WEST CHESTER, PA – West Chester University looks to get back on track this Saturday when Shepherd University visits Tomlinson-Field at John A. Farrell Stadium for a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division showdown.
West Chester (3-2, 1-1 PSAC East) dropped a 27-13 decision to East Stroudsburg last weekend up in the Poconos while Shepherd (4-1, 1-1) defeated Millersville, 35-7, and jumped into the "others receiving votes" category of the latest American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II poll.
Fans are strongly encouraged to carpool with friends and family also planning to attend Saturday's game and to
purchase tickets prior to game day. Plan to arrive early and expect delays. Ticket Information: All seats are general admission and cost $10. Seniors, students (K-12) are $5. WCU students are free with valid WCU ID (must present Ram ID card at the game). Children under 5-years of age are free. WCUPATIX.com is the official ticket website of Golden Rams Athletics and the only website to purchase your regular season tickets. Tickets sold by third-party vendors will not be accepted.
Please note: West Chester University Football Games are cashless. Tap-to-pay options are available, including debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Parking is $10 per car and $40 per RV trailer. RV's and trailers must register at least two business days before Game Day by calling 610-436-3555. Lots open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and gates to Farrell Stadium open at 12 p.m. on Saturday.
Graduate student, Michael Hardyway, has handled the quarterbacking duties for the Shepherd Rams over the last two seasons. Hardyway is a transfer from Bucknell. He completed 30-of-41 passes for yards and five touchdowns against Gannon and gained PSAC East Offensive Athlete of the Week honors. Hardyway recently surpassed 3,000 passing yards at Shepherd.
Last week, DB, Reggie Snowden, gained PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week honors after his stellar play in the win over Millersville. He had a pair of interceptions in the win.
West Chester's defense ranks 34th in Division II in total defense allowing just over 300 yards of total offense per game. That is three spots lower than Shepherd University's stop unit, which allows almost the same amount of total yards per game. Golden Rams' defensive back,
Elijah Motley (Newark, N.J. / Weequahic), ranks second in the PSAC in passes defensed. He has six pass breakups and one interception to his credit for a total of seven passes defensed.
The Golden Rams' pass defense is ranked eighth in all of Division II. They will be put to the test this Saturday as Shepherd WR, Daryl Harper, is one of the top receivers in the nation and is tied for fifth in the country with seven touchdown receptions. He is the top target for Hardyway when the veteran signal-caller looks down field.
UPSET ALLERT
The last time Shepherd visited Farrell Stadium, West Chester came away with a 35-14 upset victory over the Rams in 2024. The story of the day was West Chester's defense that registered four interceptions, picked up four sacks and was credited with five QB hurries as they chased Shepherd QB Lek Powell all over the backfield.
Last year in Shepherdstown, W.Va., the Rams scored a touchdown with 7:09 left in the game to pull out a 28-24 victory over a stubborn Golden Rams' squad. Hardyway was 16-for-24 for 151 yards. He threw one TD pass and was intercepted once. West Chester QB,
Colin O'Sullivan (Fort Washington, Pa./Upper Darby) was 13-for-25 for 106 yards. He also threw one TD pass and was intercepted once in relief of WCU's starting QB, who was injured in the game and did not return. His top target,
Dylan McKenzie (Oreland, Pa./Springfield [MONTCO]), caught three passes for 46 yards.
UP NEXT
West Chester will be home again next Saturday when Lackawanna College comes to Farrell Stadium for the first time in school history. Kickoff for that contest is set at 6 p.m.
