Presidents, Vulcans face top-10 challenges
W&J College
By John Sacco
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
Two local small college football teams have a unique opportunity Saturday to knock off nationally ranked teams and keep conference championships and NCAA postseason berths possible.
In NCAA Division III, Washington & Jefferson has the task of hosting Grove City College (6:05 p.m.) at Cameron Stadium.
The Presidents (5-1) are looking to avenge a loss to the No.7-ranked Wolverines (5-0) from 2023 that essentially ended their Presidents’ Athletic Conference title and postseason hopes.
California (3-0, 5-1), which has reeled off five consecutive wins since a tough season-opening loss, meets No.6-ranked and undefeated Slippery Rock (3-0, 6-0) in a key Division II PSAC West Division showdown. Kickoff is 3 p.m.
The Vulcans likely need to win out to win the West title and qualify for the NCAA playoffs. The winner Saturday will have sole possession of first place.
W&J needs a win to remain in PAC championship contention. A victory would give it control of its future as the other title contenders – Grove City, Carnegie Mellon and Westminster – would also have a conference loss. Case Western Reserve could be the lone undefeated PAC team by the end of Saturday. W&J and Case Western will play in Cleveland Nov. 2.
Grove City vs. W&J
For the Presidents, the time has come to win a big game and give themselves a chance to win a PAC championship.
It will be a mighty task.
“They really have a great front seven,” W&J coach Mike Sirianni said of Grove City. “For me, that’s what makes them tick. They’re great.”
Sirianni called the Wolverines’ edge rusher Ben Bladel the “greatest Division III defender he’s seen.” Bladel is an All-American.
Grove City coach Andrew DiDonato, who led the Wolverines to the PAC title and a playoff win last season, has built a powerhouse team. The Wolverines beat W&J, 31-24, in 2023.
Grove City defeated Carnegie Mellon, 17-10, last week. DiDonato, a South Fayette High School product, is 6-1 against the Tartans.
Grove City defeated Susquehanna in the playoffs last year before losing Cortland State.
W&J is led by senior quarterback Jacob Pugh, who has thrown for 1,815 yards and 24 TDs, most in Division III.
Receiver John Peduzzi has 32 catches for 690 yards and nine TDs while Jacob Macosko has 41 receptions for 544 yards and seven TDs.
W&J All-American defensive lineman Dawson Dietz has six quarterback sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
DiDonato said he expects a “great game” and that Grove City will rely on its running game, controlling the ball and the clock, and its nationally ranked defense.
The Presidents lead the nation in first downs with 163.
The Rock vs. Cal
Slippery Rock will provide the stiffest competition of the season for California.
But the Vulcans have already overcome a huge obstacle in having played five of their first six games on the road.
“I’m proud of the way our team handled (the schedule),” coach Gary Dunn said. “We probably didn’t play our best ball in Week 1. We have a resilient bunch. We knew what we were facing coming in and our guys have come together.”
California dropped its opener, 23-19, to Charleston (WV).
Slippery Rock has won six straight games in the series.
“Slippery Rock is assuredly a good football team,” Dunn said. “I can’t find any holes. We’ll have to play a great football game and great team defense.
“We must take care of the football, play smart for four quarters. Our kids believe. I love the way we work and play. Our guys show up, work and get better each day and improve week-to-week.”