West Chester University and East Stroudsburg University engaged in an exciting PSAC Eastern Division game on Saturday afternoon. WCU came back from a 31-17 deficit to win the game 38-37 in overtime. WCU was down 31-17 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but rallied back to tie the game and force overtime, ending in a victory for the Golden Rams. East Stroudsburg was first in the Eastern Division before this game, with a record of 7- 0 overall, 3-0 in the division. West Chester was ranked second at 6-2 overall, 4-0 in the division. Now, WCU shares the PSAC title for the first time since 1999 and is 5-0 in the division.ESU was ranked seventh in the AFCA National Division II Poll and the top seed in the NCAA Division II Northeast Regional ranking. Their first loss of the season was to West Chester. ESU scored in overtime on its first possession on a oneyard touchdown run. A turning point in the game came when senior linebacker Tim Garman blocked ESUʼs point after kick. This gave WCU a big opportunity. Sophomore Osagie Osunde seized then rushed into the end zone onWCUʼs first possession.
The game was tied at 37- 37 when senior kicker Dan Wilbourne converted the biggest extra point of his career to push the Rams over the top with a one-point victory. Brandon Simmons, junior wide receiver for WCU, had an exceptional game. He caught three touchdown passes, including one with only 30 seconds left on the clock, bringing the score to a tie at 31-31, forcing the overtime. Simmons finished the game with a total of seven catches for 135 yards and three touchdowns.
Senior quaterback Bob Findora completed 17 of 31 pass attempts for 241 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Findora also ran the ball for 15 yards, finishing with 256 yards. Sophomore Osagie Osunde also had an excellent performance in Saturdayʼs game. He finished the game with a total of 146 yards on 24 carries. He also had 104 yards on kick returns and a five-yard pass. He ended the game with 255 all-purpose yards.
This game marked WCUʼs sixth appearance in overtime. Out of the six matches, WCU has won five, losing only at Portland State in the 1989 NCAA II Play-offs in triple overtime.
The Golden Rams will face Bloomsburg next Saturday at seven p.m. in Farrell Stadium for another exciting PSAC East game.