Senior Day
ESU will honor its senior class, which has helped develop the Warriors into a consistent contender in the PSAC throughout their careers. ESU posted records of 5-6 and 4-7 in 2021 and 2022 before a breakout 9-3 NCAA Playoff berth season in 2023, and enters Saturday with an 8-1 record. Honorees include Adewale Obayanju, Tyrese Brandon, Raymond Simmons IV, Matthew Davis, Dawson Stuart, Benny Pembleton, Tyriq Lewis, TJ Harris, Makai Booker, Xavier Gary, Noah Hambrick, Aidan Hayward, AJ Delgado, Lucas Skelley, Naz Higgins, Raymond Christas, Kyler Wuestner, Tim Kinney, Andrew Krawczyk, and John Siggins, as well as manager Diella Dreher and CILLS manager Emily Crum.
Super Region 1 Rankings
On Monday, the NCAA announced that ESU is ranked sixth in the NCAA Super Region 1 rankings. The Warriors seek an NCAA Tournament berth for the sixth time in program history and for the second consecutive year (2004-05).
NCAA Division II Super Region 1 Rankings
| Rank | Team | Overall | In-Region |
|---|
| 1 | Charleston (W.Va.) | 9-0 | 9-0 |
| 2 | Kutztown | 9-0 | 9-0 |
| 3 | California (Pa.) | 7-1 | 7-1 |
| 4 | Slippery Rock | 7-1 | 7-1 |
| 5 | Ashland | 7-2 | 7-2 |
| 6 | East Stroudsburg | 8-1 | 8-1 |
| 7 | Findlay | 8-1 | 8-1 |
| 8 | New Haven | 6-2 | 6-2 |
| 9 | Tiffin | 7-2 | 7-1 |
| 10 | Assumption | 5-3 | 5-3 |
The Foe: Shepherd
The Rams enter the contest with a 4-3 record, having lost to Bloomsburg 27-21 in double overtime last week on Senior Day. The Rams have dropped three of their past four contests but earned a 35-21 Homecoming victory over Millersville three weeks ago. Quarterback Lek Powell ranks fifth nationally in completion percentage, completing nearly 70% of his passes. Despite this, Powell has thrown 10 interceptions in nine games. A key matchup to watch is Shepherd’s strong rushing defense against the Warriors’ high-powered rushing attack. Shepherd ranks second in the conference in rushing defense, while the Warriors lead the PSAC in rushing offense.
Series History
The Rams hold a 7-3 record against ESU all-time, including four consecutive wins since entering the PSAC East in 2019. ESU is 2-2 against Shepherd at Eiler-Martin Stadium and is seeking its first win against the Rams since 2002.
Revisiting Shippensburg
Entering the game with the nation's 10th-best rushing offense, East Stroudsburg University showcased its passing prowess in a dominant 45-0 win over Shippensburg at Seth Grove Stadium. Quarterback Sean McTaggart threw for a career-high 415 yards, connecting with John Siggins for all four of his touchdowns and 239 receiving yards.
Historic Performances at Shippensburg
John Siggins' 239 receiving yards tie Jordan Hallman’s 2011 total for the second-most in program history, trailing only Evan Prall’s 254-yard performance in 2006. Siggins set a school record with 205 receiving yards in a single half, surpassing Mike Mancuso’s 193-yard mark from 1993. His 24 points are tied for the sixth-most in a single game.
Sean McTaggart's 415 passing yards are the most by a Warrior quarterback since Jake Cirillo threw for 418 yards against Ohio Dominican in 2018, Denny Douds’ final game as head coach. McTaggart is the 12th Warrior quarterback to pass for over 400 yards in a game.
ESU totaled 550 yards of offense, its highest output since recording 561 yards against Ohio Dominican in 2018. The Warrior defense posted its second shutout of the season, marking the first time since 1989 with multiple shutouts in one year. ESU outgained Shippensburg 550-158, forcing 10 punts and three interceptions while holding the Raiders to 2-of-12 on third down.
Sean McTaggart: Mr. Efficiency
Quarterback Sean McTaggart has excelled, completing 65% of his passes with 20 touchdowns and just four interceptions (5-to-1 ratio). He leads the PSAC in passing efficiency (171.7), ranking ninth nationally. McTaggart also leads the conference in passing touchdowns and points responsible for, and ranks fourth in passing yards per game and per completion. Under McTaggart’s leadership, the Warriors rank first in the PSAC in scoring (36.2 points per game), total offense (432.8 yards per game), third-down conversion percentage (51.5%), fourth-down conversion percentage (75%), first downs, red-zone offense, and turnovers lost.
Tahir Mills and Tyriq Lewis: Dominant Duo
Tahir Mills and Tyriq Lewis form one of the most productive backfield duos in the country, combining for 1,388 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns over nine games. They average 6.1 yards per carry on 224 attempts in 2024. Combined, they would rank second nationally in rushing yards, behind Charleston’s Chavon Wright (1,726 yards). ESU leads the PSAC in rushing with 211.9 yards per game, ranking 12th nationally.
TL2K: Tyriq Lewis Makes History
Tyriq Lewis continues to climb ESU’s all-time rushing charts, ranking sixth after his second consecutive 100-yard performance against Lock Haven. 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 (2,195 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 filled in for former All-American Devin Bartholomew. Quintois ranks second in the PSAC in scoring, converting 11 of 14 field-goal attempts and 39 of 40 extra-point opportunities. He ranks 11th nationally in field goal percentage, 12th in field goals per game, and leads the PSAC in scoring with 8.0 points per game.
Justin Cook: Kickoff Specialist
Justin Cook continues to shine as one of ESU’s best kickoff returners, with three career touchdowns, including a 99-yard return against Millersville this season. Cook ranks third all-time at ESU with 1,510 kickoff return yards and is within 499 yards of breaking 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 (1,510 yards, 2022-present)
- Matt Kacanda (1,438 yards, 1998-99)
- Joe McLaughlin (1,406 yards, 1985-88)
Up Next
ESU closes the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 16, when the Warriors head to Clarion. Game time is slated for noon at Memorial Stadium.
