EAST STROUDSBURG — One and done.
That is the motto East Stroudsburg University football has adopted as it prepares for its Division II NCAA playoff opener against California University of Pennsylvania. Head coach Jimmy Terwilliger has emphasized that approach to his players, wanting them to focus only on the task at hand, and once it’s done, leave it where it is.
“It’s one-and-done plays, one-and-done drives, one-and-done quarters, and at the end, it’s a one-and-done game,” Terwilliger told the Pocono Record. “For us, it’s being able to play one play, one drive, one quarter and one game at a time. If we can focus on that and be able to put together fourth quarters of relentless pursuit, and dictate the atmosphere, I think we can be successful.”
The Warriors split the last two meetings with the Vulcans, losing 31-7 in 2022 before winning a 37-30 shootout in 2023. Saturday is for the tiebreaker, and they’ll have to contend with PSAC West Offensive Athlete of the Year in quarterback Davis Black and a passing offense that’s second in the conference with 239.2 yards per game.
“Black is gonna be able to throw the ball and make plays. We want to limit explosive plays and create opportunities where we can keep the ball in front of us,” Terwilliger said.
East Stroudsburg packs its own offensive punch, leading the PSAC in scoring (34.2 points) and total yards (421) per game. But Terwilliger doesn’t expect another shootout; instead, he hopes his team can create explosive plays while limiting the opponent’s explosive plays.
East Stroudsburg University Football Head Coach Jimmy Terwilliger holds a practice before the NCAA Playoffs against California University on November 20, 2024
Defensively, the Warriors have to prepare for one of the better pass rushes in the country, as Cal recorded 28 sacks as a team, including nine from…
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