Football - Week 9
Week 9 Football Notes (pdf)
Divisional titles are on the line this week as both California and Bloomsburg can clinch the respective PSAC West and PSAC East titles and spots in the PSAC Championship game with wins. In the West, Cal can lock down the spot in the championship game in two weeks and clinch at least a share of the PSAC West title with a win on the road at Slippery Rock. With a win, the Vulcans would then be one game ahead of either Edinboro and/or Clarion and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over both of those teams with just one divisional game to go.
Bloomsburg can clinch the PSAC East title outright and a spot in the championship game with a win over visiting Shippensburg on Saturday in a game that will be televised live by the PA SportsFever Network at 2:30 p.m. A win would put Bloomsburg up by two games with just one to play. A Shippensburg win would pave the way for the Red Raiders to clinch at least a share of divisional title and a spot in the championship game next week with a win at Cheyney.
Speaking of the Wolves, they will get Week 9 started by taking the short drive over to West Chester for a Thursday night contest at 6:00 p.m. Also, the Edinboro at Mercyhurst game will be televised live on WSEE-TV in the Erie market at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.
PSAC Football - Week Nine Notes - 10/21/09
Quick Hits
- Two more PSAC game are slated for television this week. The Edinboro-Mercyhurst game will air live on WSEE-TV in the Erie market at noon , while the Shippensburg-Bloomsburg game will air live on the PA SportsFever Network at 2:30 p.m.
- Gannon and Slippery Rock combined for 99 points last week in Gannon’s 51-48 win. That game marked the most combined points in a game involving a PSAC team or teams since a pair of games that were played on September 10, 2005. On that day, 100 points were scored in California’s 88-12 win over Mansfield and 115 points were scored in East Stroudsburg’s 66-49 win over C.W. Post, which was then not a member of the PSAC in football.
- Bloomsburg is the only team in the country that is holding opponents to fewer than 10 points per game (9.88). The Huskies are also one of just five teams in the country that are yet to allow 100 cumulative points this year and of all teams nationally that have played eight games, the Huskies have allowed the fewest points in the country.
- Bloomsburg has allowed allowed just eight touchdowns, fewest in the country.
- Cheyney QB Angel Rodriguez ran for a PSAC season-high 207 yards on October 10. Although the last QB in the PSAC to run for over 200 yards in a game is currently unavailable, Rodriguez is believed to be the first PSAC QB in this decade to run for over 200 yards in a game.
- Bloomsburg is one of just five teams in the country that has allowed just one fourth down conversion on defense this year. Of those five teams, the Huskies have had the most attempts on fourth down against them with 16.
- IUP held Lock Haven to just one yard of total offense last week. This is the top performance in the country by a defense this year in total defense.
- Kutztown kicker Matt Dineen kicked five field goals in the Golden Bears’ win over Cheyney in Week 6. He is the first kicker since East Stroudsburg’s Greg Knauss in 2007 to make five FGs in a game.
- Bloomsburg has won 31 straight PSAC East games against opponents other than West Chester. The Huskies’ last loss to a PSAC East opponent other than West Chester was to East Stroudsburg, a 30-24 loss in Week 5 of the 2004 season.
- Bloomsburg K Jon Koenig is one of just nine kickers in the country that have made a field goal from 50 yards or beyond this year.
- Four different PSAC players have recorded three sacks in a game so far this year through seven games: Josh Simmons and Andy Horn of Shippensburg, Justin Presley of Bloomsburg and Fred Hale of Mercyhurst. Only two players recorded at least three sacks in a game all of last year: Jon Ochs of Bloomsburg and Mike Perillo of Edinboro.
- Three PSAC teams - West Chester, California and C.W. Post - scored 50 or more points in Week 4 wins on September 19. That did not happen last year and it marked the first time since Week 2 of the 2007 season (Sept. 7-8) that three different PSAC teams scored 50 or more in the same week. In that week in 2007, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro and IUP each scored 50 or more.
PSAC With Three Teams Ranked
There was a change in the D2football.com poll this week involving a PSAC team as Edinboro dropped out but California re-entered the AFCA poll, leaving the PSAC with three teams in the AFCA poll and two in the D2football.com poll this week. The three in the AFCA poll is tied for the second-most of any conference. The PSAC started the year with four teams in the AFCA and five in the D2football.com poll.
Bloomsburg, the only undefeated team left in the PSAC, moved up one spot to No. 3 in both the AFCA and D2football.com polls. Edinboro fell out of the D2football.com poll and down to No. 23 in the AFCA poll after its loss to California. The Vulcans moved up five spots to No. 18 in D2football.com poll and appeared in the AFCA for the first time since Week 2 at No. 24. Shippensburg is also receiving votes in the AFCA poll for the third time this year and for the second straight week.
This marks the seventh week this season that the PSAC has not had the most teams of any conference represented in both Top 25 polls. The PSAC had the most schools of any conference or tied for the most schools of any conference in both polls for all of last season and for the first two weeks of this season.
A Week for Highs
Last week was a week for some big offensive performances all around the PSAC. League single-game highs this season were set in rushing yards, passing yards, total offense, receiving yards and receptions as well as total kickoff return yards. The players listed below set those respective PSAC single-game highs.
Rushing Yards - Harvie Tuck, IUP (218)
Passing Yards - Matt Marshall, East Stroudsburg (430)
Receiving Yards - Steve Miller, West Chester (181)
Receptions - Ed Kiser, East Stroudsburg and Steve MIller, West Chester (11)
Total Offense - Matt Marshall, East Stroudsburg (471)
National Leaders
The PSAC has one individual and one team that are leading or co-leading the country in various categories as of the latest NCAA statistical report. They are listed below.
- Bloomsburg leads the country in scoring defense, allowing just 9.88 points per game.
- Bloomsburg also leads the country in fourth-down efficiency defense, allowing opponents to convert on fourth down just 6.25 percent of the time (1-for-16).
- West Chester punt returner Kevin Garland leads the country in average punt return for the second straight week at 22.75 yards per return.
- Clarion continues to lead the country alone in fewest tackles for loss allowed per game. The Golden Eagles have been stopped for a loss just 26 times this year for an average of just 3.25 times per game.
PSAC in Non-Conference Action
The PSAC went 9-5 this year against Division II non-conference competition, and 9-6 overall. This is a large improvement over last year’s 6-9 overall non-conference record (6-8 vs. Division II opponents). Listed below is the conference and record breakdown of the PSAC’s non-conference opponents this year, followed by the PSAC’s record last year in non-conference action.
2009 - 9-6 overall (9-5 vs. Division II)
Northeast 10: 3-1 (Wins - IUP over Southern Connecticut State, Millersville over Assumption, Kutztown over St. Anselm; Losses - American International over C.W. Post)
WVIAC: 2-1 (Wins - Clarion over Fairmont State, Edinboro over West Liberty State; Losses - Shepherd over Shippensburg)
CIAA: 2-1 (Wins - East Stroudsburg over Virginia Union, Slippery Rock over Bowie State; Losses - Lincoln over Cheyney)
GLIAC: 1-2 (Wins - Bloomsburg over Ashland; Losses - Wayne State over Mercyhurst, Saginaw Valley State over California)
Independents: 1-0 (Gannon over Lake Erie)
Division I FCS (CAA): 0-1 (Losses - Delaware over West Chester)
2008 - 6-9 overall (6-8 vs. Division II)
WVIAC: 1-4 (Wins - Edinboro over West Liberty State; Losses - Fairmont State over Clarion, Glenville State over Lock Haven, Shepherd over Shippensburg, Seton Hill over Slippery Rock)
Northeast 10: 1-2 (Wins - Kutztown over St. Anselm; Losses - AIC over C.W. Post, Bentley over Millersville
GLIAC: 1-1 (Wins - Bloomsburg over Ashland; Losses - Wayne State over Mercyhurst)
CIAA: 1-1 (Wins - East Stroudsburg over Virginia Union; Losses - Bowie State over Cheyney)
Independent: 2-0 (Wins - Gannon over Lake Erie, California over Lake Erie)
Division I FCS (CAA): 0-1 (Losses - Delaware over West Chester)
Long Ones are Rare
Bloomsburg K Jon Koenig booted a career-long 50-yard field goal on September 19 in the Huskies’ win over Kutztown. It marked the third straight year that a PSAC kicker made a field goal from at least 50 yards but it also marked only the fifth FG made from 50+ yards in the PSAC in the last nine seasons dating back to 2000. Koenig and Millersville’s John Banzhof are the only active PSAC kickers that have made FGs from 50 yards or more. Listed below are the PSAC kickers that have made FGs from 50+ yards in this decade.
53 - Greg Knauss (East Stroudsburg) vs. IUP, 2007
53 - Sean McNicholas (Edinboro) vs. East Stroudsburg, 2000
52 - John Katsaouni (Slippery Rock) vs. Shippensburg, 2003
50 - John Banzhof (Millersville) vs. Bloomsburg, 2008
50 - Jon Koenig (Bloomsburg) vs. Kutztown, 2009
Ranked Scots Equals No Good
Edinboro was upset at home by Shippensburg in Week 2. The Red Raiders were unranked, while the Fighting Scots were ranked 15th and 16th in the two polls. The loss by Edinboro marked the first time since last year that a ranked PSAC team lost to an unranked PSAC team. That last time it happened was also the only time it happened last year, when the Fighting Scots lost at home to Mercyhurst. Prior to last year, Edinboro came out on top in the previous time it happened, as an unranked Fighting Scots squad topped ranked Bloomsburg in 2007.
Streaks
There are a couple of streaks that are currently active, some of which teams want to keep going, and others that teams want to break. California has an 18-game winning streak in PSAC West play.
On the opposite end, Cheyney is looking to break a current 21-game losing streak in PSAC East play and a 25-game losing streak overall. Lock Haven is looking to break a 12-game losing streak in PSAC West play and an 18-game losing streak overall.
Game Previews
Cheyney (0-8, 0-5) at West Chester (4-4, 3-2)
Oct. 22 - 6:00 p.m.
West Chester, Pa.
Farrell Stadium (7,500)
Radio/Internet: WCUR 91.7 FM/RedZoneMedia.com
Cheyney Leaders
Rushing: Ron Hunter (89 car., 532 yds., 6.0 ypc, 66.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Angel Rodriguez (95 car., 447 yds., 4.7 ypc, 55.9 ypg, 5 TD)
Passing: Angel Rodriguez (41-75-4, 54.7 pct., 609 yds., 76.1 ypg, 2 TD)
Receiving: John Newman (16 rec., 190 yds., 11.9 ypc, 23.8 ypg, 0 TD)
Travis Taltoan (11 rec., 225 yds., 20.5 ypc, 32.1 ypg, 1 TD)
West Chester Leaders
Rushing: D’Andre Webb (64 car., 374 yds., 5.8 ypc, 46.8 ypg, 4 TD)
Lee Hopkins (69 car., 217 yds., 3.1 ypc, 27.1 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Joe Wright (130-238-9, 54.6 pct., 1908 yds., 238.5 ypg, 14 TD)
Receiving: Steve Miller (33 rec., 525 yds., 15.9 ypc, 75.0 ypg, 5 TD)
Dan DePalma (30 rec., 590 yds., 19.7 ypc, 73.8 ypg, 6 TD)
Conference Ranks Cheyney West Chester
Scoring Offense/Defense 13.4/15th; 39.2/15th 29.9/3rd; 20.4/T5th
Rush Offense/Defense 160.2/6th; 238.1/15th 133.5/10th; 89.4/1st
Pass Offense/Defense 101.5/16th; 170.2/3rd 250.8/3rd; 179.4/8th
Total Offense/Defense 261.8/15th; 408.4/15th 384.2/6th; 268.8/3rd
Coaches
Cheyney: Jeff Braxton (2nd yr.; 0-19 career record)
West Chester: Bill Zwaan (7th yr.; 112-40 career record; 58-26 at WCU)
What to Expect
West Chester is reeling after a couple of disappointing losses likely ended its hopes for a sixth straight NCAA playoff appearance. They will look to get back on track against a winless Cheyney team, but one that has shown some positive signs of improvement this year, especially over the last two weeks.
The Wolves have had a 100-yard rusher in each of the last two weeks, Ron Hunter last week and QB Angel Rodriguez two weeks ago, who had a 200-yard game. Cheyney also scored in both of its trips to the red zone last week against the league’s top scoring defense in Bloomsburg. This week, they will face another top defense in the league, and its much improved running game will go up against the league’s best rushing defense in West Chester. The Wolves’ passing game, which ranks last in the league, has gotten slightly increased production the last few weeks to push its overall season average up over 100 yards. They may find it slightly easier to throw the ball than run it against West Chester, which only ranks around the middle of the league in pass defense.
Just like on offense, the Wolves do one thing well on defense, but are ranked around the bottom of the PSAC in almost everything else. Luckily for Cheyney, that one thing they do well is defend against the pass, which West Chester does plenty of. The Golden Rams’ strength is the pass, with QB Joe Wright throwing it primarily to Steve Miller and Dan DePalma, both of which have 100 yard games this year, so it will be strength against strength against the Wolves’ pass defense. The Golden Rams have run the ball much less frequently over the last few weeks and as a result, their rush offense has slipped down in the PSAC rankings. West Chester may look to rush the ball more against Cheyney, as the Wolves’ have the league’s second-worst pass defense.
Although Cheyney has perhaps the most improved kicking game in the conference, special teams favor the Golden Rams. They have Kevin Garland returning punts with 22.8 ypr average and he and DePalma split time returning kicks, with DePalma averaging 25.2 ypr. Cheyney averages just 17.2 ypr on kicks, with none having gone for more than 30 yards. On punts, the Wolves average 14.3 ypr, but have returned just three punts. The kicking game has been a bit shaky for WCU as K Chris Hill has hit on just 4-of-9 FG attempts and is 27-for-31 on PATs. By contrast, Cheyney K Tyler Wilkinson is 5-for-6 on FGs and 10-for-11 on PATs.
Series/Game Notes
West Chester leads Cheyney 39-1-1 in the all-time series...The Golden Rams won by a 60-6 score last year at home...This game was originally scheduled to be played at Cheyney but both schools mutually agreed to move the contest to West Chester to play it on Thursday night.
#23 Edinboro (6-2, 4-1) at Mercyhurst (4-4, 3-2)
Oct. 24 - 12:00 p.m.
Erie, Pa.
Tullio Field (2,300)
TV: WSEE-TV
Radio/Internet: WFSE 88.9 FM/edinboro.ezstream.com
Edinboro Leaders
Rushing: David Bostic (106 car., 403 yds., 3.8 ypc, 57.6 ypg, 4 TD)
Junior Jabbie (66 car., 268 yds., 4.1 ypc, 67.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Trevor Harris (163-250-6, 65.2 pct., 2018 yds., 252.2 ypg, 15 TD)
Receiving: David Bostic (27 rec., 258 yds., 9.6 ypc, 36.9 ypg, 0 TD)
Josh Brown (23 rec., 385 yds., 16.7 ypc, 48.1 ypg, 3 TD)
Nick Marino (20 rec., 275 yds., 13.8 ypc, 34.4 ypg, 2 TD)
Mercyhurst Leaders
Rushing: Gerald Anderson (91 car., 456 yds., 5.0 ypc, 57.0 ypg, 5 TD)
Ben Jennings (125 car., 425 yds., 3.4 ypc, 53.1 ypg, 5 TD)
Passing: Joe Laffey (113-223-10, 50.7 pct., 1221 yds., 152.6 ypg, 9 TD)
Receiving: Josh Szeluga (29 rec., 350 yds., 12.1 ypc, 43.8 ypg, 1 TD)
Trevor Kennedy (26 rec., 370 yds., 14.2 ypc, 46.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Max Khuri (18 rec., 249 yds., 13.8 ypc, 35.6 ypg, 3 TD)
Conference Ranks Edinboro Mercyhurst
Scoring Offense/Defense 28.8/4th; 23.6/11th 21.5/T12th; 18.6/3rd
Rush Offense/Defense 128.1/T12th; 162.1/12th 128.1/T12th; 114.9/6th
Pass Offense/Defense 256.8/2nd; 168.1/2nd 162.2/9th; 171.6/4th
Total Offense/Defense 384.9/5th; 330.2/9th 290.4/12th; 286.5/6th
Coaches
Edinboro: Scott Browning (4th yr.; 28-13 career record)
Mercyhurst: Marty Schaetzle (8th yr.; 32-51 career record)
What to Expect
Mercyhurst effectively spoiled Edinboro’s NCAA playoff hopes last year by upseting the Fighting Scots on the road on a Thursday night. Edinboro will look to avoid the same fate this year and mathematically stay alive for the divisional title, while the Lakers are still mathematically alive as well, but neither teams hold their fate for the Western Division title in their own hands.
Edinboro ran in to its toughest defense so far this year last week, as it was held to under 300 yards of total offense for the first time this year by California. Its running game was particularly held down, managing just 59 yards as top RB Junior Jabbie missed his second straight game. With or without Jabbie, the Fighting Scots may find it a bit tougher than usual to move the ball again this week, particularly on the ground, against what has been a stingy Mercyhurst defense that has allowed the third-fewest points in the league. The Lakers have held three of their last four opponents under 100 yards on the ground and have given up more than 300 yards overall in just three out of eight games. The Scots will likely look to throw the ball a lot once again, particularly if they face a deficit early, but QB Trevor Harris had led a couple of Edinboro comebacks this year.
Turnovers have been Mercyhurst’s biggest problem on offense, as the Lakers have committed 16, including what is tied for a league-worst 10 interceptions. A consistent running game has also been a problem, as the Lakers have shown flashes at times, most notably RB Gerald Anderson’s 175-yard performance two weeks ago, but overall Mercyhurst’s running game ranks near the bottom of the PSAC. Look for the Lakers to try to run the ball more, however, as Edinboro’s rush defense has struggled, hitting rock bottom last week when it allowed a season-high 268 yards to Cal.
Mercyhurst averages more than four yards more than Edinboro in kickoff returns. ‘Boro has a huge advantage in the punt return game, however, as despite having returned the second-fewest punts in the league with just seven, the Scots average 18.9 ypr while ‘Hurst is at just 6.9. ‘Boro’s Alex Romanias is 5-for-7 on FGs and 27-for-28 on PATs while ‘Hurst’s Robert Giambra has missed five PATs.
Series/Game Notes
Edinboro leads Mercyhurst 3-2 in the all-time series...Mercyhurst won last year by a 24-21 score at Edinboro, which spoiled the Fighting Scots’ playoff hopes...The two teams met four times previous to last year in non-conference play, with ‘Boro winning in 1982-83 and in 2000, and the Lakers winning in 1999.
#24/18 California (6-2, 5-0) at Slippery Rock (5-3, 2-3)
Oct. 24 - 1:00 p.m.
Slippery Rock, Pa.
Thompson Stadium (10,000)
TV: B2livetv.com
Radio/Internet: WISR 680 AM/MSAsports.net/
California Leaders
Rushing: Freddie Bacco (103 car., 452 yds., 4.4 ypc, 56.5 ypg, 5 TD)
Windell Brown (51 car., 300 yds., 5.9 ypc, 42.9 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Josh Portis (105-195-4, 53.8 pct., 1602 yds., 200.2 ypg, 20 TD)
Receiving: A.J. Jackson (45 rec., 644 yds., 14.3 ypc, 80.5 ypg, 10 TD)
Terrance Moore (25 rec., 433 yds., 17.3 ypc, 54.1 ypg, 7 TD)
Chedrick Cherry (17 rec., 364 yds., 21.4 ypc, 45.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Slippery Rock Leaders
Rushing: Sayquan Scott-Mitchell (118 car., 669 yds., 5.7 ypc, 83.6 ypg, 6 TD)
Damarcus Cleckley (77 car., 282 yds., 3.7 ypc, 35.2 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Rocco Calavecchia (84-181-10, 46.4 pct., 1142 yds., 142.8 ypg, 8 TD)
Receiving: Devin Goda (25 rec., 358 yds., 14.3 ypc, 44.8 ypg, 2 TD)
Jermale Cromerdie (19 rec., 374 yds., 19.7 ypc, 46.8 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks California Slippery Rock
Scoring Offense/Defense 33.9/T1st; 20.0/4th 24.4/10th; 23.8/12th
Rush Offense/Defense 176.4/3rd; 91.0/3rd 133.9/9th; 160.5/11th
Pass Offense/Defense 213.5/T5th; 184.8/10th 151.8/13th; 171.6/5th
Total Offense/Defense 389.9/4th; 275.8/4th 285.6/13th; 332.1/10th
Coaches
California: John Luckhardt (8th yr.; 200-63-2 career record; 63-26 at Cal)
Slippery Rock: Dr. George Mihalik (22nd yr.; 146-88-4 career record)
What to Expect
California appears to be hitting its stride after a slow start to the season as the Vulcans have put up some of their best showings and statistics of the year over the last few weeks. By contrast, Slippery Rock, after an outstanding start to the season, appears to have hit a bump, having lost its last two contests. Cal can clinch at least a share of the PSAC West title and a berth in the conference championship game with a win.
Cal’s offense is currently playing perhaps the best of any offense in the league while Slippery Rock’s defense, after starting the year very strong, turned in probably its worst performance of the year last week, giving up 51 points and 558 yards in a loss to Gannon. With those recent trends in mind, this matchup clearly favors Cal, which has vaulted all the way to a tie for first in the league in scoring offense and has the most passing TDs in the league with 23, with the combination of QB Josh Portis and WRs A.J. Jackson and Terrance Moore accounting for 17 TDs alone. Portis has currently not thrown an interception in the last five games and 22 quarters, while throwing 18 TDs in that same span. The Cal running game also had its strongest showing of the year, as RB Windell Brown appears to be back to full strength after being slowed by injuries early on.
For Slippery Rock, although its defense had its worst game of the year last week, its offense ironically had its best game. However, Rock will face a stronger defense this week in Cal than it did last week in Gannon. QB Rocco Colavecchia tossed a pair of touchdowns last week but for the year, co-leads the PSAC with 10 interceptions and while Rock’s turnover margin was in its favor earlier in the year, it is now even, meaning Rock has turned it over six times in its last two games. The running game has been its best offense, as Sayquan Scott-Mitchell and Damarcus Cleckley are two backs with big-play potential. Cal’s defense is playing its best football of the year, as it has held its last two opponents and three of its last five to under 300 yards of total offense.
Both teams have reliable kickers, although Rock’s K C.J. Bahr left last week’s game with injury. Both also have punters that can boom the ball. Both teams’ punt return games are fairly even as well and both squads also have big-play threats on kick returns, so a big play on special teams may be in order.
Series/Game Notes
Slippery Rock leads California in the all-time series 42-29-3...Cal won last year’s meeting by a 31-10 score at home and the Vulcans have won five of the last six meetings, but The Rock has still won seven of the last 12 meetings.
IUP (4-4, 1-4) at Clarion (5-3, 4-1)
Oct. 24 - 1:00 p.m.
Clarion, Pa.
Memorial Stadium (3,500)
Radio/Internet: WQMU 92.5 FM/ WCCR 92.7 FM/WKQW 96.3 FM/RedZoneMedia.com
IUP Leaders
Rushing: Tobias Robinson (160 car., 724 yds., 4.5 ypc, 90.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Harvie Tuck (67 car., 391 yds., 5.8 ypc, 97.8 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Andrew Krewatch (77-152-8, 50.7 pct., 957 yds., 191.4 ypg, 5 TD)
Pat Smith (35-75-2, 46.7 pct., 315 yds., 52.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Receiving: Mychal Skinner (29 rec., 354 yds., 12.2 ypc, 50.6 ypg, 2 TD)
Javon Rowan (25 rec., 340 yds., 13.6 ypc, 48.6 ypg, 5 TD)
Clarion Leaders
Rushing: Alfonso Hoggard (143 car., 683 yds., 4.8 ypc, 97.6 ypg, 11 TD)
Passing: Tyler Huether (145-258-7, 56.2 pct., 1745 yds., 218.1 ypg, 9 TD)
Receiving: Jacques Robinson (53 rec., 591 yds., 11.2 ypc, 73.9 ypg, 4 TD)
Matt Foradora (33 rec., 399 yds., 12.1 ypc, 49.9 ypg, 3 TD)
Craig Bunney (24 rec., 327 yds., 13.6 ypc, 40.9 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks IUP Clarion
Scoring Offense/Defense 23.5/11th; 18.0/2nd 27.9/5th; 22.8/9th
Rush Offense/Defense 154.8/7th; 90.9/2nd 130.8/11th; 118.9/7th
Pass Offense/Defense 159.0/12th; 175.5/7th 218.1/4th; 201.4/13th
Total Offense/Defense 313.8/11th; 266.4/1st 348.9/7th; 320.2/8th
Coaches
IUP: Lou Tepper (4th yr.; 29-11 career record)
Clarion: Jay Foster (4th yr.; 9-32 career record)
What to Expect
This is an interesting matchup between a team that has exceeded expectations this year and is still in contention for the West title in Clarion, and a team that has fallen short of its usual high expectations and out of the divsional race in IUP.
Although the Crimson Hawks have fallen on relatively hard times this year, it has not been the fault of the defense, as IUP has allowed the second-fewest points in the league and the fewest yards. That defense will be put to the test against a potent Clarion offense whose strength is throwing the ball but which also has the league’s leading rusher in Alfonso Hoggard, who may find it tough to run against a defense that has held four opponents to under 50 rushing yards this year. That may play into the Golden Eagles’ strength, which is throwing the ball, and that has been the area where IUP is the weakest, despite having one of the best cover corners in the league in Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, whose man is rarely thrown to.
It is IUP’s offense that has struggled this year, as starting QB Andrew Krewatch may be out for the year and struggled when he was in due to his injury. In his absence, Pat Smith has taken over and has avoided big mistakes, but is only averaging just over 50 ypg throwing the ball. The Crimson Hawks have been able to develop a second option in the running game behind Tobias Robinson, as freshman Harvie Tuck ran for the top single-game total in the PSAC this year last week with 218 yards. The Golden Eagles rank better agains the run than the pass, so Smith may need to throw the ball effectively to beat them. Clarion’s defense has gradually climbed the PSAC ranks this year, now ranking around the middle.
It could be a very exciting game on specials teams as two of the most dynamic kick and punt returners in the league match up against each other in Owusu-Ansah and Hoggard. Owusu-Ansah has five TD returns: three punts and two kickoffs and ranks second and first, respectively, in the league in those categories. Hoggard is seventh and third, respectively, and also had a kickoff return for TD to his credit. The two teams have a near identical net punt average and both teams’ kickers are also strong, with Clarion’s Robert Mamula 11-for-15 on FGs and 22-for-24 on PATs and IUP’s Craig Burgess 6-for-7 on FGs and a perfect 24-for-24 on PATs.
Series/Game Notes
IUP leads Clarion 54-22-3 in the all-time series...The Crimson Hawks have won 10 of the past 13 meetings with the Golden Eagles, including last year’s 66-16 game at home.
C.W. Post (3-5, 3-2) at East Stroudsburg (6-2, 3-2)
Oct. 24 - 1:00 p.m.
East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Eiler-Martin Stadium (6,000)
TV: Blue Ridge TV-13
Radio/Internet: wcwpsports.com/WVPO 840 AM/RedZoneMedia.com
C.W. Post Leaders
Rushing: Thomas Beverly (125 car., 748 yds., 5.5 ypc, 93.5 ypg, 8 TD)
Eric Anderwkavich (100 car., 543 yds., 5.4 ypc, 67.9 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Eric Anderwkavich (107-181-5, 59.1 pct., 1261 yds., 157.6 ypg, 13 TD)
Receiving: Chris Harris (44 rec., 639 yds., 14.5 ypc, 79.9 ypg, 6 TD)
Darnal Williams (26 rec., 306 yds., 11.8 ypc, 43.7 ypg, 5 TD)
East Stroudsburg Leaders
Rushing: Zach Krise (96 car., 433 yds., 4.5 ypc, 86.6 ypg, 5 TD)
Passing: Matt Marshall (148-229-7, 64.6 pct., 2020 yds., 252.5 ypg, 15 TD)
Receiving: Jeff Giglio (35 rec., 590 yds., 16.9 ypc, 84.3 ypg, 3 TD)
Ed Kiser (29 rec., 507 yds., 17.5 ypc, 63.4 ypg, 4 TD)
Conference Ranks C.W. Post East Stroudsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 26.1/7th; 21.0/7th 26.8/6th; 20.4/T5th
Rush Offense/Defense 225.6/1st; 128.9/9th 127.6/14th; 144.4/10th
Pass Offense/Defense 177.6/7th; 152.9/1st 279.1/1st; 204.5/15th
Total Offense/Defense 403.2/2nd; 281.8/5th 406.8/1st; 348.9/11th
Coaches
C.W. Post: Bryan Collins (12th yr.; 90-39 career record)
East Stroudsburg: Denny Douds (36th yr.; 224-144-3 career record)
What to Expect
This game will be a battle of contrasting styles on offense, as the Pioneers bring the league’s top-rated rushing offense into the game while the Warriors have the PSAC’s top-rated passing offense. How each defense is able to contain its opposing offense’s forte will likely decide the game.
Post has been doing its damage on the ground with RB Thomas Beverly and QB Eric Anderwkavich as they Pioneers average a league-best 5.2 ypc and its 225.6 ypg on the ground is over 45 ypg game more than the team with the second most. The Pioneers are also decent in the passing game as well, with WR Chris Harris being one of the top targets in the PSAC. Overall, Post has accumulated the second-most overall yards in the league. Despite its strong running game, Post ranks near the bottom of the league in average time of possession and only around the middle in scoring. The reason for this is two fold. First, Post’s 17 turnovers are tied for third most in the league, and second, Post’s red zone efficiency continue to struggle, having converted on under 60 percent. East Stroudsburg is allowing over 200 ypg through the air but are ranked in the top five in fewest points allowed, so the matchup may play to the Warriors’ favor if the Pioneers continue to struggle in the red zone.
By contrast, ESU does most of its damage through the air, and lately, almost all of its offense has come via the pass. Leading rusher Zach Krise has missed the last two games so QB Matt Marshall, who is battling various injuries himself, has carried the team, last week totaling a PSAC single-game season high in total offense. Post appears ready to handle the Warriors’ high-flying passing attack, as they own the league’s top-rated pass defense, which should provide for an interesting matchup. WR Ed Kiser set a career high for receiving yards last week and he along with Jeff Giglio, who missed last week’s game, as Marshall’s top targets.
The kicking game has been an area of concern for both teams this year. ESU K Drew Reinhard is just 5-of-10 on FGs and 25-of-29 on PATs, while Post has had two kickers split time and Justin Bertone and Jon Korn have combined to hit on just 21-of-28 PATs and 2-of-4 FGs. ESU has a two-yard edge in average kickoff returns while both teams are ranked near the bottom of the PSAC in both punt returns and average net punt.
Series/Game Notes
East Stroudsburg leads C.W. Post 7-2 in the all-time series...The Warriors won in a 48-42 shootout on the road last year and have won the last five meetings, including a game in the 2005 NCAA playoffs that was the teams’ last meeting prior to last year, C.W. Post’s first year in the PSAC...Post’s last win in the series came in 1981.
Lock Haven (0-7, 0-5) at Gannon (3-5, 1-4)
Oct. 24 - 1:00 p.m.
Erie, Pa.
University Field (2,500)
TV: B2livetv.com
Radio/Internet: havensports.com/Jet Radio 1400 AM/gannonsports.com
Lock Haven Leaders
Rushing: Ibrahim Smith (43 car., 89 yds., 2.1 ypc, 17.8 ypg, 1 TD)
Jeremiah Dunchack (32 car., 61 yds., 1.9 ypc, 10.2 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Jarret Kratzer (89-167-6, 53.3 pct., 725 yds., 103.6 ypg, 1 TD)
Jarryd Burkett (23-40-1, 57.5 pct., 173 yds., 28.8 ypg, 2 TD)
Receiving: Jay Hartman (16 rec., 210 yds., 13.1 ypc, 35.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Ian Smith (15 rec., 95 yds., 6.3 ypc, 13.6 ypg, 0 TD)
Gannon Leaders
Rushing: Jon Richardson (136 car., 630 yds., 4.6 ypc, 78.8 ypg, 13 TD)
Zach Boedicker (73 car., 389 yds., 5.3 ypc, 48.6 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Zach Boedicker (77-138-5, 55.8 pct., 922 yds., 115.2 ypg, 6 TD)
Bob Bartley (28-52-2, 53.8 pct., 358 yds., 89.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Receiving: Levar Goff (16 rec., 223 yds., 13.9 ypc, 27.9 ypg, 2 TD)
Corey Bradley (16 rec., 176 yds., 11.0 ypc, 22.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks Lock Haven Gannon
Scoring Offense/Defense 4.9/16th; 38.4/14th 25.6/8th; 34.0/13th
Rush Offense/Defense 3.3/16th; 220.4/14th 160.5/5th; 190.2/13th
Pass Offense/Defense 131.4/15th; 181.3/9th 160.0/10th; 202.1/14th
Total Offense/Defense 134.7/16th; 401.7/14th 320.5/8th; 392.4/13th
Coaches
Lock Haven: John Klacik (5th yr.; 5-46 career record)
Gannon: Jim Kiernan (3rd yr.; 8-22 career record)
What to Expect
After showing some signs of life the last few weeks despite not picking up any wins, Lock Haven took a step back last week as it managed just one yard of total offense while by contrast, Gannon came up with its biggest offensive performance of the year, although its defense was still a bit shaky.
Lock Haven has gone back to a quarterback rotation over the last few games, with Jarret Kratzer and Jarryd Burkett rotating taking snaps. Burkett has thrown just one interception and has a slightly higher completion percentage but Kratzer averages more yards per game, albeit in far more passing attempts. Leading receiver Jay Hartman averages just 35.0 ypg in receiving yards while the Lock Haven running game, which averages just 0.1 ypc, is without leading rusher Ibrahim Smith, who may be lost for the year due to injury. Gannon may be the weakest defense statistically that the Bald Eagles will go up against this year, as the Golden Knights have held only one out of eight opponents below 300 yards of total offense.
Gannon’s offense is coming off one of its best performances in years, as the Golden Knights rang up 558 yards of total offense, including 311 on the ground. Expect another large dose of running the ball by the Knights against Lock Haven’s rush defense, which gives up over 220 ypg on the ground. RB Jon Richardson, who has four 100-yard games this year, will likely get a lot of carries, with QB Zach Boedicker also getting some runs after rushing for over 100 yards last week. That duo ran for a combined 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Bald Eagles last year.
As a team, Lock Haven averages just 16.5 ypr on kickoff and only 2.7 ypr on punts, only returning seven punts on the year, and none for more than nine yards. Their longest kick return went for just 32 yards. Gannon averages just 18.2 ypr on kicks but has a big-play threat in Tyler Batts, who has a long return of 82 yards. Batts also helps the team average 12.2 ypr on punts with his 10.9 average and Anthony Weavers’ 15.0 average. Lock Haven is also the only team in the PSAC that is yet to make a field goal this year, as they are 0-for-3, while Jeremy Ditzler is 7-for-9 on FGs and 24-for-25 on PATs for Gannon. Both team struggle on net punting average, but Gannon allows just 1.7 ypr while LHU allows 5.1 ypr.
Series/Game Notes
Gannon leads the all-time series with Lock Haven 1-0 after winning by a 26-0 score at Lock Haven last year.
Kutztown (3-5, 1-4) at Millersville (2-6, 1-4)
Oct. 24 - 1:30 p.m.
Millersville, Pa.
Biemesderfer Stadium (6,500)
Radio/Internet: WEEU 830 AM/kubears.com/
millersvilleathletics.com
Kutztown Leaders
Rushing: Dontay Wilson (116 car., 608 yds., 5.2 ypc, 76.0 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Kevin Morton (88-153-3, 57.5 pct., 1003 yds., 200.6 ypg, 6 TD)
Receiving: Chris McCormick (35 rec., 467 yds., 13.3 ypc, 58.4 ypg, 5 TD)
Jake Cahill (21 rec., 273 yds., 13.0 ypc, 34.1 ypg, 1 TD)
Millersville Leaders
Rushing: Brad Lantz (106 car., 447 yds., 4.2 ypc, 55.9 ypg, 4 TD)
Cardoza Jacks (50 car., 261 yds., 5.2 ypc, 32.6 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Bill Shirk (122-232-7, 52.6 pct., 1258 yds., 157.2 ypg, 8 TD)
Receiving: Jamal Smith (36 rec., 471 yds., 13.1 ypc, 58.9 ypg, 6 TD)
Matt Egenrieder (25 rec., 209 yds., 8.4 ypc, 26.1 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks Kutztown Millersville
Scoring Offense/Defense 21.5/T12th; 23.5/10th 17.8/14th; 39.8/16th
Rush Offense/Defense 142.4/8th; 105.8/5th 103.8/15th; 260.9/16th
Pass Offense/Defense 176.5/8th; 247.0/16th 159.9/11th; 200.2/12th
Total Offense/Defense 318.9/9th; 352.8/12th 263.6/14th; 461.1/16th
Coaches
Kutztown: Raymond Monica (4th yr.; 17-23 career record)
Millersville: Greg Colby (2nd yr.; 3-16 career record)
What to Expect
This will be a matchup between a pair of teams that will be looking to salvage their seasons by finishing strong after both hit some rough patches in the middle of the season. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring one, as both defenses have some soft spots.
Kutztown will likely pound the ball via the run at Millersville, which is giving up over 260 ypg on the ground and has given up more than 200 ypg in rushing in seven out of eight games this year. Expect RB Dontay Wilson to get several carries, with former QB turned WR Shane Martin also getting some carries out of the “Wildcat” offense. QB Kevin Morton, who is a bigger threat in the passing game, has also shown an ability to run the ball, and he is the team’s second-leading rusher at 28.8 ypg. The Golden Bears have scored over 30 points just once this year, but with Millersville having given up at least 30 in six out of eight games, Kutztown may be poised for a season-high.
Millersville’s offense started out the year quite well and except for a 47-point breakout against Cheyney two weeks ago, it has struggled, particularly in the running game. Kutztown does a good job of stopping the run, allowing just over 100 ypg, so Millersville will likely play to its strength, which also happens to be Kutztown’s weakness on defense. The Golden Bears are ranked last in the league in pass defense, so the Bill Shirk to Jamal Smith connection may be used frequently for the Marauders.
Lou Brown is a solid kick/punt returner for the Marauders, averaging 8.0 ypr on punts but as a team, Millersville averages just 20.3 ypr on kicks and have returned only 11 punts. Kutztown has an edge in the return game individually behind Kendell Coleman, who averages 26.1 ypr on kicks but as a team, they average just 19.2. Coleman averages 9.2 ypr on punts. Marauder K John Banzhof is just 6-for-11 on FGs and is 16-for-18 on PATs while Kutztown K Matt Dineen is ranked among the national leaders in field goals made and percentage, as he is 13-for-14 on FGs and 15-for-18 on PATs. Kutztown figures to also have an edge in the punting game, as the Golden Bears average nearly five yards more in net punting but Millersville also has given up the most punt return yardage in the league and is allowing 8.4 ypr on punts, which does not bode well for them with a talented punt returner like Coleman returning kicks.
Series/Game Notes
Millersville leads Kutztown in the all-time series 56-23-3...The Golden Bears have won the last two meetings, including last year’s 26-17 win...Prior to that, Millersville had won the last three meetings...Eight of the last 10 meetings have been decided by nine points or fewer.
Shippensburg (6-2, 4-1) at #3/3 Bloomsburg (8-0, 5-0)
Oct. 24 - 2:30 p.m.
Bloomsburg, Pa.
Redman Stadium (4,775)
TV: PA SportsFever Network
Radio/Internet: WSYC 88.7 FM/wsyc.org/WHLM 930 AM/whlm.com
Shippensburg Leaders
Rushing: Kevin Herod (124 car., 475 yds., 3.8 ypc, 67.9 ypg, 4 TD)
Kevin Marshall (70 car., 339 yds., 4.8 ypc, 42.4 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Chad DiFebbo (104-202-8, 51.5 pct., 1642 yds., 205.2 ypg, 19 TD)
Receiving: Mike Harris (43 rec., 741 yds., 17.2 ypc, 92.6 ypg, 8 TD)
Chase DiFebbo (16 rec., 350 yds., 21.9 ypc, 50.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Bloomsburg Leaders
Rushing: Derrick Price (92 car., 554 yds., 6.0 ypc, 110.8 ypg, 11 TD)
Kenny Domzalski (99 car., 437 yds., 4.4 ypc, 54.6 ypg, 1 TD)
Passing: Dan Latorre (95-160-3, 59.4 pct., 1112 yds., 139.0 ypg, 8 TD)
Receiving: Ben Weaber (21 rec., 249 yds., 11.9 ypc, 31.1 ypg, 0 TD)
Cory Stiger (19 rec., 278 yds., 14.6 ypc, 34.8 ypg, 4 TD)
Conference Ranks Shippensburg Bloomsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 33.9/T1st; 21.8/8th 25.4/9th; 9.9/1st
Rush Offense/Defense 180.5/2nd; 126.4/8th 168.8/4th; 96.6/4th
Pass Offense/Defense 213.5/T5th; 191.1/11th 149.5/14th; 172.0/6th
Total Offense/Defense 394.0/3rd; 317.5/7th 318.2/10th; 268.6/2nd
Coaches
Shippensburg: Rocky Rees (20th yr.; 151-118-2 career record; 115-103-1 at SU)
Bloomsburg: Danny Hale (17th yr.; 184-59-1 career record; 144-46-1 at BU)
What to Expect
This is the game of the year in the PSAC East, as the winner will likely be the PSAC East champion. Bloomsburg will clinch the divisional title outright with a win, while Shippensburg will need to win and also win next week against last place Cheyney to clinch a spot in the PSAC championship game.
The Huskies have faced some high-powered offenses this year, most notably Ashland and California, but have given up more than 300 total yards just once, that coming against C.W. Post, which has the top running game in the PSAC. Shippensburg has the second-best running game in the PSAC, with a rotation of Kevin Herod, Kevin Marshall and Roshaan McCain. Bloom has held four out of its eight opponents to fewer than 100 yards on the ground, but it gave up a season-high 169 rushing yards to Cheyney last week. On the year, Bloom has given up only two rushing TDs and just eight TDs overall and the Huskies now lead the country in scoring defense, having not allowed more than 14 points in a game this year, so points may be at a premium for the Red Raiders.
The Bloomsburg offense will face what should be a tough test against a solid Shippensburg defense that is strong against the run but overall, only ranks around the middle of the league. Bloomsburg’s usually strong rushing attack is back to full strength, with RB Derrick Price having scored 11 TDs and having more rushing yards than only six other backs in the league despite having missed three games this year. Blooms’s passing numbers have come down in recent weeks as the run game has gotten stronger, but if needed, they may elect to throw the ball more, as Shippensburg’s pass defense is the weakest part of its defense.
In a tight game, a big play on special teams could make the difference, and both teams have the players to make that play. Jesse Cooper and Brandon Real have combined to help Bloom average 25.3 ypr on kicks and 11.3 ypr on punts. Marshall and Bryan Barley have helped Shippensburg average 25.4 ypr on kicks and Mike Harris averages 12.3 ypr on punts. Bloom K Jon Koenig is 7-for-9 on FGs and a perfect 22-of-22 on PATs. Ship K Kyler Ford is 7-for-11 on FGs and 34-for-35 on PATs. Both teams have strong punters, but Ship is giving up an average of more than four yards per punt return more than Bloomsburg.
Series/Game Notes
Shippensburg leads the all-time series with Bloomsburg 41-30-1...Bloom won last year’s game by a 21-0 score on the road...Despite this being just Ship’s second year in the PSAC East, the teams have met a total of 71 times...The teams met for 35 straight years from 1972-2006...Bloom has won the last three meetings, with Ship’s last win in 2004...The Raiders are receiving votes in the AFCA poll.