The Quad

Issue date: 9/26/06 Section: Sports

West Chester, PA- In the first game under the lights since Farrell Stadium's renovations this spring, the Golden Rams took on the Shippensburg Raiders in the third PSAC West cross-over game of the season. Following a disappointing 28-14 loss to Edinboro in the club's home opener, the Golden Rams came out aggressively in this game on both sides of the ball in an effort to ensure such a debacle would not occur again. It was apparent quite early that neither the Golden Rams nor their fans would have anything to worry about.

The Golden Rams took possession of the ball on their fourth series of the game following solid defensive stands by both teams in the first quarter. Beginning the drive at his own 14 yard line Bill Zwaan, Jr., engineered a methodical drive down the field thanks in large part to the pass blocking of his offensive line. Given the extra time in the pocket, Zwaan was able to spot Cody Clark for a 19 yard gain, which set up two runs by Osagie Osande which led to the first score of the game two plays later. Zwaan Jr. dropped back with plenty of time and spotted Eric Ruffenach 31 yards down the middle of the field for a picture perfect touchdown strike giving the Rams a 7-0 lead with 1:28 remaining in the quarter. "How about him, he had a great game for us tonight," said Head Coach Bill Zwaan of Eric Ruffenach's play against Shippensburg. Ruffenach would later account for 84 yards of total offense against the Raiders.

On the ensuing Shippensburg drive, quarterback Tony Gomez would begin to feel the wrath of the menacing Golden Ram defense. On third and nine from his own 26 yard line Gomez dropped back and was met by the punishing duo of Lateef Ferguson and Jimmy Lewis for the Rams' first sack of the game. West Chester was unable to sustain any momentum offensively on their next drive and was forced to punt.

West Chester's defense would strike again on the ensuing Shippensburg possession forcing its first of five turnovers on the evening. Walter Crump took the handoff from Gomez at his own 18 yard line and ran up the middle where he was met by Vlad Garbovsky who met the halfback head on at the line of scrimmage forcing the ball loose, and it was recovered by Tyler Downs at the 24.

It was not long before the Golden Rams extended their lead. On the second play from scrimmage Zwaan Jr. dropped back into the pocket, scanned the field looking for an open receiver and realized all were in tight coverage down field, so he tucked the ball under and scrambled for a 19 yard gain to the Shippensburg four yard line. Two plays later, Osunde plunged through the middle of the line for a two yard touchdown run and just like that the Golden Rams held a 14-0 lead over the Shippensburg Raiders.

Continued...

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