jtuscano@observer-reporter.com
Dave Ravida has two good-luck charms he keeps close by for each of his football games.
Two studs, one for each pierced ear, have accompanied the wide receiver from Washington & Jefferson College to each game this season.
It's been a costly tradition because a jarring hit has popped them out at times. If Ravida can't find them, well, there goes $15 down the drain.
"This is the third pair I've had," Ravida said following a six-catch, 89-yard performance in a 49-14 victory over Grove City last week. "That's $45."
The cost will be worth it if Ravida can post those numbers each week. The Presidents are hoping that's the case Saturday in their crucial matchup against rival Waynesburg at Wiley Stadium.
Both teams enter the game with 7-0 records, and an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs is dangling out there for the Presidents' Athletic Conference winner. Waynesburg is 4-0 in the conference, W&J 3-0.
Ravida, a 5-10, 185-pound junior, leads the Presidents with 40 receptions for 479 yards and five touchdowns; and Tom McCafferty, a 6-0, 195-pound senior, has 32 for 640 yards and 10 touchdowns. Luke Espe and Ryan Church, two juniors, and sophomore Craig Besong have combined for 33 receptions, 520 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Ravida's two good-luck charms could be his right and left hands. He has been a reliable receiver and quarterback Bobby Swallow has been going to him more and more.
"Dave thinks he's T.O.," Swallow said with a smile. "He makes it pretty easy."
Espe is coming off the best game of his career, snagging five passes for 46 yards and scoring twice. He says he doesn't have good-luck charms, especially ear rings.
"My dad would rip them out of my ears," Espe said with a laugh. "Dave thinks they look pretty good. Whatever keeps his mind happy is a good thing."
W&J's receivers have played a more important role this season because the offense has shifted from a run-oriented game plan last season. The reason is Swallow's development at quarterback.
The 6-2 junior has been incredible, completing 70 percent of his passes for 2,133 yards and 33 touchdowns. Most amazing is Swallow has thrown only two interceptions in 191 attempts.
"W&J's offense is so explosive," said Waynesburg head coach Rick Shepas. (Swallow) is having a fantastic year. He is just so unbelievably accurate. Because of their balance, they are as explosive an offense as I've seen."
W&J's offense will bet a boost when Kevin Mathews returns at tailback this week. The 5-10 junior missed the Grove City game with a leg bruise sustained in a win over Westminster. Mathews and junior Curt Jones have combined for 1,056 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Swallow has taken advantage of Mathews' quickness by hitting him with 19 passes for 334 yards and five TDs.
"This is going to be a tough game," Espe said. "To win this game, we have to put points on the board, as many as it takes."