Game Report - Purple 23 - Gold 10

Spring games put such a strain on a fan's emotions. One play in the Spring Game in particular exemplifies the range of feelings that can be experienced. On the third possession of the second quarter, Gold had a fourth and four from their own 16. Do you feel good that the Purple defense had continued its spring dominance? Or do you feel bad that Gold failed to move the ball effectively yet again? Or do you feel good that punter Rich Bruno launched an 82-yard punt? Or do you feel bad that the Purple return team wasn't able to field the punt, allowing it to roll to their own two-yard line? Or do you feel good that the Gold punt team got down there to down it before it rolled into the end zone? Or do you feel bad that Purple was offside, nullifying the whole exchange? All that for nothing!!!

And so it was.

Purple was spotted a two-point lead to start the game, earning the points during the week's practice competitions. And based on the defensive performances, many wondered if that would be the final score. After a first quarter featuring Bruno, it was the first play of the second quarter that posted real points on the scoreboard. Red-shirt freshman quarterback Andrew Derr (15 of 25, 225 yards, 3 TD's, 1 int) lobbed a 33-yard scoring pass to fellow frosh Ted Patton. This highlighted the most notable observation of the spring - Derr was playing on the Purple squad which was featuring the first team offense. Although Sean McCartney has recovered from last year's ankle injury and has practiced throughout the spring, head coach Bill Zwaan has held McCartney out of contact drills including the spring game. However, last season's backup, Drew Loughery (18 of 23, 204 yards) who saw time in five games last season, was assigned to the Gold squad which had the second-team offense.

Justin Bathurst provides protection as Andrew Derr attempts a pass
(Photo Geoff Ruth)

After kicker Shawn Leo missed a 52-yard field goal attempt lake in the first half for Purple, Gold had their most efficient drive of the day. Loughery completed six passes including three to tight end Tim Brown (8 catches, 70 yards). But Purple's Teon Lee (5 tackles, 1 sack) and Brian Butler (5 tackles, 2 sacks) sacked Loughery, and Gold had to settle for a 31-yard Leo field goal.

The other most notable action came on the first play of the fourth quarter. Derr completed a long pass to Erick Brundidge (2 catches, 73 yards) who broke free of the defensive back and danced into the end zone. Literally, danced. Unfortunately for him, this drew flags for unsportsmanlike conduct and the points didn't go up on the scoreboard until four plays later when Derr found Jim Hurley (3 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD) for a nine-yard touchdown pass. Spring games are for learning, and hopefully the entire team learns from this incident.

Almost lost in the quarterback discussion was the effort of some of the established players, which is easy to take for granted. Rondell White (19 rushes, 77 yards; 6 catches, 58 yards) was his usual dual threat and Brandon Monk (9 rushes, 87 yards; 2 catches, 20 yards) has his trademark explosive play on a 61-yard run on Gold's first play of the second half. Defensively Ronell Williams (9 tackles, 1.5 TFL) and Shawn Krautzel (10 tackles) starred for Gold while Purple was led by Tyler Morrissey (7 tackles, 1 pass breakup) and Drew Persa (6 tackle, 1 forced fumble).

Rondell White looks for running room (Photo Bert Garbutt)

Linemen Antoine Bland, Justin Bathurst, Derek Schatz, and Doug Gilbert finally get a break at halftime (Photo Geoff Ruth)

Notes :

• Possession changes were delayed as the offensive lineman had to change jerseys since several of them, including Adam Citko and James Colivas, did not dress for the game
• In the second quarter, Coach Zwaan took a break from his usual spring game role of not coaching and made his way to the pressbox to chat with the WCHE broadcast crew
• The members of the 2013 recruiting class were introduced at halftime
• Many Golden Ram football alumni were among the crowd, including former San Francisco 49'er linebacker Lee Woodall and Calgary Stampeder defensive end Sam Scott
• The fourth quarter was played with a running clock
• Senior members of the Purple squad celebrated the victory by dousing Bill Zwaan, Jr.

2013 Recruiting Class (Photo Geoff Ruth)

Joe Szczerba

Prior to the Spring Game, the Geezer Game was played in Farrell Stadium. The "80's Older Rams" crushed the reportedly out-of-shape "90's Olden Rams". More importantly, however, as former Golden Ram wide receiver Jim Sheehan announced, the game's participants raised enough money to endow a scholarship in the name of Joe Szczerba. Lieutenant Szczerba of the New Castle County Police Department was fatally stabbed while struggling with a suspect in September of 2011. He was a two-time all-PSAC East guard for the Golden Rams in the mid 80's.

(Collage Bert Garbutt)

Box Score

West Chester Athletic Site - Purple Tops Gold, 23-10, In Annual Spring Game

The Quad - Golden Rams return for their annual Spring Game

Daily Local News - WCU football addresses depth, size with newest class

Daily Local News - Photo Gallery

Team News - Seniors Honored

Nine senior football players were honored at the Rams Athletic Association's 20th Annual Senior Awards Dinner held at Sykes Student Union yesterday. Senior student-athletes in attendance from all sports were presented with a replica of the rams statue located in front of Old Library. Receiving their statue from Athletic Director Dr. Edward Matejkovic were defensive back Carl Barnes, wide receiver Sean Beahan, tight end Justin Curry, offensive lineman Blair Gower, wide receiver Jim Kelly, defensive back Mike Lonergan, quarterback Mike Mattei, defensive back John O'Donnell, and defensive back/special teams player Nate Pagan.

Head football coach Bill Zwaan took the opportunity to congratulate and thank each of those seniors individually as well as recognize their team accomplishments.

Event News - Alumni Game & Spring Game

Two Golden Ram football games will be played Saturday, April 27th at Farrell Stadium as part of alumni weekend. First, come out to see the 2013 Geezer Game when the "90's Olden Rams" take on the "80's Older Rams". Kick off is set for 10:00am. For any alumni that wish to participate, please click here to register.

Then at noon, the annual Purple-Gold spring football game will be held in culmination of spring practice.

After the spring game, stop by Barnaby’s for a post-game gathering. Barnaby's will donate a percentage of their night’s receipts to the WCU football program.

Event News - Bone Marrow Drive

West Chester University football is once again sponsoring the "Be the Match/Save a Life" bone marrow drive this season as part of the National Marrow Donor Program. On Friday, April 26th from 10:00am to 2:30pm at Sturzebecker Gym, fans of Golden Ram football can register by giving a simple swab of your mouth. Two years ago, WCU football players Jared Bonacquisti, Bill Pommerer and Dom Dovidio were found to be potential donors. If you're not already a member, please consider coming to South Campus and join the registry.

The Quad - WCU football team to host bone marrow drive

Team News - 2013 Second Scrimmage Report

It's easy to tell it's spring ball when there are more guys on the field in sweats than in uniform. Sure most of them are coaches, but the Golden Rams are battling a lot of injuries while other players are being withheld from live action for precautionary reasons. Either way, young guys are getting a chance to show what they have and to learn the system, but it's difficult to project what this fall's team will be like from the play in April.

The offense struggled most of the day with two of the day's three touchdowns coming on wide open receivers on blown coverages by a young secondary. But sustained drives were hard to find. Besides the defense being very familiar with the offense, there are a lot of new faces in the passing game right now. Quarterback Sean McCartney is being held out of live action, so Drew Loughery and Andrew Derr took the bulk of the snaps. And with Tim Keyser also not seeing live action, there are a lot of opportunities for the young receivers. Unfortunately for the offense, interceptions, deflections and batted balls were the theme of the day from an inspired and lively defense.

The spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 27 at noon in Farrell Stadium as part of alumni weekend. Barnaby’s will donate a percentage of their night’s receipts to the WCU football program, so stop by for post-game refreshments.

A bevy of coaches in the offensive backfield take in the action

Quarterback Andrew Derr leads the offense with coaches watching on

Quarterback Drew Loughery surveys the coverage prior to running a play

Head coach Bill Zwaan consults with offensive coordinator Bill Zwaan Jr. on the team's performance

Kicker Shawn Leo nails a field goal during the scrimmage

Team News - 2013 Captains Identified

As Coach Zwaan indicated in the April issue of Coach's Corner, left guard Trey Farmer, strong safety Shawn Krautzel, defensive tackle Anthony McCloskey and running back Rondell White were selected as the team's captains for next year. Coach Zwaan will look to these four men to provide leadership for the upcoming 2013 season.

Trey Farmer, Shawn Krautzel, Bill Zwaan, Rondell White, Anthony McCloskey

Team News - Golden Rams Spring Practice

Yes, it's April. Yes, it's time to cut the grass again. Yes, it's football season. As Coach Bill Zwaan points out, last year's squad was "four or five plays away from having a really good year". But anyone who watched every game knows they were also only four or five plays from being under .500 for the third consecutive season. It's a game of inches. The margins are slim. Pick whichever cliché you want, it probably applies. Spring practice started April 1. Here are some of the areas to watch during practice and scrimmages over the next few weeks.

3. The Passing Game

Just when all the questions are answered, new ones appear. Last year, Sean McCartney was the starting quarterback and Tim Keyser and LaRonn Lee were expected to be his top two receivers. Unfortunately all three experienced injuries - McCartney's and Keyser's were season-ending, while Lee's was of the nagging and lingering variety. So Mike Mattei took the reins at quarterback and Jim Kelly was the team's leading receiver with Sean Beahan posting significant receiving figures. With those three seniors now gone, the expectation going into 2013 is the same as 2012 - McCartney throwing to Keyser and Lee. How well each of them has recovered from his injury will be interesting to watch this spring. And besides contributions from Erick Brundidge and Adam Dempsey, will someone be 2013's Jimmy Kelly? An effective passing game is what kept opposing defenses honest and helped Rondell White set the school single season rushing record last year.

2. Offensive Line

Rondell White readies for his senior season

Because the offensive line consists of five guys that play as a single unit, and the fact that it has such a significant impact to the entire offense, their performance can be considered a key every year. In last year's injury riddled season, all five guys on the o-line started all eleven games, which was an important part of the team's 2012 offensive output. But gone are all-PSAC center Brian Margetich, all-PSAC guard Blair Gower and tackle Erik Pratt who was a three-year starter. All-PSAC guard Trey Farmer returns and look for Adam Citko to swing from right tackle to left tackle. Derek Schatz was part of a rotation at center last year and should be penciled in as the starter this season. The right side of the 2013 Golden Ram offensive line will consist of guard James Colivas and tackle Justin Bathurst, who played in every game last year.

1. Secondary

Coach Toney instructs the defensive backs

The defense only lost seven seniors from last year's depth chart, but six of them came from the secondary including all four safeties. At the corners, Al-Haj Shabazz and Dante Devine will likely get the starting nod as Shabazz started most of last year and Devine saw significant playing time. Captains John O'Donnell and Carl Barnes, also the #3 and #4 tacklers on last year's team, are gone to graduation. Shawn Krautzel will likely move back to his natural position at strong safety, but it will be a new face next to him, possibly Brandon Pepper. Needless to say, there will be some new names and numbers to learn when it comes to depth in the secondary. Improvement from a national ranking of #126 and yielding 250 yards per game through the air will be a tall order for a young secondary.

Notes: There are two scrimmages tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 13 at 10:00 am and Saturday, April 20 at 10:00 am....the Purple-Gold game is scheduled for Saturday, April 27 at noon.

West Chester Athletics Site - West Chester Gridiron Gang Opens Practice This Week

(Collage Bert Garbutt)

Alumni News - DePalma a Charger

Dan Depalma

Former Golden Ram wide receiver Dan DePalma has signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Chargers.  After graduating from West Chester in 2011, DePalma spent the past two years in the New York Giants and New York Jets organizations.

Chargers.com - Chargers Agree to Trio of Signings; Add Cornelius Brown, Deon Butler and Dan DePalma

West Chester Athletics Site - DePalma Signs 2-yr Deal With Chargers

NorthJersey.com - Verona native Dan DePalma signs with San Diego Chargers

Player News - LoStracco to Play in Global Bowl Italy

Golden Ram recruit Vince LoStracco (Father Judge) is scheduled to play in Global Bowl Italy later this week. This will be the First-Team All-Catholic lineman's second game in Europe this season as Father Judge opened the year with a game in Navan, Ireland.

philly.com - Inter-Ac, Catholic League football players to represent U.S. in G

Club News - Dave Graham Passes Away

Long-time Golden Ram Football Club member and past president Dave Graham passed on Saturday, March 30. Graham was an avid Golden Ram football fan, recipient of the Bill VanSant Award and was active with the Killinger Foundation. Services are set for Thursday, April 4.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Killinger Foundation, c/o WCU Foundation, PO Box 541, West Chester, PA 19381.

Daily Local News - David S. Graham

DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home - David S. Graham