Game Preview - Bentley

The West Chester Golden Rams open the season at home for the first time since 2019 when they host a familiar non-conference opponent in the Bentley Falcons. Kickoff on Friday evening is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

Series History:
West Chester has won four of the five meetings in this series which started in 2016. The Golden Rams had dominating wins in 2017 and 2018, but needed late game heroics to win in both 2016 and 2019, before dropping last year's game in Waltham, MA. After a long career as an assistant with several NFL franchises, Alvin Reynolds will be making his collegiate head coaching debut against West Chester. The Falcons were picked to finish third in the Northeast-10 Football Coaches’ Poll. Meanwhile, Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan starts his 20th season at West Chester with an overall record of 150-67, including 11-4 against Northeast-10 opponents and 4-1 against Bentley.

Last Meeting:

09/04/2021 Bentley 41 - West Chester 17

Bentley shot out to a 21-0 lead and West Chester didn't get into the end zone until the waning minutes of the fourth quarter after already trailing 41-3. Offensively, the Golden Ram passing game never got on track, turned the ball over twice, and surrendered three sacks. Meanwhile, Bentley threw for 300 yards, did not turn the ball over and did not allow a sack.

Ja'Den McKenzie (87 yards) and Phil Poquie (28 yards) paced the Golden Ram rushing attack. Nyeem Jones registered five tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss. Late in the contest, Michael Alexander scored a touchdown after returning a punt that was blocked by Zach Liggitt.

Scouting the Opponent:

Last year, after defeating West Chester, Bentley went 9-1 in the Northeast 10 conference and qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs, finishing the season with a record of 9-2.

But this is a very different Falcon team. Gone is two-time All-NE10 quarterback Stephen Sturm who threw 239 of Bentley's 244 pass attempts last season. And over half of the team's rushing yards came from Andrew Brazicki (724 yards, 6 TD's) and Sturm (500 yards, 6 TD's). This year's options at quarterback include senior punter Charlie Ogletree (1 of 1 for 13 yards in 2021), Brett Pullman (0 of 2 in 2021), and Youngstown State transfer Mark Waid (69 of 122 for 600 yards and 3 TD's, 440 yards rushing in 1+ seasons for the Penguins).

But the offense does have some weapons returning. In the backfield are Nate Larkins (558 yards and 6 TD's rushing in 2021) and Anthony Doung (228 yards and 1 TD rushing in 2021). And whoever is at quarterback can target the team's top two receivers from last year in Noah Neville (32 catches, 555 yards, 6 TD's in 2021) and Tajon Vassar (26 catches, 242 yards, 3 TD's in 2021). Tackles Dom DePaoli and Gavin Olsen return on the line.

The experience and strength of this Bentley team lies on defense. Reigning NE10 Defensive Lineman of the Year Cedie Dashiell II (55 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles) has help up front from NE10 All-Rookie team member Herve Tshibamba (32 tackles, 2.5 sacks). Linebacker Salvatore Lupoli Jr. (90 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception) is the team's top returning tackler. The secondary is led by Mathieu Severance (35 tackles, 2 interceptions), cornerback Jailen Branch (31 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 1 interception), and free safety Aaron Racki (54 tackles, 1 forced fumble). Dashiell and Lupoli each forced a fumble against the Golden Rams last season.

Ogletree was an all-conference punter last season and Abel Lopes Jr. returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown in 2021.

Analysis:

Last year, West Chester faced a senior-laden, playoff-bound Bentley team and the Golden Rams weren't prepared for that test. This year, the Falcons have undergone a lot of changes, including at quarterback and head coach. However, the Golden Rams return only a handful of starters from last year's opener, so both squads appear to be fairly inexperienced. While West Chester returns the quarterback and running backs, there is youth on the offensive line and the receiving corps. The game will come down to who can get their act together quickly and minimize mistakes for a season opener.

Versus Sports simulates a 30-25 Golden Ram victory while Massey Ratings projects a similar 31-27 win.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video  

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Opens 100th Season of Football With Bentley Friday Night

West Chester Athletic Site - Football Lifts Lid On 2022 Campaign Friday Night Under the Lights At Farrell Stadium

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes, Week 1

Bentley Athletic Site - The Reynolds Era Starts Friday When Bentley Opens at West Chester

Bentley Athletic Site - Talented Quartet to Serve as Bentley Football Captains

Bentley Athletic Site - Bentley Football Returns to Campus Sunday for Preseason Camp

KYW Newsradio - The WCU Golden Rams bring a lot of talent to the 2022 season

Eagle-Tribune - After injury and COVID cost him two seasons, Lawrence's Howshan returns to the field for Bentley

Daily Local News- Promising prospects look to fill in for Golden Rams’ attack

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week One Preview

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC East 2022 Preview

D2football - Northeast-10 Columnist - NE10 Week One Preview

D2football - Northeast-10 Columnist - NE10 2022 Season Preview

Player News - Taylor Named to 2022 Elite 100 Watch List

Junior linebacker Jackson Taylor has been named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List for 2022. Less than 25% of the members of the list were underclassmen.

In 2021, Taylor was named first team All-PSAC East, PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year, All-Super Region 1 by the Division 2 Conference Commissioner's Association and a Cliff Harris Award nominee. He finished the season with 97 total tackles (7th in the PSAC) including 11.5 tackles for loss (12th in the PSAC). He also had interceptions at Shippensburg and Lock Haven and recovered a fumble at Shippensburg as well.

Jackson Taylor (Photo Gina Chapman)

D2Football.com - 2022 Elite 100 Watch List

Team News - 2022 Second Scrimmage Report

Here are some observations from Friday's action:

• With Brendan Ruskowski clearly departed, his uniform has been taken by defensive tackle Mike Yeakel and his captain's role has been assumed by running back Phil Poquie.
  
• In limited action, running back Ja'Den McKenzie had a nice run and clearly had no intention of being tackled by the West Chester second team defense.
  
• Tight end Stone Huffman had a nice catch and run and survived a severe facemask.
  
• While linebacker Jackson Taylor is a preseason All-American selection, the second team offense took advantage by getting him matched up one-on-one with a speedy wide receiver on a drag play that went for a big gain.
  
• It was good to see cornerback Sterlen Barr back and he managed a pass breakup in limited action.
  
• With safety Shamar Edwards out, Oscar Uduma was getting reps in the secondary.
  
• Golden Ram alumni Omar Peterkin and Rondell White made an appearance on the sideline.
  
• The defense definitely stepped up the pressure tonight by bringing blitzes for the offensive line and quarterback to decipher. It usually didn't bode well for the offense, but Ethan Kohler did avoid the rush and completed a touchdown pass to Jahmair Rider.
  
• Prior to the scrimmage, Coach Zwaan, and captains Phil Poquie and Jackson Taylor addressed the large contingent of new students that were in attendance. And during breaks in the game action, there were opportunities for students to participate in punting, passing and running competitions. Overall it was great engagement between the team and the incoming freshman.
  

West Chester opens the season on Friday at home against Bentley. Kickoff is scheduled for Friday 6:00 pm.

Team News - 2022 First Scrimmage Report

Here are some observations from Friday's action:

• The quaterback situation appears to be as expected. Sophomore Shane Dooley is 1A and classmate Desman Johnson is 1B. That is, both of them ran with the first team offense. Among the three true freshmen, Perk Valley alumnus Ethan Kohler looks to be ahead of the other two.
  
• That being said, freshman quartrback Cooper Jordan is fast. Really fast. Which raises a few questions. Are there enough other offensive playmakers for Jordan to retain his redshirt, or do the Golden Rams get him on the field in 2022? If he does play this season, how much will his role be as a quarterback or will he find his way onto the field at some other position? An interesting area to watch.
  
• The first offensive line was from left to right: redshirt freshman Patrick Methlie, redshirt freshman Caelan Krasley, sophomore Luke Stengel, #74, and junior Quinton Derr, the elder stateman of the group. There was at least one play when there were two #74's on the right of the line and to make matters more confusing to people in the stands, there's no #74 on the roster.
  
• Senior captain Zach Liggitt leads the defensive line and is joined by IUP transfer Ayyub Dail, Roderic Carson and redshirt freshman Nate Desmond.
  
• It was of little surprise that the defense "won" the scrimmage. They forced a couple of turnovers and, with the exception of Ja'Den McKenzie and Mari Wright, held the offense in check, although it was fun to see sophomore fullback Mason Griffiths catch a touchdown pass
  
• With Sterlen Barr, Nyeem Jones, and Shamar Edwards not dressed, defensive backs Mahmud Dioubate and Matt Marshall got more time.
  
• Since he wasn't on the field, Chris Barbera spent a lot of time punting to a kid on the sideline. He never dropped a punt, even while holding a football in one hand and catching the the next punt with the other hand. Recruit him now.
  

West Chester's final scrimmage of the summer is tentatively scheduled for Friday, August 26 at 6:15 pm.

Team News - Golden Rams Receiving Votes in AFCA Preseason Poll

West Chester is among teams receiving votes in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II preseason poll. Three of West Chester's 2022 opponents appear in the top 25 with Shepherd at #6, Kutztown at #13, and Slippery Rock at #23.

West Chester opens the 2022 season against Bentley, which is also receiving votes in the AFCA preseason poll, on Friday September 2.

American Football Coaches Association - Division II Coaches’ Poll – August 15, 2022

Team News - 2022 Season Preview

Another Tough One?

Last season's 6-5 record and fourth-place finish in the PSAC East were the worst for the Golden Rams since 2011. And more than 25 players from last year's team are not on the 2022 roster. While most of the departed had exhausted their eligibility, a handful of players were further along academically and graduated with eligibility remaining. Such is life. So while some key pieces do return, there will be a lot of new faces that will need to be identified and then quickly mesh in order to realize any success.

Offense

Shane Dooley

It took a game and a half last year for Shane Dooley (104 of 174, 1,719 yards, 20 TD's 9 int's) to assume the primary quarterback role. He improved as the season progressed and the sophomore will look to take further steps forward. His backup will be classmate Desman Johnson (13 of 39, 168 yards, 4 int's). After those two is a trio of true freshman - Ethan Kohler, Cooper Jordan, and Aidan Dooley.

Ja'Den McKenzie

Taking pressure off the passing game last year was a very successful running game paced by Ja'Den McKenzie (980 yards, 12 TD's) and Phil Poquie (629 yards, 7 TD's) who both return. McKenzie is a two-time first team All-PSAC East selection and he led the entire PSAC with 12 rushing touchdowns last season. Poquie had his 2021 campaign cut short due to an injury incurred at Shepherd, but led the PSAC in 138 all-purpose yards per game in the eight contests that he did play.

However, there will certainly be challenges on offense. As was discussed during the spring preview, tight ends Dan Neuhaus (22 catches, 482 yards, 5 TD's) and Jalen Jackson (4 catches, 73 yards, 3 TD's) are now gone, so sophomore Stone Huffman and redshirt-freshman Thatcher Miller will be seeking to make their first collegiate contribution. Receiver Rasheem James (40 catches, 603 yards, 4 TD's) exhausted his eligibility and Seth Degree (30 catches, 512 yards, 6 TD's) is not on the roster. All other remaining, non-running backs combined for 11 catches, 113 yards and 1 touchdown last year. Significant increases in contributions will be needed from Mari Wright (8 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD), Isaiah Allen, Junior Duffault and transfer Julian Kelly.

Quinton Derr

And offensive line coach Nick Sama will have his work cut out for him. Among last year's regular starting five, only right tackle Quinton Derr returns, although right tackle and team captain Brendan Ruskowski's number is still available on this year's roster. After Derr and Ruskowski, sophomores Bill Martelon (11 games), Luke Stengel (8 games), and Trey Wells (3 games) have the most experience on the line.

Special Teams

Sean Henry

On special teams, sophomore Sean Henry (43 of 45 PAT's, 5 of 10 FG's) returns to do the place kicking and kickoffs. His longest field goal last season was from 35 yards and 24 of his 65 kickoffs were touchbacks. Sophomore Chris Barbera will take over the punting duties from graduated John George. Poquie and speedy D'Shaun Seals will likely handle the punt and kickoff returns.

Defense

Jackson Taylor

All-American linebacker Jackson Taylor (98 tackles, 10.5 TFL) is certainly the centerpiece of the Golden Rams' defense. The junior team captain is also the reigning PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year. Next to him will likely be classmate Khalib Slaughter (12 tackles, 1 sack) who played in all eleven games last season or sophomore Oscar Uduma (5 tackles) who played in the final four games of the season and intercepted a pass on his first collegiate play at Shpeherd.

Obi Anyatonwu

The secondary doesn't have anyone with big name recognition, but they do have a lot of experience. Obi Anyatonwu (38 tackles, 6 pass breakups) started all eleven games at one corner spot. After starting in eleven games in 2019, Sterlen Barr was slated to be the other corner last year. But an injury in the opener at Bentley ended his season. The positive effect is that Izaiah McPherson (10 tackles, 3 pass breakups) got some experience. Senior Nyeem Jones (25 tackles, 3 sacks) is back at the shark linebacker position as is strong safety Shamar Edwards (22 tackles, 2 pass breakups). This leaves Zach Demarchis (13 tackles, 3 pass breakups) to assume the other safety position. The secondary adds experienced depth with Elijah Beard (15 tackles, 1 int), Ronnie James (9 tackles, 1 pass breakup), and Michael Alexander.

Zach Liggitt

The extensive losses on the defensive line were also discussed in the spring preview. Leading the returnees is team captain Zach Liggitt (31 tackles, 6.5 sacks). Expected to make more of a contribution this season will be Noah Collachi (19 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss). IUP transfer Ayyub Dail should also get an opportunity. Beyond that, there are several redshirt freshman that are going to get a lot of playing time in 2022.

Conclusion

With only seven players on the roster that started at least eight games last season, this year's roster is certainly young. Can the talent be ready for the season opener? One thing is for sure - newcomers, be they transfers, redshirt freshmen, or even true freshmen - will have an opportunity to play immediately if they can demonstrate their ability.

Daily Local News- West Chester looks to rebound from unacceptable 2021 season

Team News - 2022 Key Summer Dates

The Golden Rams reported to camp this morning, so it's time to look at the schedule for the rest of the month. Below are the key dates for the next couple of weeks for Golden Ram football fans:

• Fri, August 19 - Scrimmage 6:15 pm in John A. Farrell Stadium
  
• Fri, August 26 - Scrimmage 6:15 pm in John A. Farrell Stadium
  
• Mon, August 29 - First day of classes
  
• Fri, September 2 - Game vs Bentley 6:00 pm
  
  

Please note - Scrimmage dates and times are subject to change.

Player News - Preseason Honors for Taylor, McKenzie

Junior linebacker Jackson Taylor and junor running back Ja'Den McKenzie have been named preseason All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference by CFBNETWORK. After last season, Taylor was named PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year, first team All-PSAC East, second team All-D2CCA Super Region 1, D2football.com Elite 100 and honorable mention All-America by Don Hansen Football Gazette. McKenzie is a two-time first team All-PSAC East selection and after his freshman season was named PSAC East Freshman of the Year, second team Don Hansen Football Gazette Super Region 1, and Don Hansen Football Gazette Super Region 1 Freshman of the Year.

Here are the picks for the CFBNETWORK Preseason All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference team pic.twitter.com/tZrwbOSiRq

— The College Football Network 🇺🇦💛💙🙏🏼 (@thecfbnetwork) August 4, 2022

West Chester Athletic Site - Online Ticket Sales for Football Season, Single-Game Tickets Now Open

Team News - Golden Rams Picked To Finish Third

The West Chester University Golden Rams were picked to finish third in the division by the conference coaches at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference annual Football Media Day. West Chester finished the 2021 season in fourth place behind Kutztown, Shepherd, and Shippensburg.

The last time that the Golden Rams were predicted to finish this low in the PSAC East was 2013. That season, West Chster ended in a three-way tie (with Bloomsburg and Shippensburg) for the division crown and advanced to the semi-finals in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Predicted order with first place votes in parentheses:

Eastern Division
1. Shepherd (4)
2. Kutztown (4)
3. West Chester
4. Shippensburg
5. East Stroudsburg
6. Bloomsburg
7. Millersville
8. Lock Haven

PSAC Site - Shepherd Tops 2022 PSAC East Football Preseason Poll

West Chester Athletic Site - Football Tabbed Third in PSAC East Preseason Poll