Game Preview - Lock Haven

The Golden Rams (3-5, 3-2) celebrate senior day when they host the Lock Haven Bald Eagles (3-5, 2-3) on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.

Series History:
West Chester holds a 29-6-1 lead in the series. Prior to the 2013 season, Lock Haven was in the PSAC West and replaced LIU Post in the PSAC East that year. Lock Haven head coach Dan Mulrooney is in his third season, after leading Anna Maria College to the NCAA Division III playoffs and being named Eastern Collegiate Football Conference Coach of the Year in 2021. Lock Haven improved from 1-10 in 2022 to 5-6 last season.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
2013	Away	Win	34-13	2018	Home	Win	48-14
2014	Home	Win	41-6	2019	Away	Win	56-14
2015	Away	Win	33-9	2021	Away	Win	35-13
2016	Home	Win	37-7	2022	Home	Win	58-10
2017	Away	Win	35-14	2023	Away	Win	42-27

Last Meeting:

10/28/2023 West Chester 42 - Lock Haven 27

The Golden Rams rolled up 475 yards of offense and the defense stiffened in the second half as West Chester pulled away from Lock Haven by a score of 42-27. WCU ran the ball 51 times and were 9 of 12 on third downs to control the clock for 35 minutes.

The Golden Rams used two quarterbacks fairly evenly - Ethan Kohler (9 of 11, 148 yards, 1 TD) and Cooper Jordan (7 of 11, 144 yards, 1 int), although Jordan was more effective running the ball (11 carries, 43 yards, 2 TD's). It was a breakout game for running back Dayshawn Jacobs (23 carries, 112 yards, 3 TD's; 1 catch, 49 yards). Rahiem Bowens (6 catches, 86 yards) and D'Shaun Seals (3 catches, 65 yards) played a major role in the passing game.

Defensively, Victor Pena (7 tackles, 1 FR) led the way, with Shane Mosley (5 tackles, 1 FF) and Connor Noble (5 tackles) also contributing. Seamus McCain (3 tackles) and Daniel Hicks (2 tackles) teamed up on a sack.

Scouting the Opponent:

For the second consecutive year, Lock Haven has turned to an FCS transfer to quarterback the team. After having being named to the Northeast 10 Conference All-Rookie Team in 2019 while at Southern Connecticut State, Jackson Ostrowsky (165 of 301, 2,337 yards, 19 TD's, 9 int) saw limited action in 2021 and 2022. He spent last season at Rhode Island although he did not play. His top targets are Millersville transfer T'iar Young (45 catches, 827 yards, 8 TD's), Minnesota State transfer Quon Williams (29 catches, 328 yards, 3 TD's), Clarion transfer Corahn Alleyne (19 catches, 318 yards, 3 TD's), and Wagner transfer Nino Cinti (22 catches, 316 yards, 2 TD's). Their primary running back is Ohio transfer KJ Howard (72 carries, 304 yards, 2 TD's; 10 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD) who also plays a role in the passing game.

On the other side of the ball, defensive linemen Justin Anderson (18 tackles, 10.0 TFL, 5.0 sacks, 3 PBU, 5 QBR) and Union College transfer Jimaar Edwards (18 tackles, 5.0 TFL) spend most of their time in the opponent's backfield. Linebackers Izzy Ramos (54 tackles, 2.0 TFL), Rocco Daugherty (48 tackles, 4 int) and former Golden Ram Oscar Uduma (39 tackles, 4.5 TFL) are among the team's leaders in tackling. Defensive backs Kasir Henry (57 tackles, 6 PBU) and Darryl Pollard (37 tackles, 10 PBU) are among the conference leaders in passes defended.

Senior Tony Nicassio (26 of 26 PAT's, 6 of 7 FG's, long 40; 37.8 yard avg on punts with 7 of 31 inside 20) handles all of the kicking duties for the Bald Eagles.

Analysis:

While West Chester has already faced some of the best quarterbacks in the PSAC - California's Davis Black, Shepherd's Lek Powell, and East Stroudsburg's Sean McTaggart - it's Lock Haven's Ostrowsky who leads the conference in passing yards and touchdowns. Unlike those other three teams, however, Lock Haven does not have a potent rushing attack (85 yards/game, 3.4 yards/carry). So WCU defensive coordinator Nick Brady is going to have to completely flip the approach from last week's game against Millersville. Expect to see the Golden Ram defense in a nickel or dime for most of the day. It will be interesting to see if West Chester's best cornerback Abdul Stewart travels with Lock Haven's best receiver Young.

The Golden Ram offense has started taking shape in recent weeks and should be able to run the ball effectively against the Bald Eagles. Controlling the clock will also keep the ball out of Ostrowsky's hands. West Chester has several capable running backs and of course Cooper Jordan is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Keep the net turnover margin positive and West Chester should win.

Versus Sports simulates a 33-30 Golden Ram win while Massey Ratings predicts a 35-27 WCU victory.

Notes:
At halftime of Saturday's game, the 2024 Class of the Killinger Foundation Football Hall of Fame will be recognized prior to their induction in the spring.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video

West Chester Athletic Site - Golden Rams Host Lock Haven on Senior Day Saturday

PSAC Site - 2024 PSAC Football Week 9 Notes

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Nine Preview

Player News - Cooper Jordan Named PSAC East Offensive POW

For his efforts in West Chester's 41-23 win over Millersville, junior quarterback Cooper Jordan has been named PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week. It's the second time the Golden Ram signal caller has been honored this season.

In succession, Cooper threw touchdown passes of 21, 36 and 47 yards. He then capped West Chester's scoring by running for touchdowns of 47 and 60 yards in the fourth quarter. Overall he accounted for 349 yards (131 passing, 218 rushing) and five touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing).

Cooper Jordan left the Ville defense behind all day (Photo Chuck Greco)

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Athletes of the Week - Week 8

West Chester Athletic Site - Cooper Jordan Named Co-Offensive Athlete of the Week in PSAC East

Game Report - West Chester 41 - Millersville 23

The Golden Ram (3-5, 3-2) offense used four big second half plays to overcome a lackluster first half and defeat the visiting Millersville Marauders (0-8, 0-5) by a score of 41-23. Quarterback Cooper Jordan had a spectacular day, accounting for 349 yards and five touchdowns.

Cooper Jordan had 218 yards and 2 TD's rushing (Photo Chuck Greco)

As expected, the Millersville offense focused on running the ball and amassed 156 yards on the ground versus 63 yards passing through the first three quarters. The Marauders' first passing play ended in a ten-yard Charley Mininger sack, and their second ended in a harmless incompletion due to a Seamus McCain (6 tackles, 1 sack, 2 PBU, 2 QBH) quarterback hurry.

Debrick Johnson and Johnny Pergine on 1 of WCU's 6 sacks (Photo Chuck Greco)

Conversely, the Golden Rams celebrated the return of power running back Juke Peaker (18 carries, 110 yards, 1 TD) to compliment the speedy Jordan (15 carries, 218 yards, 2 TD's), leading to 357 yards and 15 first downs on the ground. While Jordan completed only five of his 12 pass attempts, three of them went for touchdowns. And unlike last week, it was West Chester that made the big plays on offense: 21-yard and 47-yard touchdown catches by D'Shaun Seals, a 36-yard touchdown catch by Rahiem Bowens on fourth-and-13, and touchdown runs of 47 and 60 yards by Jordan.

Juke Peaker had 118 yards and a TD (Photo Chuck Greco)

Defensively, linebacker Connor Noble made a game-high 14 tackles, including a sack and forced a fumble that was recovered by Debrick Johnson who had 1.5 sacks of his own. Defensive end R.J. MacNamara (3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 QBH) had the most productive day in his Golden Ram career. Safety Shane Mosley (10 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 2 PBU) continued his standout play in the secondary.

Connor Noble made a second quarter strip sack (Photo Chuck Greco)

Other observations:

• Although Millersville finished with 406 yards of offense, over 200 of those yards came in the fourth quarter that started with a 27-9 West Chester lead. The Golden Ram prevent defense allowed a lot of yards that also consumed a lot of clock.
• Against the run-heavy Millersville offense, the Golden Rams used a four-man front for most of the game.
• True freshman linebacker Ryan Shannon made four special teams tackles on the day.
• After missing last week's game at East Stroudsburg due to an injury incurred a week earlier against Shepherd, defensive end Nate Desmond returned to the lineup. Unfortunately, it appears he re-injured the foot and was later seen in a boot.
• Although the official box score says otherwise, redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Rama took the final snap of the game.
• Kicker Sean Henry, who has been so good all season, had the worst game of his career. His first PAT attempt was blocked, his 41-yard field goal attempt was a low line drive and 31-yard field goal attmept was a popup.
• Running back Dayshawn Jacobs was dressed but did not play.
• West Chester (Johnny Pergine, Bowens) was cited for two more unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the game.

Johnny Pergine put a stop to this play (Photo Chuck Greco)

Dylan Nichols centered an offense that accounted for 488 yards
(Photo Chuck Greco)

Sortable Box Score   

West Chester Athletic Site - Jordan's Historic Day Leads West Chester to 41-23 Homecoming Victory over Millersville

Millersville Athletic Site - Ground game powers West Chester past Millersville

Daily Local News - Jordan runs wild, powers WCU past Millersville

WCU Football Family - Photo Album - Millersville

Golden Rams Review - Photo Album - Millersville

Game Replay

Game Preview - Millersville

The Golden Rams (2-5, 2-2) host the Millersville Marauders (0-7, 0-4) for West Chester University's Homecoming. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 2:00pm.

Series History:
West Chester leads the overall series 72-18. J.C. Morgan (Bucknell '04) is currently in his sixth season as head coach of the Marauders with a 14-48 career record.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
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
2017	Away	Win	27-24	2023	Away	Loss	23-14

Last Meeting:

09/23/2023 Millersville 23 - West Chester 14

In one of the most disappointing performances in recent memory, the Golden Rams trailed 16-0 at halftime and went on to lose 23-14 to Millersville for the first time since 2002. The Marauders ran the ball 58 times for 279 yards to drive a commanding 36 minute time of possession in the game. Conversely, the West Chester offense turned the ball over twice, was sacked six times, was only 2 of 13 on third down and could only muster ten first downs.

Rahiem Bowens had a team-high two catches for 72 yards, including a 62-yard, fourth quarter touchdown. Linebacker Connor Noble had a game-high 17 tackles and two pass breakups. Sean Henry launched a season-high nine punts in the game.

Scouting the Opponent:

Millersville's two best defenders from last season, AFCA All-America First Team linebacker Garrett Cox and defensive lineman Randy Okungu, have both moved on to IUP Cox is currently third in the PSAC in tackles.

Offensively the Marauders use three running backs: Jaiden Abrams (76 carries, 461 yards, 1 TD), Jaheim Morris (64 carries, 210 yards, 2 TD's) who was All-PSAC East last season, and Jose Lopez (42 carries, 189 yards, 2 TD's). Quarterback Rob Footman Jr. (43 carries, 85 yards) is also a running threat. In the passing game, incumbant Footman (30 of 72, 335 yards, 2 TD's, 4 int) has turned over most of the snaps to sophomore Ryan Zeltt (81 of 124, 864 yards, 6 TD's, 6 int). Among Millersville's five recievers with ten or more receptions, Isaac Sines (23 catches, 291 yards, 3 TD's) and Hakim Melvin (16 catches, 240 yards, 3 TD's) lead the way.

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Nick Romano (38 tackles, 2 int, 3 PBU) and freshman Amir Muhammad (14 tackles, 5 PBU) patrol the secondary. Defensive ends Conner Snyder (18 tackles, 1 sack, 5 QBH) and Max Hostetter (24 tackles) aooky pressure. In the middle are linebackers Hez Faison (32 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 4 QBH) and redshirt freshman Bryce Beutler (40 tackles).

Trent McDowell handles all the kicking duties, averaging 40 yards/punt and has dropped seven of his 40 punts inside the 20. He's 6 of 0 on field goals with a long of 44 and is perfect on 13 PAT's.

Analysis:

Millersville has lost their first seven games of this season and their last seven games of last season. In fact, you have to go all the way back to September 23, 2003 to find the Marauders' last win which happened to be against West Chester. So despite the fact that Millersville has struggled mightily this year on both sides of the ball, they see a golden opportunity in their opponent this week.

Expect to see a lot of their three running backs and Footman try to take advantage of West Chester's conference worst rushing defense. If the Golden Rams can force Millersville into the passing game, that could bode well for WCU in the interception area. The West Chester offense has been effective moving the ball and scoring points, and as long as WCU can avoid costly turnovers, that should continue against a Millersville defense that ranks last in the PSAC in points allowed with 36 points per game.

Massey Ratings is expecting a 35-17 West Chester win while Versus Sports simulates a wider 42-18 margin for the Golden Rams.

Notes:
At halftime of Saturday's game, the 2004 Golden Ram team that advanced to the NCAA Division II semi-finals will be honored. Also, former Golden Ram player and head coach Danny Hale will be recognized for his induction into the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video   Game Program

West Chester Athletic Site - Homecoming Weekend Ahead For Gridiron Gang Saturday as Millersville Pays a Visit

West Chester Athletic Site - On-Campus Salute to Danny Hale Slated For Saturday's Football Game

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Welcomes Millersville on Homecoming Weekend

PSAC Site - 2024 PSAC Football Week 8 Notes

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Eight Preview

Game Report - East Stroudsburg 45 - West Chester 31

The Golden Ram offense had their best performance of the season. Unfortunately, the West Chester defense had their worst performance of the season. And both sides of the ball had yet another fourth quarter collapse in leading to an East Stroudsburg (6-1, 4-1) 45-31 victory over the visiting Golden Rams (2-5, 2-2).

The Warriors scored on seven of their ten possessions in the game. Of the three drives that resulted in no points, one was the end of the game, and Abdul Stewart was instrumental in the other two. On the game's opening possession, East Stroudsburg swiftly moved down the field, but Stewart intercepted a Warrior pass in the end zone and returned it 42 yards, which led to a Sean Henry 32-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Stewart made a tackle for a six-yard loss which led to an ESU three-and-out, and an eventual Golden Ram touchdown that tied the game at 31.

Abdul Stewart's touchdown saving interception (Photo Chuck Greco)

Other than that, the porous WCU defense allowed 478 yards, of which 273 yards were on the ground. East Stroudsburg's two running backs averaged an eye-popping 9.5 yards/carry. However, West Chester's red zone defense didn't suffer too badly, as four of the Warriors' touchdowns came on runs of 48, 37, and 32 yards plus a 21-yard pass.

Everyone was in on this defensive stop (Photo Chuck Greco)

What was most devastating was the timing of the lax defensive play. The first came when West Chester scored late in the first half to close their deficit to 21-17. With the Golden Rams due to receive the second half kickoff, it appeared to be a perfect two-for-one scenario. But the Warriors had 30 seconds to work with and took only three plays (plus a clock-stopping spike) to navigate the 68 yards and score a deflating touchdown to expand their lead to 28-17. Alas the Golden Rams eventually knotted the score at 31 on a fourth-down Cooper Jordan to Dayshawn Jacobs 11-yard touchdown pass. This time, the Warriors answered with a four-minute, 69-yard touchdown drive to reclaim the lead 38-31. The Golden Ram offense was no longer up to the challenge, as Jordan threw an interception which resulted in another four-minute, 68-yards touchdown drive for East Stroudsburg. The ball was with the Warriors for 12 minutes of the fourth quarter.

Dayshawn Jacobs with a game-tying touchdown catch (Photo Chuck Greco)

Offensively, the Golden Rams did very well against a defense that was rated among the PSAC leaders in points and yardage allowed. The running back tandem of Jacobs (11 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD; 5 catches, 22 yards, 1 TD) and freshman Anthony Leonardi (5 carries, 26 yards) had a respectable 5 yards/carry average. Jordan had 82 yards rushing and 204 yards passing, including a 50-yards TD pass to Rahiem Bowens (4 catches, 110 yards, 1 TD). And West Chester opened up the play book with wide receiver D'Shaun Seals (5 catches, 65 yards) completing a 22-yard pass to Jordan.

Rahiem Bowens had catches of 50 and 41 yards (Photo Chuck Greco)

Other notes:

• Linebacker Connor Noble led the defense with ten tackles while safety Shane Mosley made nine stops.
• Sophomore receiver Troy Corson still does not have a catch, but he scored his first collegiate touchdown on a two-yard run early in the third quarter.
• Kicker Sean Henry contines to be steady, converting all four PAT attempts, a 32-yard field goal, and knocking two of his six kickoff into the end zone for touchbacks.
• Of East Stroudsburg's eight kickoffs, only one went for a touchback. Only one of the other seven was returned beyond the 25-yard line which would be the starting field postion if the remaining six were merely fair caught. Early in the second quarter, Darrell Brown had the ball ripped out of his arms at the 23 and it was ruled a fumble on the field, but was fortunately overturned on replay review. The potential reward doesn't seem to be equal to the risk involved in returning kickoffs.

Freshman Ryan Shannon with a special teams tackle (Photo Chuck Greco)

Sortable Box Score   

West Chester Athletic Site - East Stroudsburg Wins Offensive Shootout, 45-31

East Stroudsburg Athletic Site - Warriors Rush Past West Chester in 45-31 Homecoming Triumph

Golden Rams Review - Photo Album - East Stroudsburg

Game Replay