By Jeffrey Smyth
After dropping their past two home games, KU needed a trip out of Berks County to get back on track. They did just that against a very good East Stroudsburg football team as the bears rolled to a 31-16 win at Eiler-Martin Stadium Saturday afternoon.
The 4-4 Golden Bears knew going in they had their hands full against one of the most prolific passing attacks in the 6-2 East Stroudsburg Warriors. ESU was led by quarterback Matt Soltes who entered the game third in Division II in passing at 358.9 yards per game and total offense at 402 yards per game.
The running attack for KU was anchored by an experienced offensive line that churned out yards the whole game. James Wah Jr. and Terry Williams combined for a total 316 yards rushing. Wah Jr. posted a career-high 205 yards and Williams posted his third 100-yard outing of the season.
Williams has topped the century mark in three of his last five games. Wah has tallied 343 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his last four games.
After a scoreless first quarter the Golden Bears’ offense started to surge. Wah Jr. gave KU a late 10-6 first half lead with a 42 yard dart to the endzone, but it wasn’t until the second half when the Bears scored three straight scores putting the Warriors away.
Chad Barton connected with receiver Kellen Williams twice with a second Wah Jr. score in between. Barton threw for 236 yards, 107 of which went to Williams. Barton currently boasts a 21-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His 21 touchdown passes are good for third in the PSAC.
The Golden Bear defense continued to shine, surrendering just one touchdown and 240 yards to an offense that averages 527.1 yards per game, good for fifth in Division II.
Senior Sam Dougan led the defensive incursion with a game high seven tackles, including one sack.
He now ranks ninth in school history with 259 career stops.
Dougan, Michael Gallagher Steve Plousis and Eric Condron brought down Soltes for a season-high four sacks.
The road win for the Golden Bears marks their fourth of their last five meetings against the Warriors.
KU looks to continue to build momentum for its home-finale this Saturday, Nov. 1 against Lock Haven University for Senior Night. The game will honor the last remaining members of KU’s PSAC championship team in 2011.
Kickoff is set for a 1:05 p.m. start at University Field at Andre Reed Stadium.
