Last weekend Rowan (0-2) gave #11 Linfield (OR) from the Northwest Conference (NWC) a good game, tying the score at 14-14 after the Profs capped an 80-yard drive with a thirty-yard JR RB Messiah Divine run with 6:34 remaining in the third quarter. Rowan actually out-gained Linfield (1-0) in total yardage, especially in rushing (214-51 yards), but ended up -2 in TOM and were flagged six times for -81 yards. These errors helped the Wildcats to 21 unanswered points to close out the game with a final score of 35-14.
Scouting the Profs
I have to give it to Rowan, their online roster done MNF-style is pretty cool. It's nice to see D3FB teams go that extra mile for their teams and change things up from the status quo. That said I am going to take the same "change it up" approach in welcoming Juan Sanchez, a Rowan alum (Class of 2008) and football fan, the chance to tell you about his team.
I'll add my two cents after, as I have spoken with HC Jay Accorsi over the past couple of years for ITH and D3football.com related stories. Ironically, one of my first ever blog posts was to RowanFootball.com (I am not sure if it's still active, I don't believe it is) back in 2006, to provide an overview of the Statesmen leading into their NCAA playoff game. Here I am 13 years, 14 seasons returning the favor:
ROWAN OFFENSE
In the preseason coaches’ poll, the Profs were projected to finish fifth in the NJAC. Currently the Profs are 0-2 after tough games against Widener (1-1) and Linfield (1-0). The last time Rowan started 0-2 was 1988.
Rowan runs a spread Run/Pass offense typically from the shot gun. Although 0-2, Rowan has outgained their opponents in offensive yardage (745 vs 704). Rowan has been able to generate 745 (314 rushing yards and 431 passing yards).
After a tight QB battle in the spring and summer, the Profs appear to have found their QB leader in Mike Husni (Toms River, NJ / Toms River N. / Marist University). A dual-threat QB, Husni has thrown for 431 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 149 yards and another score in the Profs initial games. Husni had a hard time finding running space against Widener (13 att, 14 yards, 1 TD) but his running improved against Linfield (22 att, 86 yards).
The Brown & Gold return two all-conference offensive performers in receiver/returner Elijah Rehm (Clayton, NJ / Clayton / East Stroudsburg University) and offensive lineman Scott Dunscomb (Hamilton, NJ / Hamilton W.).
In 2018, Rehm led the NJAC in all-purpose yards and was a dangerous return specialist with four returns for touchdowns (two punts, two kickoffs). He also led the Profs in receiving with 508 yards and three touchdowns. Thus far in 2019, opponents have done a good job focusing on Rehm, but this has allowed Rowan’s other receiver weapons to shine. Captain and wide-out, Nick Grosso (Sewell, NJ / Washington Twp.), is leading the NJAC with 208 receiving yards on only 7 receptions.
In 2019, the Profs had to replace 2 graduated running backs in John Mannion and Anthony Diorio. Junior Messiah Devine (Belle Mead, NJ / Montgomery) assumes the role as Rowan's starting tailback and currently he has gained 173 yards and averaging 3.8 per carry. Divine has been Rowan’s workhorse with 22+ carries in each contest.
The offensive line returns a lot of experienced players including senior Pat McGowan (Middletown, NJ / Middletown N.) and all-conference sophomore guard Scott Dunscomb. Stalwarts include Jeff DeJean (Egg Harbor Twp., NJ / Egg Harbor Twp.), Matt Melamed (Toms River, NJ / Toms River N.), Mike Klein (Howell, NJ / Howell), and Jake Stillings (Audubon, NJ / Camden Catholic). The Profs have two freshmen starting on the line including red shirt freshmen Pryce Bouchard (Gloversville, NY / Gloversville) at center and Tyler Kelly (Monroeville, NJ / Delsea Reg./Kutstown University).
ROWAN DEFENSE
The Profs return one all-conference defensive player in senior defensive end David Gajderowicz (Medford, NJ / Shawnee). Gajderowicz and LB Anothly LaRosa (Sewell, NJ / Washington Twp.) were voted defensive captains by their teammates.
Over the years, the Brown and Gold have fielded very stout defenses; however, last season the Profs had the least proficient defense in the NJAC in terms of total yards allowed and pass defense. The Profs also allowed 20 passing touchdowns, most in the conference. The rush defense was slightly better, ranking fifth in the NJAC in rushing touchdowns allowed.
The Profs run a 4-3 defense. Rowan’s strength is the defensive line with several returning stars. The Profs graduated 4 seniors at linebacker. So far, the bright spot at linebacker has been Mike Mascioli (Hammonton, NJ / St. Joseph) who has been a hard-nosed defender with 16 total tackles.
Rowan’s defense has been challenged and has allowed 36.50 points per game. They have allowed several big passing plays, however they are only allowing 2.3 rushing yards per carry. Along side Gajderowicz, Antoine Alicia (Philadelphia, PA / Glassboro) and Eddie Hamilton (Chesapeake, VA / Western Branch) make up the starting defensive line, with junior Sunny Tapp (Hammonton, NJ / St. Joseph / Robert Morris University) completing the group.
The secondary is led by Malachi Winters (Hammonton, NJ / Hammonton) and Kam Kennedy (Palmyra, NJ / Palmyra). The profs have been torched by long passing plays early in the season likely due to inexperience in the group. JUCO transfer Manny Pelzer (Pleasantville, NJ / North Cobb (GA)) has been a tremendous addition to the team and is a hard hitter from the safety position.
ROWAN SPECIAL TEAMS
True freshman Jake Hurler (Freehold, NJ / Freehold) won the kicking duties for the Profs while returning kicker Alex Boyko (East Brunswick, NJ / East Brunswick) is listed as the backup. Sophomore Tom Brennan (Sewell, NJ / Washington Twp.) takes over as the new punter.
Rehm and speedster Mike Reed (Newark, NJ / Malcolm X Shabazz) have handled return duties in 2019. Rehm earner All American return specialist honors in 2018 but teams have done a decent job kicking away from him in 2019.
Keys to the Game:
1. Shore Up the Secondary - The Statesmen have surrendered 635 passing yards so far this season, which is more than double what the offense has produced. To the defense's credit, part of that is due to the fact opponents haven't had much success rushing the football. Hobart's D has only allowed 2 YPR and 83 RYPG and two TDs over Weeks 1 and 2. The red zone defense has been especially solid (only four scores in 10 trips), but if there's room for improvement, it's between the 20's. The Statesmen have allowed a 41.4% third-down conversion rate, so they have been staying on the field a bit longer than I'd like - the TOP margin is 35-25 in favor of the opposition. The defense has also allowed first downs via the pass 66.67% of the attempts (30-45).
2. Keep Up the Good Work, OL - The Hobart OL was a concern going into the season but so far this unit has done a great job. They've allowed zero sacks to date, but will be hard pressed to keep that streak alive given guys like SR DE David Gajderowicz who's one of the best pass rushers Hobart will face all season. He has been kept in check somewhat, but is second on the Profs defense with 14 total tackles. He has two TFL and one sack also. The Statesmen OL has opened holes in the running game as well, helping the team average 124.5 RYPG. I still think Hobart would benefit working more RPO or iso run plays leveraging a lead blocker. The Statesmen have a couple of pretty big guys who could fill that role if given the chance.
3. Bring the Blitz - We didn't see any blitzing last weekend until the second half. Hobart's defense has already racked up 10 sacks and 20 TFL (!!!) when they get let loose (last season the Statesmen had 18 and 53, respectively, over nine games by comparison). Obviously some of these stats come from the pass rush of the base defense - credit the DL/OLBs there - but the Rowan OL has only allowed two sacks so far this season, so the Statesmen may need to dial up the pressure to rattle Husni just like Linfield did last weekend. The Wildcats pressure game plan managed to force Husni to throw three INTs, which Hobart would do well to imitate Saturday.
4. Hold (Home) Court - The Class of 2020 has won 14 of 17 home games at Boswell Field since they matriculated. This home field advantage shouldn't be discounted, especially with a team having to travel about 275 miles up for the game.
Prediction:
I think we'll see another close game that goes into the fourth quarter. Rowan has struggled this season, but they've played a tough schedule and are a strong team Hobart can't take lightly. In the end I think the Statesmen will make enough plays to improve to 3-0 on the season, let's say by a 31-20 margin.
Thanks to Juan for his input into this week's preview. Best of luck to both teams this weekend. Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!
Can't wait for the 2020 season to begin #GoRowan
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