Make A Difference: Saturday’s contest is the second annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania. BBBS is always looking for people eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. Big Brothers especially are in high demand. For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing their life. Play a board game. Make fun crafts. Hit the playground together. Just as your options are unlimited, so is your Little’s potential. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit bbbsnepa.com/volunteer.
500th Game for Big Twig: ESU offensive coordinator Mike Terwilliger will take part in his 500th consecutive game as a Warrior on Saturday against Kutztown. Terwilliger served as either the quarterback (1974-77), quarterbacks coach (1978-2000) and offensive coordinator (2001-present) in each of the past 499 ESU contests, dating back to 1974. During his time as a coach, ESU has produced numerous standout quarterbacks, including 19 all-conference selections in Barry Kennedy (1978-79), Andy Baranek (82-84), James Franklin (1993-94), Damian Poalucci (1996-97), Jeremy Palm (2001-02), Jimmy Terwilliger (2003-06), Ray Wagner (2011), Matt Soltes (2013-15). Soltes, J. Terwilliger Poalucci and Baranek also earned All-America status under Terwilliger. Over the past 499 games, he has helped guide ESU to a record of 278-218-3, which includes a record of 30-7-1 as a player and a 248-211-2 record as a coach. He will address the crowd following the game.
Know the Foe: The Golden Bears enter the game with an identical 2-2 record, falling to PSAC East foe and fifth-ranked Shepherd by a score of 42-35 last week at Andre Reed Stadium in the conference opener. The Golden Bears were deadlocked with the Rams until 2021 Harlon Hill Trophy winner Tyson Bagent tossed a 70-yd touchdown pass with just 1:41 left in the contest. KU had big performances from quarterback Donny Blaine (25-34, 390 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT) and wide receiver Jerome Kapp (8 rec. 170 yds, 2 TD) in a rematch of the 2021 NCAA Quarterfinal.
The Series: All-time, ESU holds a 44-24-1 record against the Golden Bears during the previous 69 meetings. ESU holds a 23-12 margin in games played in the Poconos. Despite the 20-game lead in the all-time series, Kutztown has gotten the best of ESU lately, with wins in seven consecutive games dating back to 2014. The Warriors and Golden Bears battled back in forth in last year’s edition of the rivalry. KU scored touchdowns on each of its first two drives, before the Warriors held the Golden Bears off the scoreboard for its next seven drives. Anglovich paced the offense with 108 yards rushing and both ESU touchdowns. Unfortunately for ESU, a 67-yd completion would setup a short rushing touchdown for Darryl McNeil-Davis’ go-ahead touchdown with just 44 seconds remaining.
Last Time Out: ESU rolled past Lock Haven, 48-7 following a 500-yd outburst from the offense and five turnovers for the Warrior defense. ESU scored the first 48 points prior to LHU recording its lone touchdown of the day in the fourth quarter.
Under Center: With Jake Cirillo expecting to miss more game action due to injury, Matt DeLaurentis has been announced as the starting quarterback again this week. It would be DeLaurentis’ fourth career start and his second consecutive this season.
BartholoBoot: Devin Bartholomew continues to shine as the one of the most consistent NCAA Division II kickers this season. The Parkland High product leads the nation in field goals per game (2.5), 15th in field goal percentage (83%), ninth in scoring (10.8 points per game) and total points scored (43). He was made 43 consecutive point-after-attempts, while ESU now has converted 84 consecutive PATs to date dating back to the 2018 season finale.
By Committee The Warriors showed their strong depth at their skills position last week. At quarterback, Matt DeLaurentis and Sean McTaggart combined for 224 passing yards (21-34) and two touchdowns.
At tailback, four Warriors recorded at least five carries and 45 yards, highlighted by Tyriq Lewis’ second career 100-yd rushing performance (10 att., 109 yards, 1 TD). Gunner Anglovich added 55 yards, Devante Robinson recorded 52 yards and his first touchdown in 1,043 days, while freshman Tahir Mills recorded his first career rushing touchdown and finished with 46 yards on six carries.
Tying a Record: ESU’s wide receiver depth shined with a program-record tying 11 Warriors pulling in a reception. Johns Siggins registered five receptions for 32 yards, while Ezequiel Lopez led ESU with 54 yards receiving and a touchdown. The 11 Warriors tallying a reception ties a program record
The Menace: Deshawn McCarthy has now tallied a sack fumble in each of the past two weeks, as the senior defensive end looks to put together another All-American season. He ranks fifth in the country in forced fumbles, averaging .67 per game.
Turnover Shades: Over the past two weeks, ESU has combined to post eight turnovers, with three interceptions against Seton Hill and two interceptions fumble recoveries, along with an interception against the Bald Eagles and a pair of fumble recoveries. As a result, ESU now ranks seventh in turnover margin (T-1st in PSAC) and sixth in turnovers gained (11).
Up Next
After facing the Golden Bears, the Warriors will head to Millersville on Sat., Oct. 8 for a Noon kickoff against the Marauders.
