Super Region 1 Rankings
On Monday, the NCAA announced that ESU remains sixth in the NCAA Super Region 1 rankings. The Warriors are vying for their sixth NCAA Tournament berth and their second consecutive appearance (2004-05).
| Rank | Team | Overall | In-Region |
|---|
| 1 | Charleston (W.Va.) | 10-0 | 10-0 |
| 2 | Kutztown | 10-0 | 10-0 |
| 3 | California (Pa.) | 8-1 | 8-1 |
| 4 | Slippery Rock | 8-1 | 8-1 |
| 5 | Findlay | 9-1 | 9-1 |
| 6 | East Stroudsburg | 9-1 | 9-1 |
| 7 | New Haven | 7-2 | 7-2 |
| 8 | Ashland | 7-3 | 7-3 |
| 9 | Assumption | 5-3 | 5-3 |
| 10 | Bentley | 7-2 | 7-2 |
The Foe
Clarion enters the contest with three consecutive losses to Seton Hill (31-16), Slippery Rock (38-22) and Gannon (34-28). Offensively, quarterback Anthony Guercio leads the team in passing and rushing, ranking fourth in the PSAC in total offense (261.9 yards per game). The Warriors' defense will look to contain Trevon Tate, who ranks fourth in receiving yards in NCAA Division II (1,112 yards). The Golden Eagles’ offense ranks fifth in the conference in yards per game and 11th in total defense (389.9 yards per game).
Series History
The Warriors hold an 11-4 advantage in the all-time series against Clarion, having won the last three matchups. Since 2000, ESU has won 10 of the past 11 meetings, with the lone loss coming in 2012. The teams last faced off in 2019, with ESU earning a 41-17 victory on Senior Day at Eiler-Martin Stadium.
Revisiting Shepherd
ESU held Shepherd to 215 yards and forced five punts, defeating the Rams for the first time since their entry into the PSAC in 2019 with a 28-7 victory on Senior Day at Eiler-Martin Stadium. After passing for over 400 yards and recording two 100-yard rushing performances against West Chester and Lock Haven in the previous weeks, the Warriors showcased a balanced attack. Sean McTaggart completed 17 of 23 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Evan Roche for both scores. McTaggart, a native of Lancaster, Pa., also rushed for 43 yards and a touchdown. Tyriq Lewis led the rushing attack with 60 yards and a touchdown. Tahir Mills contributed 24 yards on eight carries. John Siggins paced the receiving corps with 85 yards on five receptions. Roche caught both of McTaggart's touchdown passes, including a highlight-reel 25-yard score. ESU controlled possession, converting 5-of-11 third-down attempts.
2x AOW
Adam Noll earned his second PSAC East Special Teams Athlete of the Week honor after another strong punting performance. The redshirt freshman posted four punts for an average of 38.8 yards, pinning Shepherd inside their own 20-yard line three times. His efforts have helped the Warriors rank third in the PSAC and 18th nationally in net punting. This season, Noll has averaged over 40 yards per punt, with just one touchback on 26 attempts, and 10 of his punts have pinned opponents inside their own 20-yard line.
Sean McTaggart: Mr. Efficiency
Quarterback Sean McTaggart continues to lead the PSAC, completing 66% of his passes with 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He ranks first in the PSAC in passing efficiency (171.1) and 10th nationally. McTaggart is second in the conference in passing touchdowns and first in points responsible for, ranking third in passing yards per game and fourth in yards per completion. Under his leadership, the Warriors rank first in the PSAC in scoring (35.4 points per game), total offense (421.7 yards per game), third-down conversion percentage (50.9%), fourth-down conversion percentage (76%), first downs, red-zone offense, and turnovers lost.
Tahir Mills and Tyriq Lewis: Dominant Duo
Tahir Mills and Tyriq Lewis form one of the country’s most productive backfields, combining for 1,472 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over nine games. They average 5.9 yards per carry on 272 attempts in 2024. Combined, they rank second nationally in rushing yards, trailing only Charleston’s Chavon Wright (1,843 yards). ESU leads the PSAC in rushing with 203.4 yards per game, ranking 14th nationally.
TL2K: Tyriq Lewis Makes History
Tyriq Lewis continues to rise up ESU’s all-time rushing charts, entering the Clarion game ranked sixth. The Downingtown native has surpassed 100 rushing yards in three games this season.
ESU Career Rushing Leaders
- Robert Healy (3,993 yards, 2013-16)
- Rick Sterner (2,579 yards, 1988-92)
- Andre Castiglioni (2,510 yards, 1999-01)
- Derek Lucas (2,398 yards, 2002-05)
- Toby Barkman (2,363 yards, 1960-63)
- Tyriq Lewis (2,255 yards, 2021-present)
- Kendrick Williams (2,177 yards, 2009-12)
- Pete Radocha (2,047 yards, 1974-76)
- Harold Strunk (2,030 yards, 1974-77)
- Jaymar Anderson (1,942 yards, 2016-18)
Cobra Ty
Sophomore kicker Ty Quintois has seamlessly stepped in for former All-American Devin Bartholomew. Quintois ranks second in the PSAC in scoring, converting 11 of 14 field-goal attempts and 43 of 44 extra points. He ranks 12th nationally in field goal percentage and 21st in field goals per game, while leading the PSAC in scoring with 7.6 points per game.
Justin Cook: Kickoff Specialist
Justin Cook continues to excel as one of ESU’s top kickoff returners, with three career touchdowns, including a 99-yard return against Millersville this season. Cook ranks third all-time at ESU with 1,544 kickoff return yards and is within 465 yards of the school record.
ESU Career Kickoff Return Yards Leaders
- Chris Gerhard (2,008 yards, 1983-86)
- Mike Mancuso (1,873 yards, 1994-97)
- Justin Cook (1,544 yards, 2022-present)
- Matt Kacanda (1,438 yards, 1998-99)
- Joe McLaughlin (1,406 yards, 1985-88)
