BY ROCK HOFFMAN
College Football Editor
Week three of the college football season is in the books and for some teams week four means the start of conference play while others still have a non-conference foe to play.
West Chester made the long trip to Erie and returned with a 29-23 victory over Gannon. Running back Ja’Den McKenzie ran for two touchdowns and 150 yards for the Golden Rams (2-1).
“We have two true freshmen starting for us on the offensive line, two sophomores and a junior,” said Golden Rams head coach Bill Zwaan. “Those guys have done a good job for us up front and they’re getting better each week as they get some games under their belt.”
For his efforts, McKenzie, a junior from Springfield (Delco) High School, is the Football Stories Magazine College Offensive Player of the Week.
Saturday, West Chester opens PSAC East play at home with Millersville (0-3).
Penn opened its 145th season of football with a 25-14 win over Colgate at historic Franklin Field, while it took the offense a little while to get going (the Quakers scored 22 of their 25 after halftime) the defense was there all day. The Penn defense didn’t allow a touchdown, held Colgate to just 192 yards total offense and recorded five sacks. Defensive end Jake Heimlicher had two of those sacks to go with a pair of quarterback hurries.
“Our defensive front, right now,” said Penn head coach Ray Priore, “is our strength. We had five sacks and not one came off a blitz. Everything was off just four-man pass rush.”
For his efforts, Heimlicher, a 6-4, 240 senior from Aurora, CO, is the Football Stories Magazine College Defensive Player of the Week.
Saturday, the Quakers (1-0) are home again as they tangle with Lafayette (1-2).
Temple fell 16-14 to Rutgers on Saturday. This week, the Owls (1-2) entertain UMass (1-2) at Lincoln Financial Field.
Villanova stepped up to take on Army but was defeated 49-10. The Wildcats (2-1) return home on Saturday, to take on Monmouth (1-2, 0-1 CAA) in their CAA opener.
Delaware improved to 3-0 with a 42-21 victory over Rhode Island. Saturday evening the Blue Hens (3-0, 1-0 CAA) host Hampton (3-0) it’s the Pirates first-ever CAA game.
Princeton opened with a 39-14 win at Stetson. The Tigers (1-0) play their home opener on Saturday against Lehigh (1-2).
Delaware State was a 35-19 winner over Virginia University of Lynchburg. This Saturday, the Hornets (2-1) are home again with Merrimack College (1-2) coming to Dover.
Lincoln University lost their home and conference opener to Fayetteville State 19-7. This week, the Lions (1-2, 0-1 CIAA) are on the road at Johnson C. Smith University (0-2, 0-1 CIAA) in Charlotte, NC.
On Saturday, Delaware Valley took care of King’s College 26-6 for their 37th MAC win in a row. The No. 11/14 Aggies (3-0, 1-0 MAC) go for 38 when Misericordia (2-1, 1-0 MAC) visits Robert A, Lipinski Field at James Work Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
It’s Family Weekend and the home opener for Rowan, who is coming off a bye week. The Profs (2-0) host Salve Regina (2-1).
TCNJ lost to Endicott College 28-7. The Lions (1-2) are off until October 7th when they play Rowan.
Ursinus got four touchdown passes from Jack Psenicska and upset No. 18 Muhlenberg 35-28 in Collegeville. The Bears (2-1, 1-1 Centennial), who received votes in the Division III Coaches Poll this week, are on the road to take on Franklin & Marshall (2-1, 1-1 Centennial).
Widener lost their MAC opener to Wilkes 44-20. Saturday, the Pride (1-2, 0-1 MAC) host Stevenson (3-0, 1-0 MAC).
On Sunday, the Eastern University Eagles will take the field for the first time ever. They will play the Lebanon Valley College junior varsity squad.
Email Rock Hoffman at rock@footballstories.com