jtuscano@observer-reporter.com
After two years of inactivity and eight games of up-and-down play, Brad Dawson finally had the breakout game the coaches at Waynesburg University knew would come.
Dawson, a 6-0, 200-pound sophomore, had his best game of the season in the Yellow Jackets' 50-35 victory over Thiel, completing 26 of 44 passes for a career-best 453 yards and two touchdowns.
Dawson is preparing for another shootout Saturday, when the Yellow Jackets host rival Washington & Jefferson in the PAC and regular-season finale for both teams.
Waynesburg is hoping to deal a death blow to W&J's chances for a berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs, and hope to do it with the brother of one of the Presidents' greatest quarterbacks.
Brian Dawson played quarterback for W&J from 1999-2002 and still holds a handful of records that Chris Edwards and current starter Bobby Swallow have not broken.
"Every week, I feel more comfortable," said Dawson. "I'm feeling more comfortable as I get the offensive plays down. I'm still getting adjusted to the (speed) of the game. I sat out a couple years so I'm rusty. I just needed to get a couple games under my belt."
Dawson showed flashes of his potential this season, passing for 254 yards against Bethany two weeks ago and 238 against Westminster in Week 5.
"We took a patient approach with him," said Waynesburg head coach Rick Shepas. "He's getting to know the process. At this point, we know what he likes to do. It just takes a natural course of time."
Dawson graduated from Thomas Jefferson and spent time at two PSAC schools, Indiana University and California, before transferring to Waynesburg. He needs 223 yards to move into 10th place on the school's career passing list (1,793 yards).
"There is no doubt about his arm strength," Shepas said. "He's becoming more accurate, he sees more of the field and he utilizes all his receivers."
Dawson said he didn't consider a transfer to Washington & Jefferson for two reasons: he was lax about keeping his grades up and he didn't want comparisons made to his brother.
"I wanted to make a name for myself," he said. "That's why I chose a different school. My brother makes it to every home game and he went to Geneva to watch me play. He's been very supportive."
The game against W&J could be a wild one. Swallow is averaging 310 passing yards per game and Dawson 196. W&J and Waynesburg rank one (45.9) and three (30.8), respectively, in scoring offense.
"It's going to be weird to watch a Dawson play against W&J," said W&J head coach Mike Sirianni. "The longer the season goes, the better he seems to get. He looks like Brian when he was at W&J."
Swallow's favroite target has been wide receiver David Ravida, who is tied with Ryan Silvis for third place on the school's all-time list with 171 career catches. Ravida has 1,937 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. Todd Fry tops the list with 186 career receptions and Aaron Krepps is second with 181.
Ravida tied the school's single-game receiving record when he caught 12 passes in 49-21 victory over Grove City in Week 4.
"We're looking at this as our biggest game of the year," said Ravida. "It will make or break us. After (the loss to) Thomas More, every game is pressure-packed."
Waynesburg will pressure Swallow with defensive end D.J. DeWitt, who has a teamihigh nine sacks, and linebacker Ryan Krull, who needs eight tackles to reach 100.
"Their defense is fast and talented," Ravida said. "They like to play man-to-man and zone."
Waynesburg has conference-best 16 interceptions this season, led by five from Scott Cree, and have 27 quarterback sacks.
"It doesn't matter what the record of the two teams," Sirianni said, "this is going to be a big game because we are rivals. We're not looking at the playoffs. We just want to beat Waynesburg."