Jen Toland, College Beat Writer (Friday Football Column)
November 7, 2014
Worcester, MA --- Worcester State has scored 30 or more points in all six of its wins this season and is averaging a MASCAC-best 38.1 per game — numbers that are credited to the offense on the stat sheet — but the Lancers' defense has helped put many of those points on the board.
Worcester State is tied for fourth in the nation with 26 takeaways (13 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries) and the turnovers have led to 75 points. The Lancers are 3-1 in its last four games, and in those games, 41 percent of their scoring has come off turnovers.
In their 52-49 win over Western Connecticut State two weeks ago, the Lancers forced seven turnovers, and senior defensive back Mike Goulden and freshman defensive back Aurian Dawkins each returned fumble recoveries for touchdowns.
"It's an opportunistic group," Worcester State coach Brien Cullen said. "You look at that game and you say, 'Geez, 49 points,' but we threw an interception for a touchdown, and our defense basically set up 28 points — the defense scored two touchdowns and (with turnovers) gave us great field position for two more. That's basically who we are."
The Lancers are allowing 27.9 points, the fourth most in the league. They held Plymouth State to a first-quarter field goal in a 36-3 win.
"We were looking for the shutout," senior defensive end Zack Skerry of Milford said, "but we're still very happy with that, obviously."
With a young secondary and a new defensive scheme, the Lancers were susceptible to the big play early in the year. The play and leadership of Skerry and senior Bryan Narcisse on the other end of the line has helped Worcester State limit long gains.
Narcisse leads the MASCAC with nine sacks, Skerry is right behind with 7.5 and each has 15 tackles for loss. Worcester State leads the conference with 33 total sacks.
"They put so much pressure on people," Cullen said, "they have to get the ball out quick now, and we're not getting beat downfield with the big, heavy stuff like we were earlier. The kids are getting more and more comfortable with the new scheme each week."
Worcester State (6-2, 4-2) plays at Westfield State (5-3, 4-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday. The game is a battle for second place in the MASCAC behind Framingham State, which has not lost a conference game. Worcester State finishes the regular season against Framingham Nov. 15.
Led by senior running back Michael Mercadante, the Owls are averaging 183.9 yards rushing. In last week's win over Fitchburg State, Westfield senior quarterback Steve Guercio of Gardner threw touchdown passes to junior running back Colby Bostek of West Boylston and junior wide receiver Bobby Boire of Millbury.
"They're a strong offensive team," Cullen said, "and they've done a nice job on defense, too, so we'll have our work cut out on the offensive side."
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