Game Report - West Chester 28 - Shippensburg 21

West Chester (5-0, 2-0) remained undefeated as they knocked off Shippensburg (2-3, 0-2) by a score of 28-21. Despite it being a glorious afternoon for football, it was a difficult game to watch. The two teams combined for six turnovers and 24 penalties for 234 yards.

It was the timing of West Chester's miscues that was especially bothersome. An A.J. Long 37-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was called back due to a holding penalty. The next trip into the red zone resulted in a lost fumble. West Chester scored on the first play of the second quarter, but right tackle Jake Duncan was flagged and ejected on the PAT. And late in the first half, a 48-yard touchdown pass from Long to Lex Rosario was negated when the officals ruled Long had crossed the line of scrimmage. So that's 21 points that were left on the field.

A great crowd was on hand for the final home game until November
(Photo Zack Hockman)

But even with the gaffes, Long and Rosario had terrific games. Long finished with 356 yards and three touchdowns passing to go along with 87 yards rushing. Rosario had his best game as a Golden Ram, making 13 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown. And he did it in every way - making a diving comeback catch, getting wide open for an easy score, and concentrating and hauling in a tipped ball for a big gain. West Chester also welcomed the 2018 debut of tight end Dan Neuhaus with two catches for 26 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown reception on his first touch of the season.

Lex Rosario breaking tackles on the sideline (Photo Zack Hockman)

The Golden Ram pass defense was certainly challenged in the contest, but since they held the Raiders to just nine yards rushing in the game, what choice did Shippensburg have? What Shippensburg lacked in accuracy (57%), they made up for in persistence (47 attempts). Although only Tyler Morrissey and Jordan Burney registered sacks for West Chester, the team did manage ten quarterback hurries which helped lead to four interceptions - two by Jarey Elder, one by Nate Barnes and one by defensive end Diquan Gilbert when he keenly read an attempted screen. West Chester also held Shippensburg to just 1 of 12 on third down.

Jordan Burney and Shaq James squeeze the ball carrier (Photo Zack Hockman)

Notes - Rasheem James had five catches for 55 yards and a touchdown before leaving in the third quarter with an apparent ankle injury...Elder had a third interception negated by an offside penalty...Morrissey (10) and Barnes (9) were West Chester's top tacklers...whatever was said at halftime worked as the Golden Rams were only flagged once in the second half for five yards...Saturday marked the first time in 2018 that West Chester failed to score in the first quarter.

A.J. Long leaves a trail of Ship defenders (Photo Zack Hockman)

Sortable Box Score    Coaches Box Score

West Chester Athletic Site - No. 12/19 West Chester Escapes With 28-21 Win Over Shippensburg

Shippensburg Athletic Site - Football Comes Up Short at No. 12 West Chester, 28-21

The Sentinel - Carlisle's Nate Barnes has pick, 9 tackles in West Chester's win over Shippensburg

Zack Hockman - Photo Album - Shippensburg - First Quarter

Zack Hockman - Photo Album - Shippensburg - Second Quarter

Zack Hockman - Photo Album - Shippensburg - Third Quarter

Zack Hockman - Photo Album - Shippensburg - Fourth Quarter

Game Preview - Shippensburg

West Chester University (4-0, 1-0) hosts the Shippensburg Raiders (2-2, 0-1) on Saturday at John A. Farrell Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 26-11-1. In his 14 years at West Chester, Bill Zwaan is 13-4 against the Raiders. Shippensburg head coach Mark Maciejewski is the reigning PSAC East Coach of the Year, now in his 8th season and holds a 58-26 record.

In one of the most memorable games in West Chester football history, Golden Ram quarterback Sean McCartney made his first collegiate start and threw for 444 yards and five touchdowns to lead West Chester to a 44-43 victory in two overtimes in a nationally televised Thursday night game in 2010. The following year, West Chester laid a 52-17 loss on the Raiders, but Shippensburg returned the favor in 2012, beating West Chester 42-24 on homecoming at Farrell Stadium and continued on to the PSAC championship game and the NCAA playoffs that year.

In 2013, Shawn Leo booted a 26-yard field goal with one second left to give West Chester the thrilling victory. And last season, West Chester defeated Shippensburg on the road in October only to have to do it again in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2009	Away	Loss	24-19	2014	Home	Win	55-28
2010	Home	Win	44-43 2OT	2015	Away	Loss	27-11
2011	Away	Win	52-17	2016	Home	Win	31-15
2012	Home	Loss	42-24	2017	Away	Win	37-27
2013	Away	Win	32-29	2017	Away	Win	27-6

Last Meeting:

11/19/2017 West Chester 27 - Shippensburg 6

In a chilly rain in Shippensburg, the Golden Ram defense kept the Raiders off the scoreboard until midway through the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, despite losing the turnover battle, the West Chester offense held the ball for over 35 minutes as they advanced in the NCAA Division II playoffs by a score of 27-6.

Quarterback A.J. Long ran for 70 yards and threw for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Rasheem James caught two of Long's passes and three in total for 67 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Tyler Morrissey led the way with ten tackles and a sack while Diquan Gilbert, Nate Barnes, and Shaquille James each registered six tackles.

Scouting the Opponent:

The Shippensburg offense is led by redshirt freshman and Lafayette transfer Brycen Mussina (90 of 163, 1,163 yards, 12 TD's, 7 int's), son of seven-time Gold Glove Major League Baseball pitcher Mike Mussina. He sprays the ball around as five different receivers have double digit catches: Josh Gontarek (21 catches, 293 yards, 3 TD's), Winston Eubanks (14 catches, 323 yards, 2 TD's), Shea O'Donnell (13 catches, 178 yards, 2 TD's), Charles Headen III (12 catches, 135 yards, 4 TD's), and Mari Wright (12 catches, 93 yards). Eubanks is the reigning PSAC East Freshman of the Year and was first team All-PSAC East in 2017. As a brief aside, Wright initially verbally committed to the Golden Rams before changing his mind a week later.

Marcus Lominy (38 carries, 160 yards) and Raleigh Sirb (35 carries, 155 yards) are the primary running backs, led by All-PSAC East linemen Alec Petrillo and Zach Warren.

Freshman David Shank handles all of the kicking duties, averages 35 yards per punt, and has yet to convert a field goal on two attempts. Lominy is averaging almost 11 yards per punt return.

Defensive linemen Richard Nase (15 tackles, 1 sack, 3 QBH) and Dakota Thompson (16 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 QBH) were both All-PSAC East last year. Linebackers Steven Cain (31 tackles, 1 sack, 4 PBU), Tig Spinelli (30 tackles, 4 TFL), Tyler Emge (27 tackles, 1 int) are the team's top tackles. Look for Eric Dzieniszewski (20 tackles, 5 PBU's), John Chaney III (15 tackles, 2 int's,3 PBU's), and former Golden Ram Deionte Wilson (9 tackles) in the secondary.

Analysis:

Shippensburg opened the season 2-0 before getting whalloped by California and then losing a lackluster performance at Bloomsburg. They're in the middle of the PSAC in most statistical categories, but they will still pose the biggest challenge that the Golden Rams will have faced this season. It will be interesting to see how the West Chester defense handles Shippensburg's passing game, either pressuring the young quarterback or playing back in coverage. California made five interceptions against Shippensburg and won by over 40 points, so it certainly seems like that's a key.

Keeping Long clean and maintaining balance on offense should be enough. The Golden Rams have a decided edge in the kicking game.

Massey Ratings favors the Golden Rams by a touchdown while Atomic Football gives West Chester an 11-point margin.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

West Chester Athletic Site - Depth Chart - West Chester vs. Shippensburg

West Chester Athletic Site - No. 12/19 West Chester Ready For PSAC East Rival Shippensburg

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes Week - 5

Shippensburg Athletic Site - Saturday's Football Game at WCU to Air Live on SportsFEVER TV, ESPN3

KYW Newsradio - West Chester looks to stay perfect Saturday against Shippensburg

SPORTSfever TV - West Chester looks to remain unbeaten in PSAC tilt with Shippenburg on Saturday afternoon

D2football - PSAC Columnist - Week 5 in the PSAC

Event News - September 27 Bill Zwaan Football Show

The Bill Zwaan Football Show will be held at Timothy's in the Parkway Shopping Center in West Chester starting at 7:00pm. Golden Ram fans unable to attend the show can listen to it live on WCHE1520AM.COM.

According to the Bill Zwaan Football Show, senior punter Brendan Paulison and senior defensive back Nydair Rouse will be the special guests on Coach Zwaan's show. In addition, assistant head coach Gerald Toney will join the show.

In West Chester's 42-16 win over Millersville, Paulison averaged 46.5 yards on four punts, landing two inside the Maruader 20 and booming a long of 55. He is currently fourth in the country and first in the PSAC with a 45.7 yards per punt average on the season. Paulison also handles the kickoff and holding duties for the Golden Rams. Meanwhile Rouse returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown against Millersville. He also made three solo stops and a pass breakup.

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.

Brendan Paulison
(Photo Ron Hockman)
Nydair Rouse
(Photo Ron Hockman)

Team News - Golden Rams Up to #12 in AFCA Poll

After pasting Millersville by a score of 42-16, West Chester (4-0) has moved up again in the top 25 of the coaches' poll. The Golden Rams are now ranked #12. West Chester actually fell in the D2football.com poll to from #18 to #19.

Quarterback A.J. Long is among the national leaders in passing efficiency (3rd) with a 188.3 rating, passing yards per completion (5th) with 18.24 and points responsible for (4th) with 96. Punter Brendan Paulison is 4th in the country with an average 45.7 yards per punt. Rasheem James is 4th in the country in TD receptions with 6.

The Golden Ram defense leads the nation in sacks with 5.5 per game and is 3rd in the country in scoring with 10.8 points per game allowed. The offense is 6th in the country in scoring with 44.0 points per game. West Chester is one of 22 teams that remain undefeated after four weeks into the season.

West Chester's next action is Saturday at noon when they host Shippensburg (2-2).

American Football Coaches Association - Division II Coaches’ Poll – September 24, 2018

Game Report - West Chester 42 - Millersville 16

The Golden Ram defense dominated once again as #13 West Chester (4-0, 1-0) shot out to a 28-0 first quarter lead and drifted to a 42-16 victory over still winless Millersville (0-4, 0-1).

Linebacker Tyler Morrissey had seven tackles and two sacks, defensive end Diquan Gilbert had five tackles and two sacks, and defensive end Ch'aim Smith had three tackles, two sacks and two pass breakups. Shark linebacker Nydair Rouse had a 35-yard pick-six to go along with his three tackles, and Jordan Burney also had an interception. After accounting for all ten of the Golden Rams’ sacks, Millersville had a net 17 yards rushing.

Omar Peterkin opened the game with a tackle for loss (Photo Ron Hockman)

The season-high 16 points allowed? The first Marauder touchdown came on a one-play drive after West Chester turned the ball over on its own 17-yard line. Millersville’s first field goal attempt was blocked by Jaishan Thornton, but Jarey Elder committed a personal foul on the ensuing fiasco which gave the Marauders a second chance which they converted. Millersville final score came with four minutes left when West Chester’s reserves staffed the field. So once again, the defense led the way in the win.

The Golden Ram offense had a productive first quarter, scoring touchdowns on three of its first three possessions. But after that, the offense scuffled. Of the team’s 353 yards of offense in the game, almost 200 yards came in that first period. A 31-yard Mark Dukes run, and receptions by Rasheem James and Ethan Price all resulted in first quarter touchdowns.

Ethan Price took this catch 63 yards for a score (Photo Ron Hockman)

Quarterback A.J. Long was coming off a five touchdown performance at Seton Hill and threw for three scores in this game against Millersville. But overall, he was only 8 of 18 for 135 yards and one interception. He also lost two fumbles, accounting for all three Golden Ram turnovers. What’s most concerning, however, is his affinity to James even when other receivers are open. Of Long’s 18 pass attempts, 11 of them were targeted to James. Granted, James was All-PSAC East and ECAC Rookie of the Year in 2017, but defenses will soon, if they haven’t already, adjust and take away the Golden Ram deep threat. Continuing to throw to him despite double coverage is not a recipe for success in the offense.

Rasheem James hauls in one of his two TD catches (Photo Ron Hockman)

Kicker Andrew Chegia was perfect on his six PAT’s, but his 34-yard field goal attempt got swatted by the wind and his 53-yard attempt fell short and was returned to midfield. Punter Brendan Paulison continued his stellar season by dropping two inside the Millersville 20 and sending one longer than 50 yards in averaging 46 yards per punt.

Notes – West Chester is 4-0, but the Golden Rams’ opponents thus far have a combined record of 1-15...tight end Dan Neuhaus continues to be sidelined by an apparent knee injury.

Sortable Box Score   

West Chester Athletic Site - No. 13/18 West Chester Sacks Millersville, 42-16

Millersville Athletic Site - Marauders fall at West Chester

Lancaster Online - Millersville drops 42-16 decision at West Chester

D2football - PSAC Columnist - Week 4 Quick Recap

Ron Hockman - WCU Football vs Millersville - First Quarter Photos

Ron Hockman - WCU Football vs Millersville - Second Quarter Photos

Ron Hockman - WCU Football vs Millersville - Third Quarter Photos

Ron Hockman - WCU Football vs Millersville - Fourth Quarter Photos

Game Preview - Millersville

The Golden Rams (3-0) open PSAC East play when they host Millersville (0-3) on Saturday. Kickoff at John A. Farrell Stadium is scheduled for noon.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 68-17. Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan remains perfect against the Marauders in his 15 years at West Chester. J.C. Morgan (Bucknell '04) is in his first season as head coach of the Marauders after spending three years as Millersville's offensive coordinator.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2008	Home	Win	41-10	2013	Away	Win	48-3
2009	Away	Win	63-10	2014	Home	Win	62-7
2010	Home	Win	45-14	2015	Away	Win	48-3
2011	Away	Win	49-13	2016	Home	Win	52-0
2012	Home	Win	56-14	2017	Away	Win	27-24

Last Meeting:

11/04/2017 West Chester 27 - Millersville 24

Over the previous ten years, West Chester defeated Millersville by an average score of 51-9. Going into the game, a Golden Ram victory would ensure they would win the East division and therefore host the PSAC championship game. It would also be another step towards a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs. But despite all of those expectations, after three quarters, West Chester trailed 24-17.

When Andrew Chegia converted his second field goal of the game midway through the fourth quarter, it closed the gap to 24-20, but the Golden Rams still needed a touchdown. The task seemed large as West Chester took possession at its own ten-yard line with less than five minutes left to play. But three and a half minutes later, Mike Class made a one-yard plunge for the go ahead score on just his second carry of the game. Quarterback Paul Dooley (15 of 30 for 238 yards and 1 TD; 9 carries for 81 yards) was effective both throwing and running, targeting Dan Neuhaus (3 catches for 85 yards and 1 TD) and Rasheem James (5 catches for 82 yards).

Defensive back Jaishan Thornton made nine tackles include 1.5 tackles for loss while Jarey Elder and Tyler Morrissey each made seven stops. Diquan Gilbert had 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup while Shaquille James had two pass breakups and an interception.

Scouting the Opponent:

Sophomore Collin Shank (65 of 106, 726 yards, 2 TD's, 5 int's) is the primary quarterback, but senior Justis Jacobs (6 of 10, 55 yards, 1 TD) also saw action last week against Slippery Rock. Last year's starter, Tony Staffieri, missed time last year due to a shoulder injury and has yet to play in 2018. Top receiving targets include 5'7" redshirt freshman Chris Dolan (21 catches, 260 yards, 1 TD), Central Connecticut transfer Xavier Jenkins (10 catches, 131 yards), and Joey Farley (9 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD). The running game is paced by Kobe Miranda (33 carries, 86 yards).

The defense is led by two All-PSAC East performers: linebacker Cameron Boykin (20 tackles, 2.5 TFL) and defensive end Tommy Halloway (17 tackles). Their top two tacklers are safety Trejon Dinkins (34 tackles, 2 pass breakups) and tackle Lucas Bush (27 tackles).

Farley also doubles as the placekicker and is 2 of 3 on field goals while Tyler Reiman handles punting (35.4 average, 6 fair catches, 3 inside the 20)and kickoffs.

Analysis:

Here's the eye-popping statistic - Millersville has allowed a league high 21 sacks and has yet to sack an opposing quarterback. The Marauders are at the bottom of the PSAC in rushing offense, total offense and scoring offense. Against West Chester's rushing defense, expect the Marauders to throw the ball - a lot. While the Millersville defense doesn't yield a lot of yards passing, it's primarily because their opponent has a large lead and is looking to run out the clock. For the Golden Rams, this is the last of four games against a much weaker opponent and shouldn't pose much a contest. But then again, that's what we thought last year too.

Massey Ratings projects a four touchdown margin of victory for West Chester while Atomic Football sees the Golden Rams winning by 34 points.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

West Chester Athletic Site - Depth Chart - West Chester vs. Millersville

West Chester Athletic Site - No. 13/18 West Chester Hosts Millersville On Saturday

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes - Week 4

Millersville Athletic Site - Tough schedule continues for Marauders with road game at No. 13 West Chester

KYW Newsradio - West Chester opens PSAC play Saturday against Millersville

Daily Local News - West Chester University hopes to keep hot start going against Millersville

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week 4