabbed both PSAC East Coach of the Year and AFCA Region One Coach of the Year.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
				2021	Away	Loss	42-38
				2022	Home	Loss	47-14
				2023	Away	Loss	59-21
2013	Away	Win	28-7	2024	Home	Win	35-14
2019	Away	Loss	35-23	2025	Away	Loss	28-24

Last Meeting:

10/11/2025 Shepherd 28 - West Chester 24

Despite several areas of poor play, the Golden Rams were a mere 15 yards away from a potential game-wining touchdown with just under 30 seconds left in the game. The West Chester offense allowed four sacks, the defense allowed 177 yards rushing, and special teams had a punt blocked and a punt return for touchdown.

Quarterback Colin O'Sullivan (13 of 25, 106 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) entered the game midway through the third quarter to play in his first game since high school. Future Robertson gained 49 yards on four carries and Dylan McKenzie picked up 46 yards on three catches. Debrick Johnson made five tackles while Johnny Pergine, Seamus McCain, Anthony Delle Donne, and Miles Goodwin each had a tackle for loss.

Scouting the Opponent:

After one year at Southern Utah and three seasons at Shepherd, PSAC East first team running back Jordan Barnett is now at Morgan State. And first team all-PSAC East wide receiver Kordell Batten entered the transfer portal after last season, but since returned to Shepherdstown but has yet to register any yards in two games this season. It's no matter because behind PSAC East first team center Josh Crummitt, the Rams have a potent running attack in redshirt freshman Ian Mauldin (41 carries, 253 yards, 4 TD's), sophomore Jabril Daniels (51 carries, 240 yards), and redshirt freshman Tijuan Reed (23 carries, 132 yards). Bucknell transfer quarterback Michael Hardyway (91 of 144, 1,013 yards, 13 TD's, 2 int) leads the passing game with Daryl Harper (23 catches, 341 yards, 7 TD's), Carrington Nickens-Yzer (20 catches, 212 yards), and Derrell Pierson (13 catches, 184 yards, 3 TD's) being the primary targets.

Second team All-PSAC East defensive back Makai Young is now at Merrimack, but his status on the Rams has been surpassed by cornerback and reigning PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week Reggie Snowden (20 tackles, PSAC leading 4 int), rover D'Myo Hunter (30 tackles, 4 TFL, 4 int), and safety Tyrin Chinn-Thompson (27 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 PBU). Fifth-year defensive end Vince Flook (4 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 PBU) poses a problem up front.

First team All-PSAC East punter Daishaun Alexander (25 punts, 45.6 avg, 11 I20, 10 50+) is in line to win the award again this season. Kicker Max Barba (19 of 21 PAT, 1 of 2) has only attempted two field goals this season as Shepherd prefers touchdowns. Hunter (14.6 avg) is among the conference leaders in punt returns, and took one 64 yards for a touchdown against Frostburg St.

Analysis:

Other than Flook, Shepherd's front seven are on the smaller side, so there may be some opportunity for the Golden Rams to get the running game going. Shepherd's top three tacklers are in the secondary, which may result from them helping on the run. Play action may open some chances in the passing game for WCU. On the other side of the ball, Shepherd is balanced on offense, so the West Chester defense will need to stay honest. And just so you know, you will see numbers zero and one on the field all the time as Shepherd's top two players on both offense and defense wear those numbers.

Massey Ratings is projecting a 28-20 Shepherd win and Versus Sports simulates a 31-17 Shepherd victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Video  

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Welcomes Shepherd to Farrell Stadium Saturday Night

PSAC Site - 2026 PSAC Football - Week 6 Notes

Shepherd Athletic Site - Game Notes

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Six Preview

Game Report - East Stroudsburg 27 - West Chester 13

Unlike most recent games, the Golden Rams (3-2, 1-1) got off to a good start by forcing an East Stroudsburg (4-1, 2-0) punt and then scoring a touchdown on its ensuing possession to take an early 7-0 lead. But after that, West Chester faced two problems: the offense couldn't stay on the field and the defense couldn't get off the field. And that led to a deceptive 27-13 thrashing by the Warriors.

Joey Zack and Nick Rogers put a stop to this run (Photo Chuck Greco)

Other than Future Robertson's 52-yard touchdown run on West Chester's first possession, the Golden Rams amassed a total of only 61 yards on their first nine times with the ball. The running attack consisted of forcing the ball up the middle and totaled 57 yards for the entire game. If you're not doing the math, that means after Robertson's score, there was a grand total of five net yards on the ground. And through the first 40 minutes of the game, West Chester's best pass play was an East Stroudsburg defensive pass interference penalty which worked three times.

Tucker Valoczki and Sean Moskowitz spring Future Robertson on 52-yard TD run
(Photo Chuck Greco)

Despite the offensive ineptness, the Golden Ram defense held the Warriors to a 34-yard field goal and it appeared that West Chester would take a 7-3 lead into the locker room. But with under a minute left, Colin O'Sullivan (15 of 33, 176 yards, 1 TD, 3 int) tried to squeeze a pass over the middle to Blake Thomas at the WCU 30-yard line which got intercepted. The East Stroudsburg offense quickly poked it into the end zone and all of a sudden West Chester trailed 10-7 at the break.

Bryan Anderson drags down the runner for a 3-yard loss (Photo Chuck Greco)

In the third quarter, East Stroudsburg used their running game and two West Chester 15-yard penalties to extend their lead to 17-7. However this time, the Golden Ram offense responded. O'Sullivan connected with Will Silverman for 38 yards, Rayshawn Scott for 15 yards, and Robertson for a 25-yard touchdown. West Chester seemed to be right back in the game until Rylan Zuk's PAT attempt sailed wide right which left the Golden Rams trailing 17-13 and lacking for momentum.

Rayshawn Scott's first collegiate catch was a first down (Photo Chuck Greco)

East Stroudsburg then sandwiched a ten-play, 81-yard touchdown drive and a ten-play, 51-yard field goal drive around a West Chester three-and-out. That's an 11 minute to one minute time of possession swing right there! Needing two touchdowns with just four minutes left, O'Sullivan was forced to sling it up which accounted for 70 yards over two possessions all going to Dylan McKenzie (6 catches, 80 yards), with both resulting in interceptions.

Anthony Delle Donne and Miles Goodwin converge on a tackle
(Photo Chuck Greco)

Defensively, Elijah Motley had an interception in the end zone and two pass breakups to go with three solo tackles, while Miles Goodwin had seven tackles including an eight-yard, third-down sack to end East Stroudsburg's first drive. Bryan Anderson had a pass breakup and five solo stops including one for a loss. But the Warriors run game, which netted 318 yards, coupled with West Chester's six three-and-outs and 1 of 8 on third down conversions, led to East Stroudsburg holding a 40-20 minute advantage in time of possession for the game.

This Ricardo Delgado tackle setup a ESU fourth down (Photo Chuck Greco)

Notes - After missing last week's game against Millersville, Nick Micewski returned to left tackle. It appeared that fullback Mitch Ragni and reserve quarterback Tyler Douglas did not make the trip to the Poconos.

Dylan McKenzie had 6 catches for 80 yards (Photo Chuck Greco)

Sortable Box Score   

West Chester Athletic Site - East Stroudsburg Tops West Chester, 27-13

East Stroudsburg Athletic Site - Warriors Overwhelm Golden Rams with Strong Finish in Homecoming Win

Pocono Record - East Stroudsburg University football keeps building on bye week reset with win over West Chester

Golden Rams Review - Photo Album - East Stroudsburg

Game Replay

Alumni News - David Blay to Packers Practice Squad

Former Golden Ram defensive tackle David Blay has been signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Blay previously signed as a rookie free agent with the New England Patriots on May 8 but was subsequently released on August 7, then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on August 10 only to be waived on August 30.

As a redshirt freshman for the Golden Rams in 2022, Blay played in all eleven games making eight starts. That season he made 38 total tackles including 13 tackles for loss and five sacks. He spent the next two seasons at Lousianna Tech and finished 2024 with a team-high 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks to earn first team All-Conference USA honors. This past season, Blay had 28 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss as a starting defensive tackle for the FBS runner-up Miami Hurricanes which finished 13-3.

Green Bay Packers - Packers sign G Kevin Zeitler

Game Preview - East Stroudsburg

The Golden Rams (3-1, 1-0) travel to Gregory-Douds Field at Eiler-Martin Stadium to take on the Warriors (3-1, 0-0) as East Stroudsburg celebrates their homecoming. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 1:00pm.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 64-25. In 2004, the Golden Rams blocked a PAT in overtime, then scored a touchdown and won the game on Dan Wilbourne’s converted PAT to hand then #7 East Stroudsburg their first loss of the season in front of a homecoming crowd of almost 6,000. The two schools met again that season on a frigid and blustery November afternoon in the NCAA regional finals. With a crowd of over 7,200 on hand, the Golden Rams handed East Stroudsburg their second and final loss of the season.

The following year, West Chester topped the #6 ranked Warriors, 18-17, in muddy Farrell Stadium. 2005 was the last season that Farrell Stadium had natural grass. In 2009, East Stroudsburg ruined West Chester’s homecoming 21-20. The Golden Rams failed to convert a PAT early in the game and a 35-yard field goal late in the game. West Chester won nine in a row against the Warriors from 2013 to 2022, but East Stroudsburg has captured the last three contests.

Former Warrior quarterback Jimmy Terwilliger (46-28) enters his ninth full season (less COVID season in 2020) as head coach at his alma mater and guided his team to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2023 and 2024, losing in the first round both times to PSAC West opponents.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2015	Home	Win	41-27	2021	Home	Win	42-24
2016	Away	Win	41-14	2022	Away	Win	24-21
2017	Home	Win	31-26	2023	Home	Loss	28-14
2018	Away	Win	52-24	2024	Away	Loss	45-31
2019	Home	Win	28-21	2025	Home	Loss	45-14

Last Meeting:

10/04/2025 East Stroudsburg 45 - West Chester 14

The Golden Rams took a 14-10 lead into halftime, but got shut out 35-0 in the second half which extended East Stroudsburg's winning streak over West Chester to three games. The Warriors rolled up 511 yards of total offense and scored 45 points against WCU for the second consecutive year. The West Chester offense turned over the ball four times - two of which led to East Stroudsburg touchdowns. Jamir Reyes and Peaky Roseborough each had an interception for the Golden Rams.

Scouting the Opponent:

As much as it looked like Lehigh transfer Matt Machalik might take the regins at quarterback for the Warriors, senior Harrison Susi (36 of 62, 512 yards 4 TD's, 2 int) has assumed the position after only attempting 56 passes last year. The East Stroudsburg offense really revolves around him as he leads the team in both passing and rushing (53 carries, 281 yards, 1 TD). In the backfeld Cade Sawyer (23 carries, 227 yards, 5 TD's), Ajani Walker (32 carries, 218 yards, 1 TD) and Deante Crawford (25 carries, 130 yards, 3 TD's) all get plenty of touches along with All-PSAC East fullback Matt Frame. Last year against the Goldem Rams, Walker ran for 129 yards and two scores.

Since All-PSAC East receiver Jaylen Andrews is now at Buffalo, top targets in the passing game are 6'3" Elijah Ford (8 catches, 216 yards, 2 TD's), 6'2" Jalen Cook (3 catches, 99 yards, 1 TD), and Cam Burti (5 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD). Among East Stroudsburg's massive offensive line is right guard Pat Reynolds who was All-PSAC East a year ago.

The Warrior defense has three All-PSAC East performers on the line in defensive end Ashton Blose (28 tackles, 3.0 TFL) and tackles Ryan Epps (9 tackles, 2.5 TFL) and Jake Williamson (10 tackles, 3.0 TFL). Safety Everette Dingle (21 tackles) was All-Super Region 1 after last season while linebcker Camerin Gross (30 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 1 int) is their top tackler. Defensive backs Harold Hill IV (13 tackles, 6 PBU) and Leyden Hertz (3 tackles, 4 PBU) are among the PSAC leaders in passes defended.

The East Stroudsburg specialist unit features three All-PSAC East players in kicker Ty Quintois (18 of 18 PAT, 7 of 9 FG, long 55), punter Adam Noll (44.5 yd avg, 3 I20, 3 50+), and return specialist Elijah Carroll. The Warriors have averaged 10.6 yards on their ten punt returns.

Analysis:

Even though this is week five and both teams are 3-1, they're both trying to find themselves and jockey for early position in the division. East Stroudsburg's victories have come against Seton Hill, Pace and Lackawanna who are a combined 2-9. Similarly, West Chester has defeated Lincoln, Edinboro and Millersville who are a combined 3-9. East Stroudsburg's loss came to #8/#9 Slippery Rock (4-0) while West Chester's setback came to #9/#13 Indiana (4-0). So this game is a measuring stick for both teams.

While the Golden Ram defense is among the leaders in the PSAC in scoring and total yards, they've gotten off to slow starts in their three conference games - a 73-yard touchdown drive to Indiana, a 76-yard touchdown drive at Edinboro, and a 54-yard drive by Millersville that was stopped on the one-yard line followed by a 43-yard touchdown drive by the Marauders. Against a Warrior team that scores 37 points/game, it would be a huge benefit if the defense played the entire game rather than just the final 50 minutes. It will be a tall order to slow down the Warrior rushing attack (258 yards/game) led by their dual-threat quarterback.

The West Chester offensive line hasn't allowed a sack in the past two weeks and will be challenged by an East Stroudsburg defense that is third in the PSAC with nine. In the turnover category, the Golden Rams are -2 on the season while the Warriors are +3, so West Chester will need to protect every possession. And while West Chester's special teams are much improved over last season, East Stroudburg is among the best in the country.

Massey Ratings is giving the home team the nod by a score of 31-24 while Versus Sports simulates a wider 35-19 margin for the Warriors.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Video   Game Program

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Heads to East Stroudsburg For PSAC Showdown

PSAC Site - 2026 PSAC Football - Week 5 Notes

East Stroudsburg Athletic Site - Football Hosts Golden Rams for PSAC East Opener on Homecoming Weekend

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Five Preview