MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - Millersville scored in the final minute of the first half to make it a one-score game with West Chester heading into the break. But the visiting Golden Rams scored points on four consecutive possessions and picked off three passes in the second half to pull away from Millersville, 38-7. 

Already banged up and playing without leading wide receiver Isaac Sines, starting left tackle Vance Metzger and three regular starters in the secondary, Millersville turned to back-up QB Tommy Hunsicker in the second quarter, replacing Ryan Zeltt, who had briefly returned to the lineup after an injury kept him out of last week's game. Hunsicker led Millersville's lone touchdown drive, which ended with a one-yard run from Mekhi Ashby, but Millersville managed little after that. 

"We battled," said J.C. Morgan. "It's the mistakes and not taking advantage of the opportunities we had that wore us down as the game went on. We didn't do enough on third downs to help the defense, and the turnovers in their territory are unfortunate. We have to play better team football. West Chester's defense has played well. When you look back you will see opportunities where we were very close to making plays happen. We have to get some guys healthy and keep swinging."

It was still a 14-7 game when Millersville took the ball with 10:40 remaining in the third quarter. Millersville went three-and-out, and the next four drives resulted in three interceptions and a turnover on downs. The Marauders managed just three complete passes in the second half and generated 95 yards to West Chester's 264. 

"We have to do a better job protecting the ball and making better decisions," said Morgan. 

The Millersville defense effectively limited Cooper Jordan in the run game, but Jordan, who entered the game averaging 111.3 yards per game, managed to connect on several explosive downfield throws, taking advantage of Millersville's inexperience in the secondary. Jordan, the reigning PSAC East Athlete of the Week and West Chester's leading rusher, was limited to a season-low 13 yards rushing and Millersville sacked him twice. However, he threw for 285 yards--184 of which came in the second half. He connected on three completions of 37 yards or longer. 

"Our No. 1 objective was to contain (Jordan)," said Morgan. "If you let him get loose, everything goes from there. We wanted to take him out of the game as a runner. Some of the touchdown passes were very well contested. We were intentional about trying to contain him. He's a great player, and we just have to close out the plays when we have the opportunity. There were times when their guys made great plays."

The bright spot for Millersville was Ashby's 87 yards on 15 carries. On the defensive side of the ball, Bryce Beutler totaled 11 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks. Kai Stiansen recorded a career-high nine tackles. 

UP NEXT
Millersville is back at home on Saturday, Oct. 4 for a Homecoming Weekend titlt against Shepherd. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.