The Golden Rams headed into Brookville, N.Y., to face PSAC foe C.W. Post this Saturday in a familiar PSAC showdown.
The Rams, coming off two back-to-back big wins, came into the game looking ready to take another one against C.W. Post, with Shawn Leo kicking three field goals, and Tim Keyser posting a career-best 160 yards receiving. However, C.W. Post quarterback, Steven Laurino, threw four touchdown passes to lead the Pioneers to a 34-23 win over West Chester in a game between the two PSAC teams Saturday afternoon at Hickox Field.
On the first play from scrimmage Keyser grabbed a 75-yard TD reception to start the game off with a boom for the now 2-3 Golden Rams. Yet, the Golden Rams’ year-long problem still nagged them in this game: and that’s finishing long drives with a touchdown and not settling for a field goal.
Despite racking up 435 yards of total offense, including 328 through the air, finishing in the red-zone was the problem once again. Leo booted three field goals of 39, 47 and 48 yards to set the school record for field goals made in a single season at 13. This breaks the season high record that stood since 1984 in just five games. That shows the Golden Rams’ inability to get it into the end-zone.
Leo is now 13 of 15 on the year in field goals made. His 48-yard kick tied his career long set last season against Shippensburg. This season seems to just get better and better for Leo who could be on his way to setting a record that will last a long time.
The only other TD for the Golden Rams came in the third quarter as Eric Brundidge caught an 81-yard TD pass from Matt Carroll. The Golden Rams could not put the ball in the end zone on any type of sustained drive.
Brundidge’s catch came on the third play of that drive. His TD reception put West Chester on top for what seemed like a split second 23-20. C.W. Post answered back right away with a 9-play, 91-yard drive finished by Jeff Mack’s 15-yard run with 3:25 to go in the third quarter, giving the Pioneers the lead for good and sealing their victory. In the Rams’ first offensive possession after this touchdown, quarterback Sean McCartney threw an interception that led to the Pioneers insurance touchdown on the following drive.
The Golden Rams had a tough time moving ball this Saturday mainly due to playing without starting running-back Jackson Fagan. It didn’t help losing sophomore sensation Rondell “Delly” White, who was injured early in the game and did not return. Without their two playmakers, the Rams were able to gain only 107 yards on the ground. Receiver Tim Keyser led all Rams rushers with 40 yards on two carries leaving Keyser with 200 all-purpose yards on the day.
McCartney went six for 11 for 132 yards, but threw three interceptions. Carroll was 9-for-19 for 196 yards without any picks. Each of the QB’s threw a touchdown pass. C.W. Post recorded nine sacks in the game, harassing the two signal-callers all afternoon. This leaves one to wonder how much longer McCartney can start with Carroll on his heels and playing much better. It will be interesting to see who gets the nod next Saturday as they head to Shippensburg for another PSAC match up.
Shippensburg is coming off a huge win against No.12 Kutztown to secure a win for their homecoming, and are now posting a 3-2 record 1-1 in the PSAC East. Shippensburg, has a record of 3-2 1-1 in the PSAC.
AJ Krakower is a fourth-year student majoring in professional studies with minors in health and geography. He can be reached at at AK678528@wcupa.edu.