November 16th, 2022 6:00am
It is playoff time and two NE10 teams are in.
# 6 Slippery Rock (9-2, 6-1 PSAC West) @ # 3 Assumption (8-2, 6-1 NE-10)
When: November 19th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: Slippery Rock leads the series, 1-0-0
Slippery Rock Playoff History
10th playoff appearance
9-9 overall record
Assumption Playoff History
4th playoff appearance
3-3 overall record
My Thoughts: It is playoff time.
Slippery Rock has been a force in the PSAC West title mix and then the playoffs since Shawn Lutz was named the head coach. The Rock will be in their fourth straight playoff season, and they are no strangers to making deep runs in the playoffs. They won the region in 2019.
The offense was hit hard by injuries on the final weekend. Noah Grover has been the quarterback this year but missed the Kutztown game along with leading rusher Chris D’Or and leading receiver Kyle Sheets. The Rock is deep at those positions and has plenty of bodies to fill in the gaps if they are not ready to go.
The defense is strong, especially against the running game. Brandon Tuck-Hayden was the leading tackler for the Rock and is usually all over the field making plays. The front line spends a lot of time in the backfield led by DJ Adediwura and Jeff Marx. Jacob Williams is tied for the team lead in interceptions.
Assumption was supposed to compete for the NE10 title in 2022. But when the defense pitched a shutout during Week One, the team had to figure out if it was a fluke or not. And then the defense stopped everyone in their path and went on to win the regular season title.
Jake Cady is a true dual-threat quarterback. He is not afraid to tuck the ball and run or step back and throw the ball downfield. When Cady hands off the ball, it is to Berrell Neal or James Henderson. Quinn Sieger and Baley Collier are the receivers that help to stretch the field for the Greyhounds.
The defense has been the backbone of the team. Lorenzo Valenci and Jael Feliz have been all over the field making key stops all season long. Brandon Santell will pressure the quarterback while Isaiah Huff and Tre’Sean Boiue will look to lock down the passing game.
Slippery Rock Keys to Victory:
1. Stay healthy
2. Extend the field to open up the running game
3. Pressure the quarterback
Assumption Keys to Victory:
1. Dominate the line of scrimmage
2. Control the clock and score in the red zone
3. Let their defense win the game like the previous 10 weeks
This game will feature two teams that will stop the running game and focus on the quarterback to throw the ball downfield. That gives the advantage to Slippery Rock if Grover is healthy. He is able to stretch the field and has been often the main target to move the ball downfield. Plus this is the fourth trip to the playoffs in a row for the Rock so they are very seasoned and ready to make another run in the region.
Prediction: Slippery Rock 31 Assumption 14
# 7 New Haven (8-2, 6-1 NE10) @ # 2 Shepherd (10-1, 7-0 PSAC East)
When: November 19th, 12:00 PM
All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 2-0-0
New Haven Playoff History
9th playoff appearance
10-8 overall record
Shepherd Playoff History
14th playoff appearance
20-13 overall record
My Thoughts: Two very experienced quarterbacks that can put points up in bunches.
New Haven had the weapons back to make a run in the league and the region. A tough loss in the opening weekend as well as a target on their back each week in the NE10 made it a tougher season for the Chargers. But the experience stepped up in big games and got them back in the playoffs for the second straight year.
Connor Degenhardt is the catalyst of the offense. He has the ability to stretch the field with his arm and is not afraid to make the third and short sneak. Christopher Ais is the feature back out of the backfield and capable of the big run. Dev Holmes is the focal point of the passing game. Terrell Ford, Kasi Hazzard, and Kevin Foelsch will also see passes thrown their way.
The defense is quick and will have their hands full this weekend. David Onyemem and Jack Quander will bring the pressure on the Chargers. Damon Burton, Jr will be all over the field from his linebacking position. Khyon Fitzpatrick and Devonte Myles will cover the receivers and be around the ball most of the afternoon.
Shepherd had high expectations heading into the season and they have delivered. The Rams have the reigning Harlon Hill winner and have been very good this year. They are a very experienced team and are very good on their home turf and are very used to playing in the playoffs.
Tyson Bagent is the top quarterback at the Division II level. He moves the ball downfield quickly and has left every single defense in shambles in 2022. He has thrown 35 touchdown passes and for over 3,500 yards. Ronnie Brown is a bruising back out of the backfield. Five receivers have at least 20 receptions this year led by Marlon Cook. The defense is stingy and doesn’t allow much.
Dewayne Grantham is the leader of the Ram defense as he has a hand in most plays. Kyle Smith is able to get to the quarterback frequently. Klayton Batten and Donte Harrison are tied for second in interceptions and don’t allow a lot of big plays.
New Haven had the weapons back to make a run in the league and the region. A tough loss in the opening weekend as well as a target on their back each week in the NE10 made it a tougher season for the Chargers. But the experience stepped up in big games and got them back in the playoffs for the second straight year.
Connor Degenhardt is the catalyst of the offense. He has the ability to stretch the field with his arm and is not afraid to make the third and short sneak. Christopher Ais is the feature back out of the backfield and capable of the big run. Dev Holmes is the focal point of the passing game. Terrell Ford, Kasi Hazzard, and Kevin Foelsch will also see passes thrown their way.
The defense is quick and will have their hands full this weekend. David Onyemem and Jack Quander will bring the pressure on the Chargers. Damon Burton, Jr will be all over the field from his linebacking position. Khyon Fitzpatrick and Devonte Myles will cover the receivers and be around the ball most of the afternoon.
New Haven Keys to Victory:
1. Contain Bagent
2. Make a play or two with their special team’s unit
3. Don’t let Bagent make too many big plays
Shepherd Keys to Victory:
1. Get the offense going early and often
2. Pressure Degenhardt
3. Make third down stops and let their offense do their job
Shepherd is a playoff-tested game and has the best quarterback in Division II. All of their players have plenty of playoff experience and they will be well-prepared for the game. New Haven has the experience and will hang in the game in the first half. But the Rams will use their offensive weapons to score a lot of points in the second half.
Prediction: Shepherd 45 New Haven 30