Waynesburg University versus Case Western Reserve:

Saturday Sept. 7, embarks a new journey for both the Waynesburg University Yellow Jackets and the Case Western Reserve Spartans. 

Waynesburg: 

Waynesburg looks to bounce back after last season, where they finished 10th out of 11 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference with a record of 2-8. 

Head Coach, Cornelius Coleman, who enters his third season as the top man on the coaching staff, spoke about the team this season and the bond they have grown over the last month of camp. 

“This group feels closer than my previous years. No one complains about coming to practice.” Coleman said.

Coleman has compiled an overall record of 6-14 during his tenure with Waynesburg. However, this year is the first year Coleman will not serve as the defensive coordinator while also being head coach.  

Dave Arnold, who worked on the staff last season, was promoted to the defensive coordinator role over the offseason. 

Waynesburg looks to plug holesin the depth chart after losing three key players from last season.  

Second team All PAC center, Frank Cortazzo IV, third all-time leading rusher in school history, running back Justin Flack and  receiver yards leader over the past two seasons, Dakota Romantino. 

Returning senior defensive back, Brennan Boron, says the defense needs to work, “like a group” to really succeed this season. 

“We are going to fly around. Coach Arnold said to act like a Swarm,” he said. “We need all eleven hats to the ball.” 

Isaac Trout formed into a trustworthy receiver for his quarterback towards the second half of last season. Zayne Cawley also impressed last year averaging over six yards per carry including a 336-yard 4 touchdown performance in a win over Bethany. 

Quarterback Samuel Barber looks to improve his numbers from last year, throwing just over 1,400 yards with a 10-9 touchdown to interception ratio. 

Case Western: 

Case Western finished fourth in the PAC last season with a record of 7-3. 

Head Coach Greg Debeljak enters his 21 season at the helm for the Spartans. Debeljak has an overall record of 138-58 and his team is predicted to once again finish fourth in the PAC this season according to the PAC website. 

Like Waynesburg, experience is not an issue, as Case Western has 17 returning starters on offense and defense combined.  

First team all PAC defensive back Dominic Sais looks to be a key part for the defensive side of things, as he finished second in the conference with six interceptions. 

Quarterback Alex Fromberg begins his second season in the starter role after an impressive first year. Fromberg posted over 2,700 total yards with 29 touchdowns and the highest passing efficiency in school history. 

Fromberg looks to rely on his number one receiver, Noah Coyne after a remarkable 2023 season. Coyne averaged 23 yards per catch last season and earned honors for third team all PAC. 

Previous Matchup: 

Case Western defeated Waynesburg at DiSanto Field last season 35-0. Case Western delivered a complete game of football with just under 500 yards in total offense, while allowing under 220 total yards on the other side of the ball. Running Back Gage Duesler posted an impressive game with 130 yards and 2 touchdowns with only 10 touches. 

The Yellow Jackets and Spartans will kick off their season at John F Wiley Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.