Game Preview - Shepherd

The Golden Rams (3-2, 1-1) play host to the Shepherd Rams (4-1, 1-1) on Saturday. Kickoff in Tomlinson-Fillippo Field at Farrell Stadium is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

Series History:
Shepherd leads the overall series 5-2. These two teams met for the first time in 2013 in the NCAA Division II Regional Championship when the Golden Rams came away with a 28-7 victory. Since Shepherd joined the conference in 2019, the first four PSAC East meetings had been won by Shepherd before WCU's upset in 2024. Shepherd has since had to vacate their 13 wins in both 2021 and 2022, when they advanced to the NCAA Division II semi-finals, due to multiple eligibility violations.

Shepherd head coach Ernie McCook (43-21) is in his ninth season at the helm of the Rams. In 2022, he was tabbed both PSAC East Coach of the Year and AFCA Region One Coach of the Year.

Last 10 Meetings:

Year	H/A	W/L	Score	Year	H/A	W/L	Score
				2021	Away	Loss	42-38
				2022	Home	Loss	47-14
				2023	Away	Loss	59-21
2013	Away	Win	28-7	2024	Home	Win	35-14
2019	Away	Loss	35-23	2025	Away	Loss	28-24

Last Meeting:

10/11/2025 Shepherd 28 - West Chester 24

Despite several areas of poor play, the Golden Rams were a mere 15 yards away from a potential game-wining touchdown with just under 30 seconds left in the game. The West Chester offense allowed four sacks, the defense allowed 177 yards rushing, and special teams had a punt blocked and a punt return for touchdown.

Quarterback Colin O'Sullivan (13 of 25, 106 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) entered the game midway through the third quarter to play in his first game since high school. Future Robertson gained 49 yards on four carries and Dylan McKenzie picked up 46 yards on three catches. Debrick Johnson made five tackles while Johnny Pergine, Seamus McCain, Anthony Delle Donne, and Miles Goodwin each had a tackle for loss.

Scouting the Opponent:

After one year at Southern Utah and three seasons at Shepherd, PSAC East first team running back Jordan Barnett is now at Morgan State. And first team all-PSAC East wide receiver Kordell Batten entered the transfer portal after last season, but since returned to Shepherdstown but has yet to register any yards in two games this season. It's no matter because behind PSAC East first team center Josh Crummitt, the Rams have a potent running attack in redshirt freshman Ian Mauldin (41 carries, 253 yards, 4 TD's), sophomore Jabril Daniels (51 carries, 240 yards), and redshirt freshman Tijuan Reed (23 carries, 132 yards). Bucknell transfer quarterback Michael Hardyway (91 of 144, 1,013 yards, 13 TD's, 2 int) leads the passing game with Daryl Harper (23 catches, 341 yards, 7 TD's), Carrington Nickens-Yzer (20 catches, 212 yards), and Derrell Pierson (13 catches, 184 yards, 3 TD's) being the primary targets.

Second team All-PSAC East defensive back Makai Young is now at Merrimack, but his status on the Rams has been surpassed by cornerback and reigning PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week Reggie Snowden (20 tackles, PSAC leading 4 int), rover D'Myo Hunter (30 tackles, 4 TFL, 4 int), and safety Tyrin Chinn-Thompson (27 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 PBU). Fifth-year defensive end Vince Flook (4 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 PBU) poses a problem up front.

First team All-PSAC East punter Daishaun Alexander (25 punts, 45.6 avg, 11 I20, 10 50+) is in line to win the award again this season. Kicker Max Barba (19 of 21 PAT, 1 of 2) has only attempted two field goals this season as Shepherd prefers touchdowns. Hunter (14.6 avg) is among the conference leaders in punt returns, and took one 64 yards for a touchdown against Frostburg St.

Analysis:

Other than Flook, Shepherd's front seven are on the smaller side, so there may be some opportunity for the Golden Rams to get the running game going. Shepherd's top three tacklers are in the secondary, which may result from them helping on the run. Play action may open some chances in the passing game for WCU. On the other side of the ball, Shepherd is balanced on offense, so the West Chester defense will need to stay honest. And just so you know, you will see numbers zero and one on the field all the time as Shepherd's top two players on both offense and defense wear those numbers.

Massey Ratings is projecting a 28-20 Shepherd win and Versus Sports simulates a 31-17 Shepherd victory.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Video  

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Welcomes Shepherd to Farrell Stadium Saturday Night

PSAC Site - 2026 PSAC Football - Week 6 Notes

Shepherd Athletic Site - Game Notes

D2football - PSAC Columnist - PSAC Week Six Preview