Seven weeks into the season, the PSAC still has two teams that are undefeated overall and two others that are unbeaten in divisional play. The divisional races are not quite so wide open any more, and the contenders and pretenders are starting to fall into place. Week seven was full of interesting results. Here is the final recap, with my headlines for week seven.

Ship? How 'bout Armada?

Shippensburg's 73-35 annihilation of Kutztown is impressive on many levels. What stands out to me is that early in the fourth quarter, Kutztown was actually within 10 points of the lead! The Golden Bears scored in the first minute of the final period to reduce Ship's margin to 45-35. Over the final 12 minutes however, the Raiders found the end zone four times. The Raiders set or tied numerous school records for team and individual performance. A full list of the broken records can be found here: http://www.shipraiders.com/news/2012...3.aspx?path=fb. Zach Zulli's 581 passing yards and 9 (yes, NINE) touchdown passes are simply amazing numbers...Consider this: four teams in the PSAC have fewer than 9 touchdown passes for the season...Receiver Trevor Harman put up equally impressive individual numbers with 18 catches for 288 yards and five touchdowns.

The offensive stats are quite stunning, but how about a shout out for the defense as well? Kutztown rolled up 556 yards of total offense (not too shabby on most days) but once the Golden Bears got a little too close for comfort, the Ship defense clamped down. The Raiders' fourth quarter scoring blitz was made possible because the defense shut down the Bears' offense. Kutztown's next three possessions, following their touchdown, resulted in a fumble, turnover on downs and an interception. All three turnovers were followed by Ship scores. So yes, tip your hat to the Ship offense for all of the records they smashed, but also remember that it takes a good defense to contribute to a 73 point effort.


Kelly comes of age for Bloomsburg

Franklyn Quiteh ran for 283 yards in Bloomsburg's 48-27 victory over rival East Stroudsburg, their sixth straight over the Warriors. However, the offensive star of the day was redshirt freshman quarterback Tim Kelly. In only 16 attempts, Kelly completed 12 passes for 267 yards and 4 touchdowns. He made wise decisions at the line of scrimmage, protected the ball and hit the deep threats with deadly accuracy. He also made plays running the ball. On The Huskies' second scoring drive, he converted a 3rd and 23 by rushing for 23 yards to set up a first and goal. Actually, he did that tiwce...on the play before, he rushed 23 yards for a touchdown, but it was nullified due to a penalty. The ball was backed up 10 yards, but on the re-do, Kelly scampered for 23 yards again. Wide receivers Ryan Dickerson and Glenn Hutton, Jr. both went over 100 yards receiving.

East Stroudsburg ran the ball 34 times and adapted their passing attack in an attempt to negate Bloomsburg's pass rush. The plan worked to a degree. Matt Soltes was sacked only twice and the Warriors protected the ball all day. However, they were held to under 300 yards of total offense.

Golden Rams get back on track

West Chester quickly recovered from last week's setback at East Stroudsburg with an impressive 41-6 win at home over LIU Post. The victory puts West Chester back in the race for the PSAC East and the post season. The Golden Rams's Rondell White ran for 170 yards and also caught six passes for 176 yards. His 343 all purpose yards were the fourth most in WCU history. The Rams executed with a balanced attack that put up 223 rushing yards and 263 passing yards, although quarterback Mike Mattei was only 11 for 24 on the day. Post's Evan Flowers stood out with 18 total tackles in loss.



Marauders Maul Cheyney

Millersville picked up its second win of the season with a 35-0 shutout of Cheyney. Ted Stachitas returned from injury and threw three touchdown passes, and also ran for 46 yards. The Wolves ran for 234 yards but were done in by five turnovers.


Business as usual for IUP

The Crimson Hawks allowed Edinboro to stay within a touchdown for most of the game, but the defense allowed only 231 yards (only 46 on the ground) and were never really threatened by the Fighting Scots. Harvie Tuck pounded the Boro defense for 185 yards on 27 carries and eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark for the season (1,173). The passing game as an unimpressive 7-16 for 65 yards but the Crimson Hawks climbed to 6-1 and remain in the hunt for the western division championship.


Vulcans start backup QB, win easily

California rested standout quarterback Peter Lalich on Saturday and put the game plan in the hands Cody Schroeder. The redshirt freshman rewarded his coaches' confidence in him by posting a fine performance in his debut. Schroeder completed 20 of 29 passes for 252 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The Vulcans also had two running backs go over 100 yards in the shutout victory. Lock Haven produced only 116 yards of total offense.


Lakers extend winning streak

Mercyhurst ran its winning streak to six games with a 38-29 victory over cross-town rival Gannon. The Laker defense forced five turnovers and held Gannon to 11 yards rushing. Brandon Brown-Dukes carried 30 times for 192 yards anda touchdown, as part of Mercyhurt's rushing attack that put up 269 yards. Gannon out passed the Lakers 428 yards to 146 but it was a case of same ole, some ole for the Golden Knights - sacks, turnovers and no running game.


Rock ends slide

Slippery Rock ended a three game losing streak with a nice victory over Clarion on the Road. Nigel Barksdale was a very efficient 19-26 for 257 yards in his second start for SRU. Clarion outgained the Rock 404 to 376, had half as many penalties and held the time of posession advantage but the Eagles were only for 4 for 14 on third down in the 28-20 loss.


Things are getting very interesting as we start to inch closer to the final weeks of the season. Coming up later this week, we'll take a look at week 8 and also start to talk about playoff conteders. Questions, comments, complaints? contact me at [email protected].