Game Preview - #10/#14 California

The Golden Rams (1-0) cross the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to battle the #10/#14 California Vulcans (1-0) on Saturday in Adamson Stadium. Kickoff for this PSAC crossover game is set for noon.

Series History:
Prior to this millennia, West Chester held a 4-0 advantage in the series. But from 2007 to 2009, the next four games went to California. This was the same three-year period that the Vulcans were winning the PSAC West and the NCAA Super Region 1. Included in this time frame were two meetings in 2008 when West Chester made their way out to California to open the season on a hot August day and then again for the PSAC championship game on a cold and windy November afternoon. However, the Golden Rams have won three of the past four meetings and West Chester now holds a 7-5 lead in the series. A former Vulcan offensive lineman and reigning PSAC West Coach of the Year, California's Gary Dunn entered his tenth season as head coach with a 66-24 record and qualified for the playoffs in 2016, 2017 and 2024, including advancing to the quarterfinals in both 2016 and 2024.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
1994	Away	Win	60-14	2009	Home	Loss	30-23
1995	Home	Win	25-24	2012	Away	Win	37-34
2007	Home	Loss	30-14	2013	Home	Win	38-31
2008	Away	Loss	44-32	2019	Home	Win	20-19
2008	Away	Loss	47-36	2024	Home	Loss	38-28

Last Meeting:

09/14/2024 California 38 - West Chester 28

The Vulcans took a commanding 31-7 lead into the final quarter. While the Golden Rams scored three touchdowns in the final stanza, the Vulcans tacked on another score and held on by a final score of 38-28. California piled up 236 yards rushing which led to a five minute advantage in time of possession. For the Golden Ram offense, Cooper Jordan threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another 45 yards. Linebacker Connor Noble made 12 tackles and Luke Trunell made ten tackles and forced a fumble while Seamus McCain registered a sack.

Scouting the Opponent:

The Vulcans lost 12 All-PSAC West players from last year's team, including receiver Eric Willis III who is now at UTEP, defensive back Rashan Murray who is now at Pitt, and defensive lineman Julien Laventure who is now at Akron.

On offense, their best returning players are running back Bobbie Boyd, Jr. (15 carries, 108 yards last week) and receiver D'Avay Johnson (5 catches, 73 yards). Indiana (not IUP) transfer Roman Purcell (18 of 28, 174 yards, 1 int) has taken over at quarterback.

Defensively, free safety Alexie Sangster, Jr. (9 tackles, 1 int, 1 PBU) is the reigning PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Week and is joined by cornerback Khalil Taylor (1 tackle, 2 PBU's) and strong safety Keith Charney (5 tackles, 1 sack) in the secondary. Linebacker Grant Hopple made 9 tackles and linebacker Daniel Long (5 tackles, 1 QBH) had 2 of the team's 6 tackles for loss last week.

Kicker Harry Radcliffe converted 3 of 4 field goal attempts, including two 40-yarders to earn PSAC West Special Teams Athlete of the Week. Freshman Kenny Lewis IV had a 76-yard punt return for touchdown last week.

Analysis:

Dating back to last season, the Vulcans are playing thier ninth consecutive home game, including a 23-19 win over #12 Charleston last week. In that game, Cal had just one long drive (10 plays, 76 yards) and it only resulted in a field goal. Their two touchdowns came on a 34-yard drive and a 76-yard punt return. So it's imperative for the Golden Rams to not give the Vulcans good starting field position. Far more than last week, West Chester will be tested on the offensive line and in the defensive secondary.

Versus Sports simulates a 30-20 Vulcan triumph while Massey Ratings predicts a similar 31-21 California victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video   Game Program

West Chester Athletic Site - Golden Rams Travel to No. 10 Cal U For Saturday Matinee

PSAC Site - 2025 PSAC Football Week 2 Notes

California Athletic Site - Preview: West Chester at California

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Two Preview