SMITHFIELD, RI Tyler Downes picked off a pass with 1:22 left in regulation, preserving the West Chester University 31-29 victory over Bryant University in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs on Saturday in Smithfield, RI.
With Bryant driving down the field for a potential game-winning score, it was Downes diving in front of a Charles Granatell pass at the WCU 22-yard line, allowing the Golden Rams to advance to the Northeast Region Semifinals next Saturday at Bloomsburg University.
The Golden Rams never trailed in the contest but could never pull away from the Bulldogs. Michael Washington caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Bill Zwaan at 9:46 of the first quarter for a 7-0 WCU lead, but Ryan Buckley countered with an 11-yard TD catch to tie the game just four minutes later.
Brent Steinmetz, who rushed for 141 yards and two scores, made it 14-7 WCU with 1:53 left in the first on a four-yard run, but Bryant tied the game again when Vince Norris inhaled a 34-yard TD catch.
Brandan Hargrose made it 21-14 with a six-yard burst in the second, but Bryant scored again when Alex Chapparo caught a three-yard pass for a touchdown on fourth down with 4:12 to go in the first half.
However, the Bulldogs missed the PAT and could never catch up to the Golden Rams. Alex Walsh made it 24-20 before the break on a 25-yard field goal before Bobby Heilmann booted a 26-yarder with 4:55 left in the third to make the score 24-23 WCU.
Steinmetz upped the lead to 31-23 just before the third period expired on a five-yard run, but Lorenzo Perry pulled the Bulldogs with two on a six-yard run. Bryant attempted a two-point conversion, but Mike Walter intercepted the ball and returned it to the Bulldog 40 before being hauled down.
The Golden Rams are now 9-3 on the season while Bryant falls to 8-3.
