West Chester to host American International in D-II playoffs

FROM 2004-08, West Chester never missed the Division II playoffs. Now the Golden Rams (10-1) are back in the field for the first time since then. Tomorrow (noon) they'll host American International (9-2) in the first round. They need a win to tie the program season record.

"We got a home game, which was great for the kids," said coach Bill Zwaan. "I remember at the end of that 5-year run, the kids weren't excited anymore. It's funny. The first time, everybody was watching on TV, it was something. Five years later, people didn't even know we were in.

"This time, they're really excited because we haven't been in. When our name came up on the screen, our kids went crazy. It was pretty cool watching that. So I think that's helping us, not having been there before. And I also think not going on the road the first time through is good."

The winner goes to Bloomsburg (10-1), which got a bye. Bloomsburg won at West Chester 2 weeks ago, 31-28. And it was Bloom that eliminated the Rams at home in 2006 (21-20) and '08 (28-21).

Rondell White needs 27 rushing yards to reach 4,000 for his career. He already has over 2,000 receiving and 1,000 on kick returns.

In D-III, Rowan (8-2) is also home, against Endicott College (8-2), at noon. The Profs lost an opener last year at Salisbury, in their first appearance since 2006.

They're 16-2 at home in the tournament, 6-1 in the first round. That loss was in 2002.

"It's nice to watch the selection show, a lot of fun to see how they react, jumping up and down," said coach Jay Acorsi. "That's what you do it for.

"I think we got a pretty good draw. When you get to the playoffs, they're all good. You just to have to play. We certainly deserve to be there. I think last year's experience will help this team. They understand you're not just happy getting in. Let's see if we can advance and make a run."

The survivor gets Mary Hardin-Baylor (10-0) or Redlands (8-2), which has already lost to MHB.