rowanfootball.com – The Independent Rowan Football Magazine

The Profs (1-1, 2-1)are looking to build on last week and start a winning streak to the NJAC title and/or playoff bid.  It starts with Brockport on Saturday. Only three NJAC teams remain undefeated in the NJAC: TCNJ (3-0, 3-0), Kean (2-0, 2-1), and Montclair (2-0, 2-1). TCNJ travels to Kean this Saturday night which will eliminate one of the undefeated teams.  TCNJ has been explosive on offense averaging over 57 points per game on offense while allowing 31 points on defense.

The Profs hold a 5-1 series advantage. Last season, Rowan recorded a 37-20 road victory over Brockport.

Brockport lost to Montclair State University, 41-39 on Saturday.  Quarterback Jake Graci scored on a quarterback sneak from two yards out with 52 seconds left to put Brockport ahead 39-35.  After the kickoff, the Red Hawks drove 61 yards on 6 plays in 38 seconds for the win.  Dan Keegan made a 14 yard TD reception from quarterback Tom Fischer for the win.

Quarterback Jake Graci completed 31 of 58 pass attempts for 442 yards and three touchdowns. He also had one rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Matt Newman made eight catches for 124 yards and one TD. Wideout Felipe Diaz added 84 yards on eight grabs. Wide receiver Hector Rosas racked up 106 yards and a touchdown on two receptions. Running back Aaron Zurn rushed for 54 yards and two TDs on 18 touches.

Graci broke four school records against Montclair State. He surpassed the Brockport single game marks for total yards (460), passing yards (442) and passing attempts (58). His 95 yard touchdown toss to Rosas was the longest pass in the team’s history. Graci leads the NJAC in passing (294.7) and total offense (313.3) and he is second in pass efficiency (144.6)

Brockport is first in the NJAC in passing offense (294.7). The Golden Eagles are second in total offense (428.3) and pass efficiency (144.6). Brockport ranks third in scoring offense (32.7) and fourth in rushing (133.7).

Diaz is the conference leader with 6.0 receptions per game. He is also seven in receiving yards per game (66.7). Newman is tied for third in receptions (5.0) and fifth in receiving yards per game (76.3). Zurn is tied for sixth in rushing (59.7) and eighth in all-purpose yards (96.3). Linebacker Matt Mangano is fourth in tackles (9.7), while cornerback Cody Geffers ranks second in passes defended (2.0). Cornerback Derek Austin is fourth in punting (39.9). Emilio Genzano is tied for first in field goal percentage (100.0).

Profs quarterback Frank Wilczynski is second in the NJAC in scoring (9.0) and fifth in rushing (77.5) and total offense (227.0).  Ryan Leafey is fourth in rushing (79.0). Matt Hoffman is the leader in tackles for a loss (7.5) and he is second in sacks (3.5). Kicker Mark Getsinger is tied for second in field goals (1.0), tied for third in field goal percentage (75.0) and fourth in PAT percentage (88.9). Punter Andrew Smith ranks fifth (37.9). Safety Steve Wall is first in punt return average (10.6).

The Profs are the NJAC leaders in scoring defense (14.7), total defense (245.7), sacks (11) and rushing defense (72.7). Rowan is second in rushing (168.0) and third in punt return average (10.7). The Profs’ 115.6 pass efficiency defense is fourth and they are fifth in pass defense (173.0).

Rowan will be looking at a familiar offense on Saturday.  Brockport spreads the field just like the Profs.  The main exception is that the Golden Eagles uses a two back FB/RB set with three wide receivers without a tight end most of the time.  While Rowan usually uses a one back set with three wide receivers and a tight end.

Brockport is a pass happy offense. Pressure is going to be necessary for the Profs to win. The Golden Eagles have allowed only three sacks this season.  Graci spreads the ball around, five receivers have caught at least 10 passes.  The good news is that Brockport gives up almost 31.7 points-per-game.  Each team has played and beaten one common opponent this year in William Paterson.  Profs won last week 28-13. Brockport won three weeks ago 22-19 in their first game of the year.

I’d like to see more ball control from the offense this Saturday, and for the Profs to keep up the good special teams play.  This will give Rowan the field position advantage which will help the defense.  Lastly, Rowan has had a problem with fumbles in their own territory.  Two of which have led to touchdowns for the opponent.  If the Profs can take care of the football, I expect a win on Saturday.