Game Report - West Chester 27 - Kutztown 21

The Golden Rams overcame a horrendously sluggish start and defeated Kutztown Golden Bears to move their record to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the PSAC East.

Miss Betty Wyatt served as honorary captain (Photo Ron Hockman)

Prior to Saturday, the only time that West Chester was shut out in the first quarter was in their loss at Slippery Rock. So this team rolls up offense and points early in the games. But after the first quarter, WCU had more plays (14) than yards (9) and more punts (3) than completed passes (2). Meanwhile Kutztown, aided by good field position, three big plays, and some Golden Ram defensive penalties, had rolled up 77 yards in the first quarter. But the West Chester defense stiffened in the red zone and held Kutztown to just two field goals.

It wasn’t until the start of the second quarter when quarterback Paul Dooley, who returned after missing last week due to an injury, connected with Tyler Karpinski for 21 yards to midfield that the Golden Ram offense awoke. Two plays later, the pair connected again on a 39-yard catch and run for a touchdown. And that quickly, West Chester had a 7-6 lead.

Zack Hockman makes a special teams tackle (Photo Ron Hockman)

Late in the second quarter, Jarel Elder had a 25-yard run to midfield. After a couple of short passes, Dooley found a wide open Gabe Schappell. The freshman tight end rumbled 28 yards to the Kutztown 5. Mike Class gave the Golden Rams a 14-6 halftime lead on a one-yard touchdown run.

Gabe Schappell made his first collegiate catch (Photo Ron Hockman)

Overall, the West Chester defense did a good job against the Golden Bears. Coming into Saturday, Kutztown had surrendered just six sacks in four games. But George Shipp, Nydair Rouse, Kevin Duggan, and Diquan Gilbert all registered solo sacks in the contest. One of the keys coming into the game was slowing Kutztown’s top two players, quarterback Collin DiGalbo and running back Craig Reynolds (who was battling an injury), and those two managed just 51 yards rushing. And DiGalbo completed just 39% of his 41 pass attempts.

Diquan Gilbert once again in the Kutztown backfield (Photo Ron Hockman)

But West Chester’s offense also struggled. Dooley threw three interceptions and Kutztown register eleven tackles for loss. Kutztown was prepared for A.J. Long as they smartly sold out on the run when he was in the game. Long misfired on his only pass attempt and had a net ten yards on ten carries.

Midway through the third quarter, after an incomplete pass and rush for no gain, West Chester faced third and ten on their own 15. Dooley found a streaking Rasheem James who unlike previous times when he was targeted in the game, secured the ball and streaked to the end zone for an 85-yard touchdown. But Kutztown responded almost as quickly and narrows the score to 21-13 heading into the final quarter.

Rasheem James used a Tyler Karpinski block on his TD (Photo Ron Hockman)

With four minutes left in the game, West Chester was facing fourth and long from their own 17. Unfortunately punter Brendan Paulison, who’s had a good season, only got off a 22-yard punt. The Golden Bears took just 92 seconds to score a touchdown and tie the game at 21 with the two-point conversion.

On one of the biggest plays of the game, Jarel Elder returned the ensuing kickoff 46 yards to midfield and further progress was made on a Kutztown personal foul. Dooley connected with Marcus Sydnor for a ten-yard pick up and then on third down, Sydnor made another catch and spun his way into the end zone. But the point after was blocked, so Kutztown was going to get the ball back with 49 seconds left trailing 27-21. But on the Golden Bears second play, defensive back Anthony Brown intercepted Kutztown for the first time this season to seal the West Chester victory.

Anthony Brown made a game clinching pick (Photo Ron Hockman)

James finished with 142 yards on six catches. Shipp had a monster game with eight tackles, one forced fumble, one pass breakup, and two QB hurries to go along with his sack.

Injuries continue to be an ongoing factor this season. Besides Dooley, offensive lineman Vince Lostracco returned to action. But cornerback Quintin Smith did not dress. Senior center Devan LaBau left in the second quarter and did not return. Listed backup center Jack Mummert played one series, but then Connor Walsh snapped the ball for the remainder of the game. Right guard Alex Host was noticeably hurt, missed some time, but returned to finish the game despite his injury.

Helmets were held high after a big division win (Photo Ron Hockman)

Sortable Box Score    Coaches Box Score

West Chester Athletic Site - Sydnor’s TD Grab In Final Minute Lifts WCU Over Kutztown, 27-21

Kutztown Athletic Site - Kutztown Football Falls in Final Minute at West Chester

Daily Local News - WCU scores in final minute to overcome mistakes, beat Kutztown

The Quad - Football riding three game win streak

Reading Eagle - West Chester downs Kutztown

Allentown Morning Call - Local college football roundup

Club News - September 28 Meeting

The Golden Ram Football Club will be meeting on Thursday at 7:45pm at Timothy's in the Parkway Shopping Center in West Chester. The meeting will begin immediately following the Bill Zwaan Football Show which is also held at Timothy's starting at 7:00pm. Golden Ram fans unable to attend the show can listen to it live on WCHE1520AM.COM. The meeting will not be broadcast.

According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show, sophomore quarterback A.J. Long and senior defensive tackle Kavon Johnson will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show. In addition, athletic trainer John Smith will join the show.

In West Chester's 35-14 win at Lock Haven, Long accounted for 379 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 198 yards and two more touchdowns. He was named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week. Meanwhile Johnson had two tackles against the Bald Eagles. For the season, he has tallied four tackles and a QB hurry. Last year, Johnson notched 21 tackles, including 3.5 tackle for loss, and two forced fumbles.

Come out to Timothy's at 7:00pm to participate in the show live. Or send your questions for coach or the players to Bill Zwaan Show.

A.J. Long
(Photo Ron Hockman)
Kavon Johnson
(Photo Ron Hockman)

Athletic trainer John Smith (Photo Ron Hockman)

Game Preview - Kutztown

West Chester (3-1, 1-0) looks to remain undefeated in PSAC East play when they host Kutztown to take on the Golden Bears (3-1, 1-0). Kickoff at John A. Farrell Stadium is slated for noon.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 50-10-1. Head coach Bill Zwaan is 10-4 against the Golden Bears in his 14 years at West Chester. In 2003 in Kutztown, West Chester shot out to a 16-0 first quarter lead, but the failed point after touchdown conversion came back to haunt West Chester when Kutztown made a 38-yard field goal with 50 seconds left in the game handing Zwaan his first Division II loss. Kutztown's notched two wins in 2010 and 2011, the two years in the past ten that West Chester was under .500 and Kutztown qualified for the NCAA playoffs. And last year's Kutztown win led to the Golden Bears capturing the PSAC East championship.

Kutztown head coach Jim Clements is in his fourth year with the Golden Bears which went 7-4 last season, including an undefeated 7-0 in the PSAC East. He's the reigning PSAC East Coach of the Year. Entering this season, Clements is 23-14 at Kutztown and 89-38 including his time at Delaware Valley.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2007	Home	Win	21-0	2012	Away	Win	45-24
2008	Away	Win	49-8	2013	Home	Win	22-21
2009	Home	Win	31-17	2014	Away	Win	29-7
2010	Away	Loss	45-23	2015	Home	Win	44-14
2011	Home	Loss	24-0	2016	Away	Loss	20-14

Last Meeting:

10/01/2016 Kutztown 20 - West Chester 14

When a game is so even statistically, it's often just a couple of mistakes that make the difference between a win and a loss. West Chester was mired with three interceptions, two missed field goals and a one-for-three performance in the red zone. Yet with five seconds left in the game, the Golden Rams were just 24 yards away from a tie game.

The defense was led by Shaquille James with ten tackles and a forced fumble. Also making major contributions were Ch'aim Smith (7 tackles, 2 pass breakups), John Dubyk (7 tackles), Josh Ganzelli (6 tackles) and Kevin Duggan (6 tackles).

Offensively Jordan Banks (7 catches, 92 yards) and Tyler Karpinski (2 catches, 46 yards, 1 TD) excelled in the passing game while Jarel Elder (62 yards) and Mike Class (27 yards) led the ground game.

Scouting the Opponent:

Kutztown boasts the reigning PSAC East Freshman of the Year in quarterback Collin DiGalbo (63 of 97, 843 yards, 10 TD's, 1 int). Although he only throws for 211 yards/game, he's among the conference leaders in touchdowns, completion percentage and interceptions which makes him incredibly efficient. DiGalbo is also an effective runner (39 carries, 159 yards, 3 TD's). The Golden Bears' other offensive weapon is running back Craig Reynolds (74 carries, 359 yards, 4 TD's rushing, 20 catches, 303 yards, 5 TD's receiving). Reynolds leads Kutztown in both rushing and receiving and is the reigning PSAC East Special Teams Athlete of the Week, his second conference honor already this season. Two-time PSAC scholar-athlete Conor Sullivan (12 catches, 164 yards, 2 TD's) is also an effective receiver.

The Kutztown defense is led by All-PSAC East linebacker Tajier Jefferson (34 tackles, 1 int, 2 forced fumbles) who leads the team in tackles. Free safety Jake Perry (20 tackles, 1 int) was All-PSAC East last year while cornerback Ahkee Cox-Cowan (18 tackles, 9 passes defended) has made an impact in the secondary. All-PSAC East defensive end Ronny Tomasetti (9 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss) makes half of his tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

Reynolds is Kutztown's top return man for both punts and kickoffs. Kicker Alec Rosenfeld has been perfect on 20 PAT's this season and is 2 of 3 on field goals with a long of 37 yards. Redshirt freshman Dean Krcic (19 punts, 45.6 avg) has been very effective by dropping 10 punts inside the opponent's 20 and knocking six of them for more than 50 yards.

Analysis:

The Golden Ram defense will be hard-pressed to contain DiGalbo and Reynolds, but hopefully they can minimize their impact on the scoreboard. Kutztown doesn't put up huge offensive numbers in terms of yards, but they're third in the PSAC in touchdowns scored.

The West Chester offense will be tested in the passing game - the Golden Bears pass defense is more efficient that West Chester's, they have a total of six interceptions already this season and are third in the PSAC in sacks. Besides A.J. Long, the West Chester running game struggled to get going against Lock Haven. The biggest concern for West Chester, though, is in the special teams area.

Both Atomic Football and Massey Ratings favor the Golden Rams by double digits.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video  

West Chester Athletic Site - Saturday's Football Game Set to be Pink Out and Coaches To Cure MD

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes Week - 5

Kutztown Athletic Site - Kutztown and West Chester Meet Saturday for Top Spot in PSAC East

Reading Eagle - West Chester With Critical Battle With Kutztown Saturday

D2football - National Columnist - Bob Eblen - National Columnist

Player News - Long Named PSAC East Offensive POW

For his efforts in West Chester's 35-14 win at Lock Haven, sophomore quarterback A.J. Long has been named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week. Starting in place of injured Paul Dooley, Long threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another 181 yards and two more scores, accounting for 379 total yards and all four offensive touchdowns. He becomes the first Golden Ram to be recognized by the conference this season.

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Athletes of the Week - 4

West Chester Athletic Site - Long Named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week

The Wilson Post - AJ Long shines in D-II debut

Lebanon Democrat - Former Friendship QB wins college conference honor

Game Report - West Chester 35 - Lock Haven 14

Based on last week’s scoring outburst against Edinboro coupled with playing a struggling Lock Haven team, there were expectations for a convincing margin of victory. But fans were left squirming in their seats early on and never got really comfortable until the final horn of West Chester’s 35-14 win at Lock Haven.

With starting quarterback Paul Dooley on the sidelines in a boot, A.J. Long got the call under center. On the Golden Rams’ first possession, other than Long scrambling 14 yards for a first down, the offense did very little. Conversely, Lock Haven took the ensuing punt and marched down the field, going 49 yards in 13 plays and consuming over five minutes off the clock. But the West Chester defense went into lockdown mode - on first down, Shane Griffin registered a sack; on second down Tyler Morrissey had a quarterback hurry and on third down George Shipp batted down a pass. Then Nydair Rouse blocked the Lock Haven field goal attempt and Shaquille James returned it 36 yards to give West Chester a wakeup call.

Shaq James returns a punt for touchdown (Photo Ron Hockman)

Although West Chester led 21-7 at the half, Lock Haven held an advantage in total yards, so it was far the dominating performance that many expected. The game was an opportunity for Long to make a claim for the starting QB role, but he only completed 46% of his 26 pass attempts and despite throwing two touchdowns, he also threw two interceptions. The turnovers were emblematic of several of his throws - late to come out, underthrown or too much loft giving defenders a chance for a pass breakup or an interception. If thrown better, both picks would have resulted in West Chester scores.

Dan Neuhaus had two touchdown catches (Photo Ron Hockman)

Long did connect with R-Fr tight end Dan Neuhaus for a 44-yard touchdown when the defender fell down. The two connected a second time from inside the ten. Rasheem James had two catches for 50 yards and Tyler Karpinski snared three balls for 35 yards. What Long did firmly establish is that he is a powerful and elusive runner. He carried the ball 15 times for 181 yards without losing a yard on any rush. Long scored on runs of two and 25 yards and Lock Haven had no answer for him once he crossed the line of scrimmage.

A.J. Long ran for 181 yards and two score (Photo Ron Hockman)

Defensively, Morrisey was all over the place - in the Lock Haven backfield or down in the secondary. And the numbers prove that out as he registered 16 tackles including two tackled for loss. True freshman Nate Barnes and R-Fr Jordan Burney each had five tackles. Defensive end Diquan Gilbert picked up sack on fourth down.

Kavon Johnson eye a QB sack (Photo Ron Hockman)

Unfortunately, injures continue to plague the Golden Rams. Besides Dooley not being dressed, offensive lineman Jake Duncan and linebacker Geoffrey Phillippe both left the game and did not return.

Tyler Morrissey was in on 16 tackles (Photo Ron Hockman)

Sortable Box Score   

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Handles Lock Haven On The Road, 35-14

Lock Haven Athletic Site - Football topped by West Chester

Williamsport Sun-Gazette - Bald Eagles drop their home opener

Game Preview - Lock Haven

The Golden Rams (2-1) open PSAC East play when they travel to Lock Haven to take on the Bald Eagles (0-3). Kickoff on Lock Haven's homecoming is scheduled for 2:00pm Saturday at Hubert Jack Stadium.

Series History:
West Chester holds a 23-6-1 lead in the series. Current WCU head coach Bill Zwaan is undefeated in his previous six meetings with the Bald Eagles. Lock Haven moved from the PSAC West to the PSAC East prior to the 2013 season when they replaced LIU Post. Head coach Dave Taynor holds a record of 6-16 in his third season at Lock Haven. After opening 2016 with five straight losses, they finished by winning four of their last six games including knocking off Bloomsburg and East Stroudsburg.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
1954	Home	Win	32-0	2009	Away	Win	43-0
1955	Away	Win	20-0	2013	Away	Win	34-13
1990	Away	Win	28-27	2014	Home	Win	41-6
1991	Home	Loss	13-7	2015	Away	Win	33-9
2008	Home	Win	37-6	2016	Home	Win	37-7

Last Meeting:

09/24/2016 West Chester 37 - Lock Haven 7

The Golden Ram offense took a little while to get going on the scoreboard, but West Chester dominated on both sides of the ball throughout the game. For a quick comparison, West Chester had 503 yards of offense, held the ball for over 37 minutes and converted 16 of 20 third down tries. Meanwhile, the Bald Eagles were held to just 242 yards of offense, less than 22 minutes of possession and were successful on just 4 of 12 third down attempts.

Receiver Jordan Banks (5 catches for 113 yards and 2 TD's) and Tyler Karpinski (8 catches for 75 yards) had big days receiving while Jarel Elder (87 yards rushing, 23 yards receiving, 59 yards in kickoff returns) had 169 all-purpose yards.

The defense was paced by tackle Josh Ganzelli (5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble) while defensive back Jarey Elder and linebacker Kevin Duggan each had four tackles.

Scouting the Opponent:

The Bald Eagles' offense returns two All-PSAC East players from last year's squad in center Trent Fielding and tight end Del’Vaughn Dennis (7 catches, 69 yards), but Dennis did not appear in their game last week. Lock Haven started quarterback Cameron Tobias (43 of 75, 434 yards, 0 TD's, 7 ints), in their first two games and he saw some time last week against Slippery Rock, but East Stroudsburg transfer Jimmy Strickland (8 of 18, 63 yards) started against the Rock and Kyle Knight (3 of 7, 23 yards) also saw action. Besides Dennis, top targets in the passing game include wide receiver Bryan Greene (15 catches, 137 yards), wide receiver Kyeef Williams (9 catches, 100 yards), and running back Corey Blakely (6 catches, 70 yards). Running back John Ford (46 carries, 139 yards, 1 TD) is their top ground gainer while Knight (104 yards) also contributes.

Free safety Isaiah Flamer (35 tackles, 1 int) was All-PSAC East last season and is fourth in the PSAC in tackles this year. Defensive back Daniel Strawbridge (12 tackles, 2 ints) is also in the secondary of the Lock Haven 3-3-5 defense. Linebackers Fernando Flores (27 tackles, 1 sack, 1 int) and Neil Satterwhite (15 tackles, 1 blocked kick) clog up the middle. Defensive end EJ Umoh (7 tackles) and lineman Terrell Mitchell (3 tackles) are the top tacklers up front for the Bald Eagles.

Penn State transfer Nick Boumerhi is 2 of 4 on field goals with a long of 39 and has made his only PAT attempt. Boumerhi and Tobias have both punted this year.

Analysis:

Let this statistic soak in - after three games this season, Lock Haven has scored a total of 13 points while West Chester averages 13 points per quarter.

All of the numbers - rushing and passing, offense and defense - are equally lopsided. The biggest concern is that the Bald Eagles are fourth in the conference in interceptions, so the West Chester quarterbacks can't get careless with the ball. But with a Lock Haven secondary loaded with athletes, Saturday might be a day for the running game to get going. After three games, Lock Haven has scored just one touchdown, so expect every Golden Ram defender that goes to the game should participate.

Massey Ratings has the Golden Rams as a 17.5 point favorite while Atomic Football favors West Chester by 28.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio  

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes Week - 4

Lock Haven Athletic Site - Homecoming Week 2017 is here

Lock Haven Athletic Site - Football to host West Chester in Saturday’s Homecoming game

The Express - Eagles host West Chester in home opener

KYW Newsradio - West Chester Readies For Road Match-Up With Lock Haven

Delaware County Daily Times - Springfield’s Morrissey finds his focus for West Chester University