West Chester University’s football team had their annual Spring Game this past weekend, where the Purple squad beat the Gold squad with a final score of 23-10.
Andrew Derr, a red-shirt freshman for the Golden Rams, made his name known, completing 15 passes on 25 attempts while also throwing three touchdowns. Derr, quarterback for the Purple squad, helped tie the series between the Purple and Gold squads at 3-3-1 (dating back to 2007).
Fellow quarterback Drew Loughery of the Gold squad also made his presence felt during the game, going 18 for 23 for 204 yards. Loughery’s accuracy was superb, completing short passes to his receivers and running backs to keep the chains moving.
Helping Derr out was senior running back Rondell White, who had 135 all-purpose yards on the day for the Purple squad. White, one of the team’s most valuable players this past season, ran for 77 yards on 19 carries, as well as chipping in 58 yards on six receptions. Expect White to flourish yet again in his senior year, putting up his biggest stats yet.
Another running back who made his name known last season was Brandon Monk, who also displayed his signature big-play ability at the scrimmage. Monk carried the ball only nine times for 87 yards, exploding for a 9.7 average with a long run of 61 yards. Monk’s speed was the perfect complement to White’s game, and he will likely put that on display multiple times throughout the upcoming season.
Wide receivers and tight ends also had a great day on the field, with tight end Tim Brown of the Gold squad leading the way. Brown had the most receiving yards on the day for the tight ends, reeling in eight balls for 70 yards. Jim Hurley of the Purple squad also had a terrific day, catching three balls for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Erik Brundidge, last year’s breakout star for the wide receivers, caught two balls for 73 yards, the most receiving yards for a player during the game. Brundidge is known for his speed, and put it on display with a catch of 64 yards. Brundidge should continue to build upon last year, helping lead the way for the team’s wide receivers.
Also scoring a touchdown on the day for the wide receivers was LaRonn Lee, catching just one ball for five yards and the score. Lee, one of the best receivers the Golden Rams have, should put forth one of his best seasons soon, showing off his reliable hands and great sense of awareness.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Golden Rams’ linebackers were back up to their usual business, with Shawn Krautzel leading the way. Krautzel totaled 10 tackles on the day, while fellow star linebacker Ronell Williams gained nine tackles. Williams was one of West Chester’s best defensive players last season, and should continue to make jaw-dropping hits during the upcoming season.
Brian Butler and Barry Lyons also got multiple sacks each for the defense, gaining two sacks each. Kicker Shawn Leo also managed a field goal on the day, with a distance of 31 yards.
The Golden Rams should have another superb upcoming season if they can avoid injuries and mental errors. Many of the team’s leaders (White, Williams, Leo) are also returning for another season, bringing back the leadership that the Golden Rams always display on and off the field.
After going 7-4 last season, the men’s football team will look to expand upon their winning ways. The season starts at home against the University of New Haven on September 7.
Oliver Suskin-Santarelli is a third-year student majoring in communication studies. He can be reached at OS753461@wcupa.edu.