Photo Credits -302 fils and Photography via wcugoldenrams.com
The Golden Rams are now 3-1 after their win over Millersville University on Sept. 24. It may not have been the prettiest win, but they certainly got the job done.
Millersville went up early with a touchdown run by quarterback Luke Thomas to lead 7-0. Shortly after, WCU recorded a safety to shorten the deficit to 7-2. With about five minutes left in the quarter, true freshman Ethan Kohler entered the game at quarterback. Although inexperienced, Kohler proved that he can definitely compete at this level.
The second quarter was not great for the Rams as Millersville came out strong with another touchdown by Jaheim Morris to expand their lead to 14-2. WCU started to show some life when Kohler hit tight end Thatcher Miller with a deep ball to put the Rams in field goal range. Kicker Sean Henry came up clutch with a 42-yard field goal to make the score 14-5. The Rams still seemed to be in a funk as their next few possessions included a fumble and an interception. However, the defense came in to clean up with a sack and a huge stop to end the half.
Linebacker Jackson Taylor stated that there was a huge shift in momentum at halftime for the Golden Rams. “We struggled a bit in the first half of the game,” said Taylor. “But we were able to get our legs under us and shut out Millersville in the second half.” The Rams came out strong in the second half and moved right down the field. Henry made a 34-yard field goal to make the score 14-8.
To everyone’s surprise, WCU got another safety. At this point, the score was 14-10 and the Rams had yet to record a touchdown. Finally, with about two minutes left in the third quarter, tight end Thatcher Miller caught a deep ball for West Chester’s first touchdown of the day. Unfortunately, Henry missed the extra point and left the score at 16-14 as WCU got their first lead of the day.
West Chester’s defense dominated the fourth quarter. “Our defense was able to create a handful of turnovers, which certainly played a factor,” said Taylor. Linebacker Oscar Uduma broke up a pass, forced a fumble and had a pick 6 to extend the Rams’ lead to 23-14. With about two minutes left in the quarter, WCU made another field goal to go up 26-14.
It may not have been the game that WCU expected to have, but the team should be proud nonetheless. “I think as a team heading forward, we must stop playing down to our competition and just play our brand of football,” said Taylor. “We have a very good team, but we have yet to play our best game.” West Chester fans look forward to seeing how the team will continue their season as they work some kinks out and tighten up loose ends. On Saturday Oct. 1, West Chester lost to Bloomsburg 21-16. Their next game will be Homecoming weekend against Shippensburg.
Rebecca Arnold is a third-year English major with a minor in journalism.