Game Preview - Bloomsburg

The Golden Rams (2-2, 0-1) host the Bloomsburg Huskies (1-3, 0-1) on Saturday in a PSAC East matchup. Kickoff for is scheduled for 2:00pm in a game that marks both homecoming and family day for West Chester University.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 52-28 and these two schools often play big games. The two schools have met twice in playoffs - in 2008 and again in 2013 - with both postseason games played in Bloomsburg. The Huskies took the 2008 contest while the Golden Rams won in 2013 en route to the NCAA Division II semi-finals. There was the homecoming debacle in 2011 when West Chester took a 35-0 second quarter lead only to see the Huskies rattle off 55 straight points and steal a 55-42 win. Last year's five-point Bloomsburg win was the largest margin for either team since 2016.

Former Bloomsburg All-American linebacker Frank Sheptock is in his third season as head coach at his alma and sports a 8-18 record. Bloomsburg is coming off a 7-0 loss at Shippensburg.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2013	Home	Loss	31-28	2017	Home	Loss	20-19
2013	Away	Win	40-38	2018	Away	Win	17-14
2014	Away	Loss	41-10	2019	Home	Win	20-17
2015	Home	Win	33-22	2021	Home	Win	21-20
2016	Away	Win	27-7	2022	Away	Loss	21-16

Last Meeting:

10/01/2022 Blooomsburg 21 - West Chester 16

The Huskies leveraged three big first half touchdowns - a 58-yard pass, a 43-yard punt return and an 88-yard fumble return - to grab a 21-3 halftime lead. The Golden Rams clawed back with two touchdowns in the second half, but ultimately fell 21-16. Except for the 58-yard touchdown pass, the West Chester defense was dominant and held the Huskies to a total of 169 yards, seven first downs, 0 for 12 on third-down conversions and a total of 45 offensive plays. Khalib Slaughter made five tackles while Daniel Hicks, Kaleb Brown, and Ayyub Dail all had tackles for loss.

Offensively, quarterback Ethan Kohler had 185 yards passing and 14 yards rushing, but unfortunately turned the ball over twice, including the costly fumble. He did complete a 15-yard scoring pass to tight end Thatcher Miller and Rahiem Bowens had two catches.

Scouting the Opponent:

Bloomsburg's best player is running back Kaleb Monaco (63 carries, 393 yds, 2 TD's). He was All-PSAC East last season and he's currently second in the conference in rushing with almost 96 yds/game. Quarterback KJ Riley (50 of 82, 585 yds, 2 TD's) doesn't put up big numbers, but he also hasn't thrown an interception. Receiver Jerry Griffen-Batchler (19 catches, 235 yds, 1 TD) and tight end Nas Jones (14 catches, 184 yds, 1 TD) are top targets. Tight end Matthew Bowes was All-PSAC East last year, but has not played this season.

Defensively, linebackers Ryan D'Ambra (27 TKL, 2 PBU, 3 QBH), Tom Goetz (27 TKL, 4.5 TFL, 2 int), and Brady Thompson (23 TKL, 1.5 TFL) lead the Huskies in tackles. Safety Quentin Gaskill (18 TKL, 1 int, 1 PBU) was All-PSAC East last season, but missed last week's game. Defensive back Nate Capers (15 TKL, 2 PBU, 2 QBH) is also troublesome in the secondary. Defensive end Kenny Yurkonis (16 TKL, 1 sack) and tackle Giovanni Cancro (9 TKL, 2 TFL) are charged with applying pressure up front.

Kicker Brendan McGonigle (1 of 3 FG) has converted a 40-yd field goal. Punter Kevin Carrigan averages 40 yds per punt and has 2 touchbacks on 12 kickoffs. Bloomsburg has had both a field goal and a punt blocked already this season.

Analysis:

With West Chester allowing over 200 yds/game rushing, expect to see a lot of Kaleb Monaco. And if the Golden Rams start to slow him down, there will be plenty of opportunity for Bloomsburg to run play action passes to the tight end. The Huskies aren't afraid of going for it on fourth down (5 of 7). The Golden Ram defense really needs to step up.

Bloomsburg leads the conference in defensive passing efficiency, has seven interceptions and has allowed just one passing touchdown, so it might be another tough day for West Chester's aerial attack. The Huskies defense only has three sacks, so if they drop everyone in coverage, it might give Cooper Jordan some opportunities to run. The Golden Rams might need big plays to score as Bloomsburg is second in the PSAC in red zone defense. Special teams favors West Chester.

Massey Ratings is expecting a 27-17 West Chester win and Versus Sports simulates a similar 28-16 West Chester victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video  

West Chester Athletic Site - Homecoming and Family Weekend Arrive Along With Bloomsburg on Saturday

Coach Zwaan Podcast - Inside the Huddle with Coach Bill Zwaan: Episode 4

PSAC Site - PSAC Week 5 Football Notes

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Five Preview

Game Report - Millersville 23 - West Chester 14

The Golden Rams (2-2, 0-1) were dominated on both sides on the ball early and never recovered as the Millersville Marauders (3-1, 1-0) defeated West Chester 23-14 for the first time in two decades. After the first quarter, Millersville had racked up 13 points, 155 yards of offense and 11 first downs. Meanwhile West Chester managed just one yard.

Darrell Brown makes a touchdown saving tackle (Photo Joan Gillen)

While the Golden Ram defense improved in the second and third quarters - forcing five three-and-outs, picking off a Ville pass, and holding the Marauders to just a field goal after a West Chester interception - the offensive woes for the purple and gold continued well into the second half. West Chester's first nine possessions yielded just 62 yards and no points. Then after a touchback gave West Chester possession on their own 20, Trey Blair ripped an 80-yard touchdown run. With the deficit narrowed to 16-7, momentum really seemed to go the Golden Rams' way when Sterlen Barr, Jr. picked off a Ville pass giving WCU possession in Marauder territory. But the offense sputtered once again, aided by an offensive holding penalty.

Tery Blair took this 80 yards to the house (Photo Joan Gillen)

In the fourth period, Millersville managed to chew up the clock and tacked on another touchdown on a fourth-down pass to go up 23-6. West Chester got a quick strike when on the next play from scrimmmage, Cooper Jordan connected with Rahiem Bowens on a 62-yard touchdown pass to set the score at 23-14. But the Marauders continued to run the ball at the heart of the Golden Ram defense to effectively end the game.

It usually took multiple Golden Rams to stop the run (Photo Joan Gillen)

As stated in the opening, both sides of the ball played poorly. The WCU offense managed 229 total yards, but 142 yards came on the two one-play scores and 56 came in the final possession when Millersville was in a prevent defense. Jordan (7 of 19, 85 yards, 1 TD, 2 int) looked unsure throughout the game and netted just ten yards rushing after being sacked six times. The Golden Ram defense couldn't stop the run (270 net yards), couldn't get off the field (Ville ran 87 plays and had the ball for over 36 minutes), and committed bad penalties (three face masks and a pass interference in the end zone).

Rahiem Bowens on his way to the end zone (Photo Joan Gillen)

With Millersville running so much, linebackers Connor Noble (17 TKL, 1.5 TFL, 2 PBU) and Khalib Slaughter (16 TKL) had big days. Besides the interception, Barr also had a pass breakup and an 8-yard sack on a corner blitz, but he also committed the pass interference in the end zone that led to Millersville's first touchdown and was unable to make the stop on their last score.

Other observations:

• With safety Shane Mosley out with an injury, true freshman wide receiver Darrell Brown (2 TKL) got the start at strong safety.
• After missing two games due to an injury, cornerback Obi Anyatonwu (1 PBU) returned to action for the Golden Rams. Tight end Thatcher Miller was also back after missing last week.
• Wide receiver Seth Degree (1 catch, 2 yds) made his first appearance of the season as did Mike Gray.
• Brody McAndrew continues to show his versatility. After starting at safety for the first two games, and catching a pass as a tight end last week, he had a two-yard carry today. And he's always out there on special teams.
• Midway through the second quarter, offensive lineman Ethan Vargas, who was seeing his first collegiate action, suffered a horrifying injury to his right leg.

Sortable Box Score   

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Falls to Millersville, 23-14

Millersville Athletic Site - Marauders ride run game, defense to win over West Chester

Daily Local News - Millersville tops WCU for first time in 21 years

Lancaster Online - Millersville set tone, snaps long football losing streak against West Chester

WCU Football Family - Photo Album - Millersville

Game Replay

Game Preview - Millersville

Again this season, the Golden Rams (2-1) open PSAC East play by taking on the Millersville Marauders (2-1). Kickoff at Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium is scheduled for Saturday at noon.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 72-17. Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan remains perfect against the Marauders in his 19 meeetings with Ville. J.C. Morgan (Bucknell '04) is currently in his sixth season as head coach of the Marauders with a 13-34 career record. These two teams have had similar schedules and results this season: a win over a Northeast-10 team, a one-touchdown win over Gannon, and a 20+ point loss to Slippery Rock.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2012	Home	Win	56-14	2017	Away	Win	27-24
2013	Away	Win	48-3	2018	Home	Win	42-16
2014	Home	Win	62-7	2019	Away	Win	48-7
2015	Away	Win	48-3	2021	Away	Win	42-14
2016	Home	Win	52-0	2022	Home	Win	26-14

Last Meeting:

09/24/2022 West Chester 26 - Millersville 14

The Marauders took a 14-2 lead early in the second quarter, but the West Chester defense pitched a shutout the rest of the way, scored on a pick-six and managed another safety to give the Golden Rams a 26-14 win. Kicker Sean Henry added ten points including 3 of 3 on field goals.

The West Chester offense managed just 16 yards rushing, and only 127 total yards and six first downs. Ethan Kohler (5 of 17, 111 yards) tossed a 43-yard touchdown pass to tight end Thatcher Miller (2 catches, 73 yards) for the only offensive points of the day. Rahiem Bowens (1 catch, 17 yards) and D'Shaun Seals (1 catch, 15 yards) each had a catch. The defense was led by Khalib Slaughter (10 TKL, 1 TFL) and Kaleb Brown (6 TKL).

Scouting the Opponent:

Despite returning their entire offensive line from last year, the Marauders are struggling on offense. Quarterback Rob Footman Jr. (33 of 73, 378 yards, 5 TD's) is in the bottom half of the PSAC in passing efficiency. He's also amassed 110 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing on 37 carries. While running back Jaheim Morris (16 carries, 55 yards) was All-PSAC East last season, redshirt freshman Jaquan Howard (45 carries, 236 yards, 2 TD's) gets the bulk of the carries and ranks fourth in the PSAC with 79 yds/game. Howard (5 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD) is also Ville's second most productive receiver. The top two wideouts are both under 5'10 : Mekhi Alexander (11 catches, 136 yards, 1 TD) and Hakim Melvin (4 catches, 47 yards).

The Millersville 3-3-5 defense is interesting to say the least. They're third in the conference against the rush (83 yds/game), but 15th against the pass (283 yds/game). Linebacker Garrett Cox (20 TKL, 7.0 TFL) was All-PSAC East last year and is second in the conference in tackles this season. He and fellow linebacker Hez Faison (23 TKL, 7.0 TFL) are tied for second in the PSAC in tackles for loss. Reserve linebacker Ryan Aument (13 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FF) is second in the PSAC in sacks.

The secondary is led by sophomore cornerback Gus Ross (13 TKL, 1 INT, 1 FF) and safety Steve Sweeney (22 TKL, 2 PBU). Punter P Zach Banta was All-PSAC East last season. Millersville has yet to convert a field goal on four attempts.

Analysis:

The Marauders finished last season with their best record since 2006 and, despite the loss at Slippery Rock last week, they're off to their best start since 2010. The bottom line is this is a vastly improved Millersville team. Millersville's offense may just be what West Chester's struggling defense needs. But then again, West Chester's defense may just be what Millersville's struggling offense needs. Either way, it's likely where this game will be decided. Sean Henry should continue to strive for touchbacks since Melvin returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown last week. And it appears that the adverse weather may play a factor.

Massey Ratings is expecting a 28-23 West Chester win while Versus Sports simulates a 29-28 Millersville victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Travels to Millersville for PSAC East Opener

Coach Zwaan Podcast - Inside the Huddle with Coach Bill Zwaan: Episode 3

PSAC Site - PSAC Week 4 Football Notes

Millersville Athletic Site - Marauders return home for PSAC East opener

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Four Preview

Game Report - West Chester 38 - Gannon 31

The Golden Rams survived another sluggish start, including losing two first quarter fumbles, and managed a 38-31 win in their home opener over the visiting Gannon Golden Knights (0-3).

West Chester received the opening kickoff, but quarterback Cooper Jordan lost a fumble on the first play from scrimmage and subsequently Gannon scored on a seven-yard run on their first offensive play. So even before the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band cleared the track, the football team found themselves down 7-0 with shaken confidence. After the teams traded three-and-outs, D'Shaun Seals gave West Chester great field position on a 40-yard punt return. Three plays later, however, on a first-and-goal, Jordan's pitch to Daquan Robinson went awry and Gannon recovered. Fortunately, the remainder of the first quarter remained fairly quiet.

Ayyub Dail fights his way through a hold (Photo Joan Gillen)

The second frame started with Jordan putting everything he had into a long pass that Rahiem Bowens hauled in and went 73 yards for the game-tying score. Late in the first half with the score tied at 10, running back Trey Blair, who didn't travel with the team in the first two weeks, raced around the right side for a 31-yard touchdown run. He would finish with 57 yards and two touchdowns on the day. The West Chester defense forced a three-and-out setting up the offense with the ball at the Gannon 45 with 25 seconds left, but Jordan's first-down pass attempt to Julian Jordan was intercepted at the seven.

The offensive line opens a hole for Trey Blair (Photo Joan Gillen)

With West Chester leading 17-10 entering the second half, both teams went-three-and-out on their first possession. It appeared that both defenses tightened. But that was the last stop that would be made. The two teams would trade touchdowns for the remainder of the game, with all six scores coming on drives of at least 65 yards. The ping pong scoring ended with the Golden Rams holding a 38-31 lead, leaving Gannon with only 1:22 and no timeouts left. West Chester safety Kaleb Brown put an end to things with a leaping interception.

Jaleel Davis-Shabazz joins Khalib Slaughter on a tackle (Photo Joan Gillen)

Bowens had a huge offensive day. He had five catches on five targets for an eye-popping 160 yards and two touchdowns. Bowens made a 35-yard reception in the third quarter despite being held by the Gannon defender, and 39-yard catch on the crucial final touchdown drive. Linebacker Connor Noble once again led the West Chester defense in tackles with 10. Fellow linebacker senior Khalib Slaughter had a big game with 7 tackles including 2.0 sacks for 27 yards.

Rahiem Bowens makes a leaping catch despite being held (Photo Joan Gillen)

With both teams amassing over 400 yards of offense, the difference in the game was special teams. Despite kicker Sean Henry missing a 38-yard field goal attempt, five of his seven kickoffs resulted in touchbacks and neither of his punts were returned. Besides Seals' 40-yard punt return, Dayshawn Jacobs had a 79-yard kickoff return which setup a field goal.

Dayshawn Jacobs had a 79-yard kickoff return (Photo Joan Gillen)

Other observations:

• Cornerback Obi Anyatonwu was dressed but did not play. He was replaced by Izaiah McPherson (1 solo tackle) who left the game in the third quarter with what appeared to be a hip injury.
• Tight end Thatcher Miller was not dressed for the game. True freshman Luke Cody took his place, but was only targeted once in the contest.
• After yielding time at safety to Shane Mosley (4 TKL, 1 PBU), Brody McAndrew saw time on offense and made a catch.
• For the third consecutive game, the Golden Rams successfully executed the tush push. A second attempt succeeded, but was called back due to an offensive "aiding the runner" penalty.
• Jordan had a mixed bag game. Besides the fumble and interception, two other passes almost got picked. But he led the Golden Rams in rushing with 64 yards and, after gaining a first down on the final touchdown drive, wisely slid to keep the clock running. Earlier in the fourth quarter, Jordan was rolling left and was prepared to run, but when he saw Julian Jordan open in the end zone, flipped it to him for the touchdown.

Sortable Box Score    Coaches Box Score

West Chester Athletic Site - Late Touchdown Lifts West Chester over Gannon, 38-31

Gannon Athletic Site - Golden Knights Fall 38-31 at West Chester

Daily Local News - West Chester survives home opening shootout against Gannon

WCU Football Family - Photo Album - Gannon

Game Replay

Game Preview - Gannon

The Golden Rams (1-1) finally have a home game when they host the Gannon Golden Knights (0-2) on Saturday at noon in John A. Farrell Stadium.

Erik Raeburn is in his fourth season as head coach at Gannon with a 14-14 record. Gannon is coming off a 28-21 loss to Millersville. Gannon outgained Millersville by 100 yards, but were hurt by two lost fumbles.

Series History:

West Chester is 5-0 against the Golden Knights since Gannon joined the PSAC in 2008. In 2013, the two teams combined for 97 points and almost 1,100 yards with West Chester hanging on for a 56-41 win. The last home-and-home series, in 2018 and 2019, were much more comfortable victories for the Golden Rams.

Last Meeting:

09/17/2022 West Chester 29 - Gannon 23

Trailing 23-17 at halftime, the Golden Rams defense shutout Gannon in the second half and West Chester scored a touchdown and a field goal to take a 27-23 lead with five minutes left. To top off the second half defensive dominance, the Gannon quarterback was sacked in the end zone for a safety on the final play of the game.

Two of Gannon's three second quarter touchdowns came after WCU fumbles, giving the Golden Knights short fields for both scores. While Gannon's pro prospect quarterback threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns, he was also sacked six times. Leading the West Chester defense was Maurice Beverly who had eight tackles, including a sack, and a forced fumble. Cornerbacks Sterlen Barr, Jr. and Obi Anyatonwu each has two pass breakups. On the offensive side of the ball, Cooper Jordan was still working his way into the playing time and Rahiem Bowens had two catches for 68 yards.

Gannon would go on to finish 2022 with a record of 8-3, including knocking off then #11 Indiana.

Scouting the Golden Knights:

This Gannon team has a lot of similarities to the Golden Rams. After losing seven All-PSAC West performers from last season's squad, they are fairly young. They run a 3-3-5 defense. And although quarterback Nate Mikell (48 of 81, 471 yards, 4 TD's, 1 int) is 6'4, similar to West Chester, he is a dual threat and leads the Golden Knights in rushing (21 carries, 112 yards). Their other three ball carriers have a total of 102 yards, and 43 of those came on one play. Ball State transfer running back Donny Marcus (14 carries, 43 yards) is also a factor in the passing game (7 catches, 24 yards). Top receivers are All-PSAC West Ke'John Batiste (14 catches, 126 yards, 2 TD's) and Donell Mason (12 catches, 168 yards). Their two tight ends - 6'5 Jonathan Bowden and 6'4 Isaiah Pae - each have a touchdown catch. Left guard Jacob Petit was All-PSAC West a season ago.

Two-time All-PSAC West defensive back Chris Farnsworth (13 TKL) is on his way to a third annual honor as he leads the Golden Knights in tackles. Fellow defensive backs Kam Snell (9 TKL, 1 int) and Grand Valley State transfer Ty Tiggs (7 TKL, 4 PBU) patrol the secondary. Linebackers Hayden McDonald (12 TKL, 3 PBU, 1 sack) and Zharell Walker (11 TKL, 1 TFL, 1 int) are also active in the passing game. Up front, Obi Ezeigbo (10 TKL, 1.5 sacks) anchors the line.

Analysis:

There are several factors going West Chester's way: a home game - finally, a long road trip for the Golden Knights, Zwaan has never lost to Gannon, Golden Rams played better last week despite the final score. The WCU offense needs to be wary of Farnsworth and the Golden Ram defense, besides containing Mikell, needs to keep an eye on those big tight ends in the red zone. Reduce last week's mistakes - turnovers and inopportune penalties - and the game doesn't have to be close.

Versus Sports simulates a 29-25 West Chester win while Massey Ratings projects a 28-22 Golden Rams victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Lifts Lid on Home Slate Saturday Against Gannon at Noon

West Chester Athletic Site - Football Game Day Fan Information

West Chester Athletic Site - Game Day Program

Coach Zwaan Podcast - Inside the Huddle with Coach Bill Zwaan: Episode 2

PSAC Site - PSAC Week 3 Football Notes

Gannon Athletic Site - Gannon Game Notes (pdf)

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Three Preview