Golden Ram Football Club: Game Preview

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Game Preview - Lock Haven

The Golden Rams (6-0, 3-0) travel to Hubert Jack Stadium to take on the Lock Haven Bald Eagles (2-4, 1-2) for the first time since 2009. Kickoff for Lock Haven's homecoming game is set for noon. It will also mark the first time that the two will meet as members of the PSAC East division. In the off season, Seton Hill was added to the conference and assigned to the West division and Lock Haven was moved from the West division to the East. Lock Haven's two wins this season have come over Cheyney (0-6) and West Virginia State (0-6).

Series History:
West Chester holds a 19-6-1 lead in the series although the two schools have met only four times since JFK was president. The last time that Lock Haven defeated West Chester was in 1991. Prior to that, you have to look back to the days of head coach Glenn Killinger (as in Killinger Hall and Killinger Foundation). Interestingly enough, that was the Golden Rams' only loss that season. Current WCU head coach Bill Zwaan is 2-0 against Lock Haven. This is the first year that Lock Haven has had two wins since 2006. John Allen is in his third season as head coach of the Bald Eagles.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
1949	Away	Win	7-0	1955	Away	Win	20-0
1950	Home	Win	39-21	1990	Away	Win	28-27
1951	Away	Win	35-6	1991	Home	Loss	13-7
1952	Home	Win	74-7	2008	Home	Win	37-6
1954	Home	Win	32-0	2009	Away	Win	43-0

Last Meeting:

08/27/2009 West Chester 43 - Lock Haven 0

What looks like a laugher certainly did't start out that way. West Chester's offense incurred 55 yards of penalties in the first quarter which kept them from being productive. The defense, which dominated the entire evening, provided the only points of the first 15 minutes, giving the Golden Rams a 2-0 lead. While the offense eventually scored five touchdowns and rolled up 460 yards of offense, it wasn't as easy as it seems. The defense, on the other hand, was wicked. They held the Bald Eagles to 44 yards passing and eight yards rushing. Lock Haven ran 52 plays for a total of 52 net yards!!! The Golden Ram defense had five sacks, a pick six, and held Lock Haven to 1 of 13 on third down and 0 for 2 on fourth down.

Scouting the Opponent:

The Bald Eagles offense is anchored by All-PSAC left guard Anthony Herko. The ground game is led by running back Brandon Brader (99 carries, 444 yards, 4 TD's; 4 catches, 94 yards, 2 TD's). Shippensburg transfer Dillon Mazzoni (53-116, 680 yards, 6 TD's, 6 interceptions) is the starting quarterback, but Caleb Walton (29-53, 330 yards, 1 TD, 2 interceptions) has seen action in every game this season. Leading receivers are Jesse Hoover (26 catches, 252 yards, 1 TD) and James Wilbern (15 catches, 302 yards, 2 TD's).

On special teams, kicker Alex Boumerhi is 8 of 11 on PAT's and 4 of 7 on field goals with a long of 46. Defensive back Mike Williams also serves as punt returner (8 returns, 75 yards).

The defense is led by linebackers Tony Ballon (54 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss) and Tashawn Bunch (35 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup, 1 blocked kick). Safety George Christas (50 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 4 pass breakups) provides the bulk of the pass coverage.

Analysis:

It's hard to imagine a scenario where Lock Haven can beat West Chester other than complete self-destruction by the Golden Rams. Offensively, Lock Haven ranks among the bottom in rushing, passing, and scoring in the conference. Their rushing defense is second worst in the PSAC. The pass defense has eight interceptions and 14 sacks, which are good for sixth in both categories in the conference, and they yield the fewest passing yards per game in the PSAC with 165. Last week, Lock Haven closed their deficit to Shippensburg to 30-24 with just over five minutes remaining, but the Raiders were able to run out the clock. In that game, they sacked Ship quarterbacks four times and picked off reigning Harlon Hill Trophy winner Zach Zulli twice.

Expect a big day from Rondell White and hopefully some additional touches for Brandon Monk. The passing offense doesn't need to win this game, but do just enough to maintain balance. Defensively West Chester should dominate this game with a big pass rush providing some opportunities for the secondary.

Notes:
Saturday marks homecoming for Lock Haven. Parking near the stadium is EXTREMELY limited so consider the other larger lots on Susquehanna Ave. Expect a 3.25 hour drive with the easiest, although not shortest, route being the Northeast Extension to I80 West to US220 North to exit 109 to PA150 North to left on Fairview which turns into Susquehanna...Hubert Jack Stadium has seating only on the home side, but the view of the river and the valley is very picturesque.