W&J notebook: West wants to have hand in W&J victory
When Jordan West did not get up after a play last week in a victory over Waynesburg, there was more than a little concern.
As the talented tailback was attended to by the trainers for Washington & Jefferson College’s football team, the offense huddled around him, too.
The junior eventually rose and walked off. He didn’t return to the game. Fortunately, the Presidents have quality depth at that position with E.J. Thompson and Trinity graduate Joey Koroly, who both ran well against the Yellow Jackets.
There was a collective sigh of relief when it was learned the injury to West’s hand was not serious.
West was at practice this week, and will be at 100 percent when the 9-1 Presidents play 9-1 Centre College in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs today at Farris Stadium in Danville, Ky.
“It just got a little banged up,” said West. “I landed on it wrong. With the cold, it got a little stiff and sore. Now, it’s all good. I could have gone back in if I had to. I’ve been doing treatment on it and it feels good.”
West has rushed for 1,159 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. He had 130 yards on 20 carries against Waynesburg. Thompson was terrific, gaining 186 yards on 23 tries and Koroly 37 yards on only three attempts.
“This game is going to come down who wants it more,” West said. “It’s who is going to give the passion to go out and win.”
Adams’ debut
This game will be the first playoff start for W&J quarterback Jacob Adams, who took over for the graduated Alex Rowse this season.
Adams started the final three regular-season games last year as Rowse healed from an injury and won all three. Rowse returned for the playoffs and led W&J to a win over Johns Hopkins before Frostburg State eliminated the Presidents.
“Playoff football is the best,” said Adams.”You can’t beat it. This reminds you of high school, where you want to take this opportunity and make it the best you can.”
Oxner’s timeout
Defensive tackle Jeffrey Oxner must sit the first half to fulfill his suspension from a targeting call against Waynesburg last week.
“It is what it is,” said W&J head coach Mike Sirianni. “It’s definitely going to hurt. Hopefully, we can keep the game close until he goes back in.”
There is no video review on those types of hits at the Division III level.
“When you don’t have replay, you have to be cautious with calls like that,” Sirianni said.