Week 11 Football Notes (pdf)
"State Game" Host Shippensburg's Informational Page
The end of the regular season is upon the PSAC as all 16 teams will wrap up the regular season, with at least six still having legitimate NCAA playoff aspirations, as six PSAC teams are ranked in this week's NCAA regional top 10 in Super Region 1. Four teams are ranked in the top six, which make the playoffs, while two others are ranked outside the top six.
The highlight of this week is the second PSAC championship game since the game was reinstated last year after a 21-year absence as California visits Shippensburg in what was the originally scheduled game on the schedule at the beginning of the year. The Vulcans will be making their second straight appearance in the championship game and with a win, can likely lock down a first round bye in the NCAA playoffs, as they enter this week ranked second in the region. Shippensburg can likely do the same with a win, as the Red Raiders are ranked third in the region just one spot behind Cal. The PSAC championship game will be televised live on the PA SportsFever Network at 1:00 p.m. A list of affiliates that are carrying the game is below.
WQMY (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton/Williamsport)
WGCB (Harrisburg/Lancaster/York)
WTVE (Philadelphia/South Jersey/Lehigh Valley)
Blue Ridge Cable Systems Channel 113 (Poconos/Northeast PA/Lancaster)
PCNC (Pittsburgh/Western PA)
Also playing for their playoff lives are four other teams. Bloomsburg, which was ranked first in the region until losing two straight the last two weeks, enters this week ranked fifth in the region and will need to win at home against Gannon to at least maintain that spot. East Stroudsburg holds down the final playoff spot if the playoff were to start this week as the Warriors are ranked sixth. Edinboro is ranked seventh while Clarion is ranked ninth after appearing in the rankings for the first time this year this week. ESU hosts Slippery Rock in a must-win for the Warriors, while Edinboro plays at Millersville in a must-win for the Fighting Scots to have any chance. Clarion plays at Cheyney but will likely need to win and get help to move into the top six.
PSAC Football - Week 11 Notes - 11/4/09
Quick Hits
- Shippensburg will host California in the PSAC championship game on Saturday, which will televised live on the PA SportsFever Network at 1:00 p.m.
- Shippensburg earned its first PSAC divisional title since 2004 and its first outright title since 1981.
- California is the champions on the PSAC West for the fifth straight season and is the outright champions for the third straight year.
- Shippensburg is the first team other than Bloomsburg or West Chester to win at least a share of the PSAC East title since East Stroudsburg in 2003.
- The Red Raiders are also the first team to win the PSAC East outright other than West Chester or Bloomsburg since Millersville in 1998.
- This will be the fourth all-time appearance in the PSAC championship game for Cal, and its second straight. The Vulcans are 2-0-1 all-time in the PSAC championship game, winning last year and in 1984 and tying in 1968.
- This will be the third all-time appearance in the PSAC championship game for Ship, and its first since 1981. The Red Raiders are 1-0-1 all-time in the PSAC championship game, winning in 1981 and tying in 1976.
- The PSAC championship game was reinstated last year after having not been played since 1987.
- Slippery Rock’s Kyle Witman is ranked fourth in the country in average yards per punt. With a big punting day on Saturday, he can become the second straight PSAC player to lead the country in punting after East Stroudsburg’s Nick Krut did so last year.
- Slippery Rock held Lock Haven to -4 yards of total offense in its win last week. The performance by the Rock defense is the best in a single game in all of Division II this year, and they are the only team that has held an opponent to negative yardage in a single game this year.
- That performance by Rock overtook IUP for the top single-game defensive performance this year, as the Crimson Hawks held Lock Haven to just one yard of total offenseon October 17, which is the second-best performance by a defense in the contry this year.
- Gannon and Slippery Rock combined for 99 points in Gannon’s 51-48 win in Week 8. 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- Five different PSAC players have recorded three sacks in a game so far this year through 10 games: Josh Simmons and Andy Horn of Shippensburg, Justin Presley of Bloomsburg, Fred Hale of Mercyhurst, and Jeff Case of East Stroudsburg, who did it last week. 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 in Each Poll
Edinboro dropped out of both polls this week while Shippensburg entered both, leaving the PSAC with three teams ranked in each poll. The three in the AFCA poll is tied for the second-most of any conference while the three in the D2football.com poll is tied for the third most of any conference. The PSAC started the year with four teams in the AFCA and five in the D2football.com poll.
California is now the top-ranked PSAC team in both polls, rising two spots to No. 18 in the AFCA poll and two spots to No. 12 in the D2football.com poll. Bloomsburg, which was ranked as high as third in both polls this year, fell to 19th in the AFCA poll and 22nd in the D2football.com poll. Shippensburg entered both polls for the first time this year at No. 23 in the AFCA and No. 24 in the D2football.com poll.
A Week for Highs
Week 8 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 that is leading the country in various categories as of the latest NCAA statistical report. He is listed below.
- West Chester punt returner Kevin Garland leads the country in average punt return for the fourth straight week at 22.75 yards per return.
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
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 a 20-game winning streak in PSAC West play, which it will take into next season with PSAC divisional play having wrapped up for the season.
On the opposite end, Cheyney will take a 23-game losing streak in PSAC East play into next season and the Wolves are also looking to break an overall 27-game losing streak. Lock Haven will take a 14-game losing streak in PSAC West play into next season and will have one more chance to break an overall 20-game losing streak.
Game Previews
Gannon (5-5, 3-4) at #19/22 Bloomsburg (8-2, 5-2)
Nov. 7 - 12:00 p.m.
Bloomsburg, Pa.
Redman Stadium (4,775)
Radio/Internet: Jet Radio 1400 AM/gannonsports.com/WHLM 930 AM/whlm.com
Gannon Leaders
Rushing: Jon Richardson (172 car., 866 yds., 5.0 ypc, 86.6 ypg, 16 TD)
Zach Boedicker (90 car., 499 yds., 5.5 ypc, 49.9 ypg, 3 TD)
Tyler Batts (70 car., 451 yds., 6.4 ypc, 45.1 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Zach Boedicker (101-176-5, 57.4 pct., 1147 yds., 114.7 ypg, 7 TD)
Receiving: Levar Goff (20 rec., 270 yds., 13.5 ypc, 27.0 ypg, 2 TD)
Corey Bradley (20 rec., 208 yds., 10.4 ypc, 20.9 ypg, 0 TD)
Bloomsburg Leaders
Rushing: Derrick Price (122 car., 688 yds., 5.6 ypc, 98.3 ypg, 12 TD)
Kenny Domzalski (112 car., 562 yds., 5.0 ypc, 56.2 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Dan Latorre (124-216-4, 57.4 pct., 1607 yds., 160.7 ypg, 10 TD
Receiving: Ben Weaber (25 rec., 328 yds., 13.1 ypc, 32.8 ypg, 0 TD)
Cory Stiger (24 rec., 408 yds., 17.0 ypc, 40.8 ypg, 6 TD)
Conference Ranks Gannon Bloomsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 26.1/8th; 27.5/13th 24.4/10th; 13.7/1st
Rush Offense/Defense 178.6/2nd; 161.1/13th 162.5/5th; 98.8/3rd
Pass Offense/Defense 154.0/12th; 178.9/8th 169.1/9th; 189.7/12th
Total Offense/Defense 332.6/9th; 340.0/11th 331.6/10th; 288.5/5th
Coaches
Gannon: Jim Kiernan (3rd yr.; 10-22 career record)
Bloomsburg: Danny Hale (17th yr.; 184-61-1 career record; 144-48-1 at BU)
What to Expect
After starting the year strong before hitting a midyear skid, Gannon appears to have gotten back on the tracks as the Golden Knights have won three straight, putting up three of their best offensive performances of the year, and is looking for its first winning season since 2003. Bloomsburg, after an 8-0 start, has lost two in a row and after being ranked first in the country in scoring defense, has given up their two largest point totals of the year in the last two weeks and needs a win to remain in contention for NCAA playoff berth.
Gannon’s current three-game winning streak has coincided with its running game getting back in full gear, as the Knights have gone for 311, 256 and 246 yards in their last three games to rise all the way to the second-best running game in the PSAC. RB Jon Richardson will be looking for a big game in which to wrap his college career and with a couple of scores, has a chance to finish first in the league in touchdowns scored, while QB Zach Boedicker has at times this year, particularly over the last three weeks, been a bigger threat running the ball than throwing it. Although Bloom has given up its two largest point totals in the last two weeks, the Huskies have still had a solid rush defense, having allowed an opponent to rush for over 100 yards just five times this year, so the Golden Knights may need to throw the ball more, as that is the weaker part of the Huskies’ defense, but it is also the weaker point of Gannon’s offense.
Bloomsburg had its vaunted rushing attack shut down last week, failing to go over 100 yards for the first time this season. In place of that, the Huskies threw for over 200 yards, for the first time this year, but much of that was due to playing from behind after its defense allowed West Chester to take a sizable lead. The Huskies may find it a bit easier to run against Gannon, which has one of the worst rush defenses in the league, and a pass defense that is ranked right in the middle. However, the Knights have turned in their two best defensive performances of the year in the last weeks, holding both opponents under 200 yards of total offense, so the Huskies may have their work cut out for them.
Both teams have big-play threats on special teams, with Tyler Batts of Gannon averaging 12.3 ypr on punts and 21.1 ypr on kicks, although Gannon as a team averages just 18.3 ypr on kicks. Brandon Real has taken over much of the kick returns for Bloom and averages 19.0 ypr on punts and 22.5 on kicks.
Series/Game Notes
Bloomsburg leads the all-time series with Gannon 1-0 after winning 38-10 last year in the regular season finale in Erie.
Edinboro (7-3, 5-2) at Millersville (3-7, 2-5)
Nov. 7 - 12:00 p.m.
Millersville, Pa.
Biemesderfer Stadium (6,500)
Radio/Internet: WFSE 88.9 FM/edinboro.ezstream.com/millersvilleathletics.com
Edinboro Leaders
Rushing: David Bostic (133 car., 504 yds., 3.8 ypc, 56.0 ypg, 6 TD)
Junior Jabbie (66 car., 268 yds., 4.1 ypc, 67.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Trevor Harris (191-287-7, 66.6 pct., 2376 yds., 237.6 ypg, 16 TD)
Joe Wanson (9-21-0, 42.9 pct., 67 yds., 22.3 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Josh Brown (31 rec., 507 yds., 16.4 ypc, 50.7 ypg, 4 TD)
David Bostic (30 rec., 281 yds., 9.4 ypc, 31.2 ypg, 0 TD)
Millersville Leaders
Rushing: Brad Lantz (148 car., 615 yds., 4.2 ypc, 61.5 ypg, 5 TD)
Cardoza Jacks (58 car., 305 yds., 5.3 ypc, 30.5 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Bill Shirk (144-283-9, 50.9 pct., 1596 yds., 159.6 ypg, 12 TD)
Receiving: Jamal Smith (45 rec., 666 yds., 14.8 ypc, 66.6 ypg, 10 TD)
Matt Egenrieder (27 rec., 243 yds., 9.0 ypc, 24.3 ypg, 0 TD)
Conference Ranks Edinboro Millersville
Scoring Offense/Defense 27.9/7th; 24.1/11th 18.6/14th; 39.7/15th
Rush Offense/Defense 126.5/14th;156.0/12th 108.5/15th; 253.6/16th
Pass Offense/Defense 246.1/3rd; 169.6/4th 161.7/10th; 218.7/15th
Total Offense/Defense 372.6/6th; 325.6/10th 270.2/14th; 472.3/16th
Coaches
Edinboro: Scott Browning (4th yr.; 29-14 career record)
Millersville: Greg Colby (2nd yr.; 4-17 career record)
What to Expect
Edinboro is coming off a disappointing loss that likely ended its playoff hopes and in which it lost QB Trevor Harris to an injury and struggled moving the ball on offense after his injury. Millersville has had a couple of bright spots this season, more than last year at least, and will be looking to finish strong as the program looks to take another step forward in the rebuilding process.
This is a matchup of two teams that have struggled running the ball this year but in each opposing defense will be going up against a unit that has struggled stopping the run this year. Edinboro, which has struggled with injuries in its backfield this year, may need to run the ball effectively if Harris is unable to go and they will be going up against the PSAC’s worst rush defense, so RB David Bostic may get quite a few carries. The Marauder defense has given up at least 200 yards rushing in all but one game this season.
Edinboro’s rush defense has had issues this year as well, as it is ranked only a few spots above Millersville, having given up at least 150 yards rushing in six out of 10 games this year. With that in mind, the Marauders may try to pound the ball with RBs Brad Lantz and Cardoza Jacks although Millersville’s running game is ranked second-to-last in the league. Their passing game has been more effective than the run, particularly when QB Bill Shirk throws the ball to WR Jamal Smith, but the Fighting Scots are best against the pass and Smith is likely to match up against CB Branden Williams, one of the top cover corners in the PSAC.
The Fighting Scots have the second-best punt return unit in the league, averaging 15.9 ypr behind Ben Swank’s 21.8 average, but the Scots have returned just 10 punts this year, the third-fewest in the league. That area could be a game-changer because Millersville allows an average of 7.2 ypr, the worst in the league. Despite having a couple of big play threats on kick returns in Michael Battles and Williams, Edinboro averages just 19.2 ypr on kicks. Millersville also has a pair of big-play threats in kicks in Lou Brown (19.6 ypr) and Smith (21.3 ypr) but averages just 19.4 as a team. Brown averages a decent 8.0 ypr on punts, but Millersville has returned just 13 as a team.
Series/Game Notes
Millersville leads Edinboro in the all-time series by a slim 5-4 margin...Edinboro won last year 38-13 at home, which was their first win over the Marauders since 1993...Prior to last year, the teams had not met since 1999, which was Millersville’s last win in the series.
Clarion (7-3, 6-1) at Cheyney (0-10, 0-7)
Nov. 7 - 12:00 p.m.
Cheyney, Pa.
O’Shields-Stevenson Stadium (5,000)
Radio/Internet: WCCR 92.7 FM/WKQW 96.3 FM/RedZoneMedia.com
Clarion Leaders
Rushing: Alfonso Hoggard (198 car., 944 yds., 4.8 ypc, 104.9 ypg, 14 TD)
Passing: Tyler Huether (170-298-8, 57.0 pct., 2067 yds., 206.7 ypg, 9 TD)
Receiving: Jacques Robinson (62 rec., 715 yds., 11.5 ypc, 71.5 ypg, 4 TD)
Matt Foradora (39 rec., 469 yds., 12.0 ypc, 46.9 ypg, 3 TD)
Craig Bunney (30 rec., 408 yds., 13.6 ypc, 40.8 ypg, 0 TD)
Cheyney Leaders
Rushing: Ron Hunter (111 car., 567 yds., 5.1 ypc, 56.7 ypg, 3 TD)
Angel Rodriguez (114 car., 475 yds., 4.2 ypc, 47.5 ypg, 6 TD)
Passing: Angel Rodriguez (52-106-5, 49.1 pct., 736 yds., 73.6 ypg, 2 TD)
Receiving: John Newman (18 rec., 205 yds., 11.4 ypc, 20.5 ypg, 0 TD)
Travis Taltoan (12 rec., 237 yds., 19.8 ypc, 26.3 ypg, 1 TD)
Conference Ranks Clarion Cheyney
Scoring Offense/Defense 28.3/5th; 22.7/9th 11.7/15th; 40.4/16th
Rush Offense/Defense 141.6/8th; 117.1/5th 144.8/6th; 223.8/15th
Pass Offense/Defense 206.7/5th; 190.4/13th 93.9/16th; 181.6/9th
Total Offense/Defense 348.3/7th; 307.5/7th 238.7/15th; 405.4/15th
Coaches
Clarion: Jay Foster (4th yr.; 11-32 career record)
Cheyney: Jeff Braxton (2nd yr.; 0-21 career record)
What to Expect
Clarion, which is on its longest winning streak since 1996, is looking to end the year on a six-game winning streak, which would be its longest since 1992. By contrast, Cheyney has extra motivation as it is looking to avoid its second straight winless season.
The Wolves’ main problem on defense this year has been stopping the run, as its pass defense has been decent at times. Since that is the case, Clarion will likely give Cheyney a large dose of Alfonso Hoggard, the PSAC’s leading rusher in average yards per game, who also has the second-most carries of any PSAC back. He is just 56 yards shy of 1,000 for the season and is the only PSAC back that is averaging over 100 ypg. QB Tyler Huether also showcased an ability to run the ball effectively last week but if the Golden Eagles elect to pass, they are most potent in that area, with WR Jacques Robinson ranking second in the league in catches.
Clarion’s defense is one of the most improved in the PSAC this year, and the Golden Eagles have been particularly good at stopping the run, especially late in the season, as they have allowed over 150 yards of rushing to an opponent just three times overall this year, and just once in its last eight games. That does not bode well for Cheyney, which relies almost exclusively on the run to move the football. They have one of the best running games in the league behind RB Ron Hunter and QB Angel Rodriguez, who have combined for over 1,000 rushing yards on the season and have helped Cheyney’s running game rank in the upper half of the PSAC. Clarion’s pass defense is a bit more vulnerable, but Cheyney averages fewer than 100 ypg through the air, worst in the league.
Hoggard gives Clarion the edge on special teams as he averages 26.9 ypr on kicks, while Cheyney averages just 16.9 ypr on kicks as a team and does not have a kick return of longer than 30 yards. Hoggard, who leads the PSAC in all-purpose yardage per game by a large margin, also averages 5.6 ypr on punts, while Cheyney has returned just four punts on the year but have averaged 11.0 ypr on those punts. Both teams’ kicking games are solid
Series/Game Notes
Clarion leads the series with Cheyney 8-1...The Golden Eagles won last year at home 41-20...Clarion has won the last three meetings with Cheyney, with the Wolves’ only win the series coming in 1984...This will be just the teams’ third meeting since 1985...Prior to a 1984-1985 home-and-home series, the teams had not met since 1959.
Slippery Rock (6-4, 3-4) at East Stroudsburg (7-3, 4-3)
Nov. 7 - 1:00 p.m.
East Stroudsburg, Pa.
Eiler Martin Stadium (6,000)
TV: Blue Ridge TV-13
Radio/Internet: WISR 680 AM/MSAsports.net/WVPO 840 AM/ RedZoneMedia.com
Slippery Rock Leaders
Rushing: Sayquan Scott-Mitchell (134 car., 744 yds., 5.6 ypc, 74.4 ypg, 7 TD)
Damarcus Cleckley (96 car., 334 yds., 3.5 ypc, 33.4 ypg, 5 TD)
Passing: Rocco Colavecchia (97-207-12, 46.9 pct., 1256 yds., 125.6 ypg, 8 TD)
Receiving: Devin Goda (31 rec., 466 yds., 15.0 ypc, 46.6 ypg, 3 TD)
Jermale Cromerdie (24 rec., 430 yds., 17.9 ypc, 43.0 ypg, 1 TD)
East Stroudsburg Leaders
Rushing: Zach Krise (102 car., 472 yds., 4.6 ypc, 78.7 ypg, 5 TD)
Kendrick Williams (77 car., 306 yds., 4.0 ypc, 61.2 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Matt Marshall (179-291-10, 61.5 pct., 2353 yds., 235.3 ypg, 20 TD)
Receiving: Jeff Giglio (37 rec., 610 yds., 16.5 ypc, 76.2 ypg, 3 TD)
Ed Kiser (36 rec., 598 yds., 16.6 ypc, 59.8 ypg, 5 TD)
Conference Ranks Slippery Rock East Stroudsburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 24.9/9th; 24.0/10th 28.2/6th; 20.8/5th
Rush Offense/Defense 133.1/12th; 140.7/10th 137.7/10th; 149.6/11th
Pass Offense/Defense 148.7/13th; 166.2/3rd 265.8/1st; 199.0/14th
Total Offense/Defense 281.8/13th; 306.9/6th 403.5/2nd; 348.6/12th
Coaches
Slippery Rock: Dr. George Mihalik (22nd yr.; 147-89-4 career record)
East Stroudsburg: Denny Douds (36th yr.; 225-145-3 career record)
What to Expect
This game has more meaning for East Stroudsburg as the Warriors enter the game holding down the sixth and final NCAA playoff spot in the region, so a win is a must for them to have any chance at a bid. Slippery Rock was also in playoff position earlier in the season before going on a three-game losing streak but with a win in its finale, can post a two-game improvement over last year and end the year on a two-game winning streak.
The most intriguing matchup in this game is East Stroudsburg’s top-ranked passing game going up against one of the top pass defenses in the league in Slippery Rock. The Rock is giving up nearly 100 fewer yards per game through the air than ESU is averaging, so something will likely have to give in that matchup. The Warriors will likely turn to the freshman tandem of Kendrick Williams and Eric Deery in the backfield with leading rusher Zach Krise likely out for the year having not played in the last four games. That duo may be important is Rock is able to contain ESU’ passing game, as Rock is not as good at stopping the run.
East Stroudsburg has had an inconsistent defense this year and that unit will be going up against a Slippery Rock offense that also has been inconsistent this year. Both units have turned in outstanding performances this year and both have turned in not-so-good ones as well. Which unit turns in the better performance may decide this game, as East Stroudsburg is just 1-3 this year when giving up more than 25 points in a game but it undefeated when giving up fewer than 25 while Rock’s offense has generated as few as 105 yards in a game this year (in a win) and as many as 468 (in a loss). They will likely look to attack the Warriors’ pass defense that is giving up almost 200 ypg with WRs Devin Goda and Jermale Cromerdie, although they are primarily a running team with Sayquan Scott-Mitchell and Damarcus Cleckley.
Akeem Satterfield has emerged as a big-play threat on kick returns for Rock, averaging 28.2. Rock has an advantage there as ESU averages just 20.2 ypr on kicks as a team, with none having gone for more than 37 yards. Rock has nearly a three-yard advantage in net punts but gives up over three yards more per return.
Series/Game Notes
Slippery Rock leads East Stroudsburg 11-2 in the all-time series...East Stroudsburg won last year’s meeting 38-21 on the road, breaking a seven-game winning streak in the series by Rock...That marked ESU’s first win in the series since 1975, which was head coach Denny Douds’ second season as ESU coach...Douds is a graduate of Slippery Rock.
Lock Haven (0-9, 0-7) at C.W. Post (5-5, 5-2)
Nov. 7 - 1:00 p.m.
Brookville, N.Y.
Hickox Field (5,000)
Radio/Internet: havensports.com/wcwpsports.com
Lock Haven Leaders
Rushing: Jeremiah Dunchack (46 car., 98 yds., 2.1 ypc, 12.2 ypg, 0 TD)
Passing: Jerryd Burkett (27-46-2, 58.7 pct., 197 yds., 24.6 ypg, 2 TD)
Shawn Faulk (12-23-1, 52.2 pct., 98 yds., 14.0 ypg, 0 TD)
Receiving: Jay Hartman (23 rec., 298 yds., 13.0 ypc, 37.2 ypg, 1 TD)
Ian Smith (19 rec., 107 yds., 5.6 ypc, 11.9 ypg, 0 TD)
C.W. Post Leaders
Rushing: Thomas Beverly (186 car., 972 yds., 5.2 ypc, 97.2 ypg, 8 TD)
Eric Anderwkavich (128 car., 678 yds., 5.3 ypc, 67.8 ypg, 6 TD)
Passing: Eric Anderwkavich (143-239-5, 59.8 pct., 1795 yds., 179.5 ypg, 20 TD)
Receiving: Chris Harris (48 rec., 728 yds., 15.2 ypc, 72.8 ypg, 7 TD)
Darnal Williams (40 rec., 483 yds., 12.1 ypc, 53.7 ypg, 9 TD)
Andrew Kell (31 rec., 343 yds., 11.1 ypc, 34.3 ypg, 4 TD)
Conference Ranks Lock Haven C.W. Post
Scoring Offense/Defense 4.4/16th; 38.1/14th 29.3/4th; 20.9/T6th
Rush Offense/Defense -1.0/16th; 221.2/14th 218.0/1st; 120.6/7th
Pass Offense/Defense 121.4/15th; 174.2/7th 195.5/8th; 162.5/1st
Total Offense/Defense 120.4/16th; 395.4/14th 413.5/1st; 283.1/4th
Coaches
Lock Haven: John Klacik (5th yr.; 5-48 career record)
C.W. Post: Bryan Collins (12th yr.; 92-39 career record)
What to Expect
Lock Haven will be looking to avoid its second straight winless season but on paper, are a mismatch against C.W. Post, which having already wrapped up its first winning season in PSAC East play, will be looking for its first overall winning season since joining the PSAC last year.
The Pioneers continue to have the league’s best rushing game behind the potent duo of RB Thomas Beverly, who leads the PSAC in overall rushing yards, and QB Eric Anderwkavich, who leads all PSAC quarterbacks in rushing yardage. That duo will be going up against a Lock Haven defense that has given up the third-most rushing yards in the PSAC and gives up an average of 5.3 yards per carry, while the Pioneers average 5.0 yards per carry, tops in the league. Lock Haven is better against the pass, allowing fewer passing yards than rushing yards on average, while Anderwkavich has completed almost 60 percent of his passes and has 20 TD passes to just five interceptions and with two top targets in WRs Chris Harris and Darnal Williams, can throw the ball effectively if needed as well, as the Pioneers have the most offensive yards of any PSAC team this year.
Lock Haven’s defense, which has struggled all year long, has especially struggled in recent weeks after starting QB Jarret Kratzer and starting RB Ibrahim Smith were both lost for the season due to injuries. In Kratzer’s absence, the Bald Eagles have used three different QBs in the last two weeks, Jarryd Burkett, Josh Walters and Shawn Faulk. The running game is now average negative yardage per game, partially due to Lock Haven allowing a league-leading 43 sacks. Their only offense has been through the air, but C.W. Post comes in with the league’s top pass defense, so the Bald Eagles may find it tough moving the ball on offense once again.
Juma McKenley’s 23.0 ypr average on kickoff gives Post a big play threat on special teams, but the Pioneers average just 18.2 ypr on kicks as a team while LHU averages just 17.0. Post does not have a punt return for more than 15 yards this year and averages just 4.5 ypr as a team on punts while the Bald Eagles have returned just nine punts, and none for more than nine yards. Both teams have had issues in the kicking game this year, as Post’s two kickers, Justin Bertone and Jon Korn, have combined to go just 2-for-5 on FGs and 33-for-40 on PATs, while Lock Haven is yet to make a FG this year in three attempts and is 4-for-5 on PATs. The two teams are last (LHU) and second-to-last (CWP) in net punting average.
Series/Game Notes
C.W. Post leads the all-time series with Lock Haven 1-0 after last year’s 30-28 victory at Lock Haven.
IUP (4-6, 1-6) at Kutztown (3-7, 1-6)
Nov. 7 - 1:05 p.m.
Kutztown, Pa.
University Field (5,600)
Radio/Internet: WQMU 92.5 FM/RedZoneMedia.com/WEEU 830 AM/kubears.com
IUP Leaders
Rushing: Tobias Robinson (205 car., 869 yds., 4.2 ypc, 86.9 ypg, 5 TD)
Harvie Tuck (84 car., 454 yds., 5.4 ypc, 75.7 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Pat Smith (56-112-4, 50.0 pct., 522 yds., 65.2 ypg, 4 TD)
Receiving: Mychal Skinner (33 rec., 437 yds., 13.2 ypc, 48.6 ypg, 3 TD)
Javon Rowan (32 rec., 393 yds., 12.3 ypc, 43.7 ypg, 5 TD)
Kutztown Leaders
Rushing: Dontay Wilson (126 car., 640 yds., 5.1 ypc, 64.0 ypg, 4 TD)
Passing: Kevin Morton (138-245-5, 56.3 pct., 1565 yds., 223.6 ypg, 11 TD)
Receiving: Chris McCormick (44 rec., 536 yds., 12.2 ypc, 53.6 ypg, 6 TD)
Dominick Massey (25 rec., 328 yds., 13.1 ypc, 41.0 ypg, 3 TD)
Conference Ranks IUP Kutztown
Scoring Offense/Defense 21.9/12th; 20.3/4th 22.4/11th; 27.1/12th
Rush Offense/Defense 142.5/7th; 118.1/6th 140.7/9th; 113.5/4th
Pass Offense/Defense 147.9/14th; 164.2/2nd 197.4/7th; 249.4/16th
Total Offense/Defense 290.4/11th; 282.3/3rd 338.1/8th; 362.9/13th
Coaches
IUP: Lou Tepper (4th yr.; 94-70-2 career record; 29-13 at IUP)
Kutztown: Raymond Monica (4th yr.; 17-25 career record)
What to Expect
This will be a matchup of a pair of teams that have had disappointing seasons in which neither lived up to expectations that they had entering the season. After promising starts to the season, the two teams have combined to go 3-13 from Week 3 through now.
Much of IUP’s struggles can be attributed to its offense, which lost its starting quarterback and has struggled scoring points all year, even when Andrew Krewatch was playing. Not surprisingly, it is the passing game that has struggled the most, generating under 150 ypg. The Crimson Hawks will liekly need to do more through the air against the Golden Bears, who own the league’s worst pass defense, which is where much of its problems on defense have come from this year. IUP has a decent running game with the duo of Tobias Robinson and Harvie Tuck, which should give them hope on offense going into next year, but for now, Kutztown has one of the best rush defenses in the PSAC, so the Crimson Hawks may need to throw the ball effectively to have success in this game.
Kutztown QB Kevin Morton has given the Golden Bears’ passing game a boost ever since becoming the starter in the fourth game of the season and the freshman’s efforts this year have given KU hope for the future. For now, the Golden Bears may have some trouble moving the ball against the Crimson Hawks, who have played solid defense for most of the year despite their record. They have the league’s second best pass defense, led by lockdown CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. Perhaps Kutztown’s biggest disappointment this year has been how its running game has fallen off. After starting off quite well, the Golden Bears are now only ranked around the middle of the league in rushing, as RB Dontay Wilson will finish the year with far fewer yards than last year. IUP is not an easy team to run the football against either, as it allowd just under five ypg more than Kutztown.
Both teams have outstanding kick returners and strong and reliable kickers, so one big play could make the different with both teams struggling on offense. Owusu-Ansah has five TD returns this year and averages 28.9 ypr on kicks and 12.9 ypr on punts. Kendell Coleman averages 10.0 ypr on punts and 24.9 ypr on kicks. IUP K Craig Burgess is 7-for-9 on FGs and a perfect 28-for-28 on PATs while KU K Matt Dineen leads the PSAC inFGs made as he is 15-of-17 but has missed four PATs, going just 19-for-23.
Series/Game Notes
Kutztown has never beaten IUP, as the Crimson Hawks lead the all-time series 8-0-1...IUP won last year 34-7 at home...Prior to that, the teams had not met since 1993.
Mercyhurst (4-6, 3-4) at West Chester (6-4, 5-2)
Nov. 7 - 3:00 p.m.
West Chester, Pa.
Farrell Stadium (7,500)
Radio/Internet: WCUR 91.7 FM/RedZoneMedia.com
Mercyhurst Leaders
Rushing: Ben Jennings (158 car., 564 yds., 3.6 ypc, 56.4 ypg, 5 TD)
Gerald Anderson (107 car., 495 yds., 4.6 ypc, 49.5 ypg, 5 TD)
Passing: Joe Laffey (135-278-13, 48.6 pct., 1446 yds., 144.6 ypg, 12 TD)
Receiving: Josh Szeluga (42 rec., 476 yds., 11.3 ypc, 47.6 ypg, 3 TD)
Trevor Kennedy (30 rec., 434 yds., 14.5 ypc, 48.2 ypg, 2 TD)
West Chester Leaders
Rushing: D’Andre Webb (77 car., 413 yds., 5.4 ypc, 41.3 ypg, 6 TD)
Lee Hopkins (79 car., 243 yds., 3.1 ypc, 24.3 ypg, 3 TD)
Passing: Joe Wright (165-299-10, 55.2 pct., 2431 yds., 243.1 ypg, 18 TD)
Receiving: Steve Miller (41 rec., 652 yds., 15.9 ypc, 72.4 ypg, 7 TD)
Dan DePalma (40 rec., 722 yds., 18.0 ypc, 72.2 ypg, 8 TD)
Conference Ranks Mercyhurst West Chester
Scoring Offense/Defense 20.1/13th; 20.9/T6th 32.8/3rd; 17.7/3rd
Rush Offense/Defense 127.8/13th; 122.0/8th 133.2/11th; 80.5/1st
Pass Offense/Defense 158.1/11th; 187.6/11th 263.6/2nd; 184.9/10th
Total Offense/Defense 285.9/12th; 309.6/8th 396.8/3rd; 265.4/1st
Coaches
Mercyhurst: Marty Schaetzle (8th yr.; 32-53 career record)
West Chester: Bill Zwaan (7th yr.; 114-40 career record; 60-26 at WCU)
What to Expect
This game will be a match between a pair of teams that had playoff aspirations coming into the season but inconsistent play derailed those hopes by midway through the season. Both teams will be looking to finish the season strong.
Much of the Lakers’ struggles this season have been due to their offense, which has struggled scoring points this year, as they have scored over 30 points just once this year and have been held to 20 or fewer points in six games. Turnovers have also been a problem as the Lakers have the most interceptions thrown (15) in the PSAC. They will have their work cut out for them in the Golden Rams, who have the league’s best total defense, allowing just 265 yards per game. They also have the league’s best rushing offense, so Mercyhurst will likely find it difficult to run the ball, as the Rams have held their opponent under 100 yards rushing in seven out of 10 games this year.
West Chester’s offense revolves almost completely around the pass. Despite having a plethora of options in the backfield, the Rams are ranked only 11th in rushing offense, a number that has gone down as the year has gone on despite having two solid backs with contrasting styles in RBs D’Andre Webb and Lee Hopkins. However, the Rams bread and butter this year has been throwing the ball, as QB Joe Wright leads the PSAC in passing yards and has two top targets in WRs Steve Miller and Dan DePalma, who combine for over 140 ypg in receiving and have a combined 15 TD grabs this year. West Chester will likely look to throw the ball frequently once again, as Mercyhurst is far better against the run than they are against the pass.
The Golden Rams have the top punt returner in the league in Kevin Garland, who averages 22.8 ypr, but Mercyhurst gives up just 1.4 ypr on punts, so that will make for an interesting matchup. On kicks, Garland has the most returns but has averaged just 18.5 ypr while DePalma averages 24.7 ypr. K Chris Hill is just 5-for-10 on FGs and 39-for-43 on PATs. The Lakers have an explosive threat returning kicks in Andrew Bailey, who averages 27.7 ypr and has one for a TD this year. Paris Bruner averages 6.4 ypr on punts while K Robert Giambra is 5-for-8 on FGs and 18-for-23 on PATs.
Series/Game Notes
This will be the first-ever meeting between Mercyhurst and West Chester...The two teams were scheduled to meet in the final week of last season but West Chester slid into the PSAC championship game vs. California, moving Shippensburg to play Mercyhurst.
PSAC Championship Game
#18/12 California (8-2, 7-0) at #23/24 Shippensburg (8-2, 6-1)
Nov. 7 - 1:00 p.m.
Shippensburg, Pa.
Grove Stadium (7,700)
TV: B2livetv.com/PA SportsFever Network
Radio/Internet: WSYC 88.7 FM/wsyc.org
California Leaders
Rushing: Freddie Bacco (116 car., 515 yds., 4.4 ypc, 51.5 ypg, 5 TD)
Windell Brown (74 car., 464 yds., 6.3 ypc, 51.6 ypg, 5 TD)
Passing: Josh Portis (136-247-6, 55.1 pct., 2063 yds., 206.3 ypg, 24 TD)
Receiving: A.J. Jackson (64 rec., 894 yds., 14.0 ypc, 89.4 ypg, 12 TD)
Terrance Moore (34 rec., 622 yds., 18.3 ypc, 62.2 ypg, 9 TD)
Chedrick Cherry (17 rec., 364 yds., 21.4 ypc, 40.4 ypg, 3 TD)
Shippensburg Leaders
Rushing: Kevin Herod (164 car., 605 yds., 3.7 ypc, 67.2 ypg, 5 TD)
Kevin Marshall (85 car., 358 yds., 4.2 ypc, 35.8 ypg, 2 TD)
Passing: Chad DiFebbo (126-250-10, 50.4 pct., 1987 yds., 198.7 ypg, 22 TD)
Receiving: Mike Harris (56 rec., 950 yds., 17.0 ypc, 95.0 ypg, 9 TD)
Chase DiFebbo (18 rec., 367 yds., 20.4 ypc, 40.8 ypg, 3 TD)
Mark Rossi (16 rec., 193 yds., 12.1 ypc, 19.3 ypg, 7 TD)
Conference Ranks California Shippensburg
Scoring Offense/Defense 34.3/1st; 17.4/2nd 33.0/2nd; 21.1/8th
Rush Offense/Defense 174.9/3rd; 94.8/2nd 172.8/4th; 136.2/9th
Pass Offense/Defense 217.8/4th; 172.8/5th 205.3/6th; 173.7/6th
Total Offense/Defense 392.7/4th; 267.6/2nd 378.1/5th; 309.9/9th
Coaches
California: John Luckhardt (8th yr.; 202-63-2 career record; 65-26 at Cal)
Shippensburg: Rocky Rees (20th yr.; 153-118-2 career record; 117-103-1 at SU)
What to Expect
This game for the PSAC championship will be between a pair of teams that are very evenly matched on both offense and special teams, as both teams have numbers that are very similar in those two categories. Both teams are solid on defense as well, but California has the slight edge there, particularly against the run, which gives them a slight advantage in overall defense.
Shippensburg will likely try to establish the running game using three to four different backs, with Kevin Herod and Kevin Marshall the two most-used RBs. Expect Roshaan McCain and Mike Frenette to also receive carries. Cal’s rush defense will be one of the best rushing defenses that the Red Raiders will go up against this year, as the Vulcans are holding opponents to under 100 ypg on the ground. Shippensburg has won two games this year in which it failed to go over 100 yards rushing and that was largely because of its passing game, which is also solid behind QB Chad DiFebbo, whose 22 TD passes this year are second in the PSAC only to Josh Portis of Cal. The matchup of WR Mike Harris, the PSAC’s leading receiver, going up against an outstanding cover CB in Terrence Johnson could be one that could have an impact on the game.
California’s offense has been a fine-tuned machine lately, particularly as its running game has gotten stronger. RBs Freddie Bacco and Windell Brown have played as well as they have all season in recent weeks and Ship gives up over 40 yards more per game on the ground than Cal, so how well Cal is able to run the ball and keep possession of the ball to keep Ship’s potent offense off the field may be the difference in the game, while Cal’s passing game has three speedy and explosive weapons in A.J. Jackson, Terrance Moore, and Chedrick Cherry, while Portis is a dual threat to run the ball as well and has just six interceptions, which may come into play as well since Ship leads the PSAC with 13 picks.
Ship and Cal have the two best kick return units in the PSAC and both average nearly the same ypr on punts as well. Cal averages nearly two yards more on net punts than Ship, while both teams have solid and accurate kickers.
Series/Game Notes
Shippensburg leads California 41-28-1 in the all-time series...Both schools played in the PSAC West up until last year when the Red Raiders moved over to the East...The teams met for 54 consecutive years from 1954-2007...Cal has won the last three meetings between the two teams...Prior to that, Shippensburg won 13 straight meetings from 1991-2003.