Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 46-25 and, as was reported earlier this month, these two teams always seem to have classic battles on big stages. This will be the third time that the two teams will meet in the playoffs with Bloomsburg holding a 2-0 advantage. In 2006, the Huskies held on to win 21-20 and in 2008 Bloomsburg prevailed 28-21. Like this year, both of those contests were in Bloomsburg.
Last 10 Meetings:
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
Year
|
H/A
|
W/L
|
Score
|
2006
|
Away
|
Loss
|
30-27
|
2009
|
Home
|
Win
|
30-14
|
2006
|
Away
|
Loss
|
21-20
|
2010
|
Away
|
Loss
|
45-21
|
2007
|
Home
|
Win
|
44-28
|
2011
|
Home
|
Loss
|
55-42
|
2008
|
Away
|
Win
|
24-21
|
2012
|
Away
|
Loss
|
24-23
|
2008
|
Away
|
Loss
|
28-21
|
2013
|
Home
|
Loss
|
31-28
|
Last Meeting:
11/09/2013 Bloomsburg 31 - West Chester 28
It was just three weeks ago that these two long time division rivals faced each other at packed Farrell Stadium with the outright division title and a trip to the PSAC championship at stake. Despite the final margin of just three points, Bloomsburg dominated the game and held a 15 minute advantage in time of possession.
West Chester was unable to stop the Huskies' potent rushing offense that gained over 300 yards. But Bloomsburg uncharacteristically threw the ball for over 250 yards to roll up 572 yards of total offense in the game. The Golden Rams used their big play offense to score on passing plays of 51, 33, 71 and 18 yards.
Scouting the Opponent:
Bloomsburg quarterback Tim Kelly's (126-218, 1,832 yards, 14 TD's, 7 interceptions) role isn't to win the game necessarily, but to manage it. In that capacity, he is quite effective and his effort against West Chester earlier this year might have been his best game of the season. Although his efficiency in that contest was only 140 and he didn't throw a touchdown, he threw for a season high 262 yards and didn't turn the ball over. Kelly's top targets are Glenn Hutton Jr. (42 catches, 690 yards, 6 TD's including 5 catches for 100 yards against West Chester) and Tony Peregrin (25 catches, 357 yards, 2 TD's). Bloomsburg hasn't thrown to their tight ends as much as they used to, but they are effective targets when employed (18 catches, 233 yards, 1 TD).
Bloomsburg features four time All-PSAC place kicker Danny Fisher who is 10 of 14 on field goals and 54 of 55 on PAT's, although he's missed his last two field goal attempts and had a PAT blocked against Slippery Rock in the PSAC Championship Game. Freshman Lawrence Elliott Jr. is a threat in the return game as he's returned a punt for a 73-yard touchdown, has a kickoff return for 86 yards, and was named All-PSAC as a return specialist.
Defensively, the Huskies front seven are their strength. Linebacker Justin Shirk (111 tackles, 8.0 TFL's, 3 pass breakups including 16 tackles against West Chester this season), defensive end Larry Webster (42 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 8 QB hurries) and defensive tackle Chris Kennedy (23 tackles, 4.0 TFL's) were All-PSAC.
In the secondary, cornerback Gary Postell (61 tackles, 4.0 TFL's, 5 pass breakups, 1 interception) was named All-PSAC. DJ Robinson (43 tackles, 5.0 TFL's, 3 interceptions, 9 pass breakups) mans the other corner while Jonathan Patrick (34 tackles, 5 interceptions) has three interception returns of at least 20 yards.
Analysis:
Shippensburg is the only team to have beaten the Huskies this season and it's no surprise that they held Bloomsburg to their lowest offensive output of the season at 258 yards. Compare this to the 572 yards that the Huskies amassed against the Golden Rams a few weeks ago. Yielding passing yards to shut down the run seems like the appropriate game plan, but that wasn't effective the last time these two faced each other. The AIC head coach gave a lot of credit to West Chester defensive coordinator Mike Furlong in the first round of the playoffs. The Golden Ram defense will need to have an equally effective game plan to succeed in the second round.
Notes:
Saturday's game marks the final opportunity for the seniors to earn a win over the Huskies...The game will feature 24 of the 58 players named All-PSAC East and both Harlon Hill finalists from this region...A fan bus is being chartered to leave from the West Chester area at 8:30 am on Saturday and return around 6:00 pm. Price is $25. Send an e-mail to Jim Brazill at jimbrazill61@yahoo.com for more information or to reserve your spot...Of 165 teams in Division II, only 16 are still playing at this point in the season. Fans are invited to start this year's Thanksgiving by attending practice which starts at 7:45 am on South Campus. There will still be plenty of time to get to your favorite high school game, enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, then watch the NFL and/or nap. It's been nine years since the Golden Rams have practiced on Thanksgiving morning and it's something Division II football players and fans should truly cherish.
Game Coverage:
West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester's NCAA Second Round Game To Be Televised Live Saturday
Bloomsburg Athletic Site - Bloomsburg Hosts NCAA Playoff Game Saturday vs. West Chester
Philadelphia Daily News - Bloomsburg - again - stands in West Chester's way
KYW Newsradio - West Chester Ready For Rematch With Bloomsburg
The Daily Item - Quiteh, White in showcase on Saturday
Daily Local News - West Chester ready for rematch with Bloomsburg
D2football - PSAC Columnist - Previewing Round Two of the SR1 Playoff Bracket
D2football - National Columnist - Bob Eblen - National Columnist
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