#SWARM - The Reboot

[young22]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

CAC results through Week 2

OC Paul Lees:

Week 1 @ Oklahoma State - L 20-35

QB Tony Poljan - 13/32, 218 yards, TD

Week 2 vs FCS East - W 24-17

HB Romello Ross - 11 carries, 68 yards, 3 TD, long of 13

OC Bryson Post:

Week 2 @ Maryland - L 16-44

HB Andrew Clair - 11 carries, 66 yards. long of 10

Around the Nation

Buffalo (MAC representing!) beats #21 Penn State on the road behind big plays on special teams.

Toledo (More MAC let's go) upsets Miami on the road, 42-37 behind 247 total rushing yards.

#1 Stanford is back on track, beating Miami OH 38-10 after escaping Northwestern with a 35-28 comeback win.

[SilverBullet19]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

About as expected, Walker made mistakes but those growing pains happen with a young QB. Louis made some...interesting statements lol. Hopefully teammates wont take it personally, we're already dealing with a mouthy receiver who got a 6 game suspension

Now the money game at Michigan. Who knows, maybe you will take the money AND the win again. If not, another game for Walker to learn, and at least its not a conference one.

[young22]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

About as expected, Walker made mistakes but those growing pains happen with a young QB. Louis made some...interesting statements lol. Hopefully teammates wont take it personally, we're already dealing with a mouthy receiver who got a 6 game suspension

Now the money game at Michigan. Who knows, maybe you will take the money AND the win again. If not, another game for Walker to learn, and at least its not a conference one.

Louis sure doesn't lack confidence. He actually left the Michigan game pretty early after he got blasted on the return. He's more of a passive aggressive guy than an "hey imma fight my coach" guy though. Just played Michigan, might do the recap now. If not it'll be up tomorrow.

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[moose141]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Tough break in the opening game but definitely some positives to take from it. Walker sounds like he's very promising, once he can limit the mistakes and be more consistent he should be a monster for you. Louis definitely sounds like he needs to step up and put his money where his mouth is though, don't see him on the scoresheet at all and if he's getting smoked on deep routes he needs to worry about his own game!

[young22]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Y3, G2 - @ #16 Michigan

September 13th, 2015

Swarm destroyed 55-10 at Ann Arbor

Walker learning, makes some plays despite 2 early picks -- Dylan McCaffrey hangs 354, TD on on Swarm in 3 quarters -- Sean Louis, Darnell Woods leave game with injuries

Dylan McCaffrey made 354 yards look easy

Ann Arbor, MI -- I'm sure everyone remembers Westlake State taking down then #6 Kansas State in a crazy 25-19 upset last season. It was a game that they got paid 500k to play, and that Bill Snyder's Wildcats took for granted until Wendell Hearn (already seems like he's been gone for ages), Thomas Green (now suspended, we'll talk about him later), and Deonte Abrams (looking like his only option right now is the CFL), along with the rest of the Swarm, delivered an upset win that'll go down in history. This time they faced Michigan at the Big House, and they could unfortunately not one up Appalachian State's 34-32 win back in 2007. Not even close.

The Swarm lost this one 55-10. Michigan had a shaky start, managing only a field goal after Grant Marquardt missed one on the Swam's opening drive. They nearly turned it over, with Dylan McCaffrey throwing it backwards. Luckily for the Wolverines, a lineman fell on it quickly. The Swarm then went 3 and out, before Kareem Walker capped off a nice drive with a 4 yard score. Walker ran well with 17 carries for 86 yards and 2 scores on the day.

After Walker's second score, De'Aaron Walker led his first and only TD drive of the game. He led his team downfield, converting 3 3rd downs and eventually facing a 3rd and goal from the 11, where he lobbed a pass to an open Stanley Wayne in the endzone. The throw was slightly off the mark, but Wayne made an impressive diving grab to secure the TD.

Michigan then scored 28 straight, with Walker following up a Swarm stop with a pick 6 that just opened the floodgates. Grant Marquardt kicked a field goal near the end of the 3rd, but that was like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. The Wolverines' backups scored twice in the 4th to make it 55-10, and send the Swarm to 0-2.

Both Swarm starting corners, Sean Louis and Darnell Woods left the game early. Louis was rocked while returning a kick, and Woods was slammed down by a pulling tight end. Woods will miss 2-3 weeks with a concussion, while Louis will return next game after he was diagnosed with a bruised rib.

Despite the blowout loss, there are definite positives. De'Aaron Walker's stats were poor, but the true freshman was never scared of the moment and made some impressive throws, including a beautiful 52 yard touch throw to Tristan Cox to spark the TD drive. Senior WR Stanley Wayne had high praise for the freshman.

He's a great great player. He's like 19, came into Michigan in his second start and played his game. He didn't end up with the best box stats but he tried to get us going. That Michigan defense is loaded, he was pressured all day, passing windows weren't open, and he did better than most guys would do in that situation.

Westlake State will play their first home game of the season next week, playing 1-1 Cincinnati. The Bearcats beat the Swarm 27-20 in Cincinnati last year.

[young22]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Tough break in the opening game but definitely some positives to take from it. Walker sounds like he's very promising, once he can limit the mistakes and be more consistent he should be a monster for you. Louis definitely sounds like he needs to step up and put his money where his mouth is though, don't see him on the scoresheet at all and if he's getting smoked on deep routes he needs to worry about his own game!

Louis has not been what I expected so far. He shut everyone down when I ran training camp but he has yet to make a play on the ball, and the one time he's really been on an island he got smoked. Homie needs to put up or shut up. Walker seems like he's gonna be great after this first year. He was able to make some plays against a very very good Michigan defense (this team was 99 across the board), I'm excited to see how he does against Cincy in his first home start. Thanks for checking in bro.

Time to kick off the first home game in the De'Aaron Walker era... Cincinnati at Westlake State!

[SilverBullet19]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Tough, but expected loss to Michigan. All things considered, Walker was not bad. Brantley actually did decent too, almost 4 ypc against a big time opponent is respectable. I'm sure the game gave a great feel for the team as far as strong/weak points, and things you can exploit against a bit easier competition in conference.

[young22]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Tough, but expected loss to Michigan. All things considered, Walker was not bad. Brantley actually did decent too, almost 4 ypc against a big time opponent is respectable. I'm sure the game gave a great feel for the team as far as strong/weak points, and things you can exploit against a bit easier competition in conference.

Yeah we didn't do so bad. I was pissed while I was playing cause I hate losing (and we beat Kansas State last year so I was kinda holding out hope lol), but it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Just played the Cincy game and it was a very very tight game. Thanks for checking in, recap out soon.

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[young22]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Y3, G3 - vs Cincinnati

September 20th, 2015

Swarm beat Bearcats 28-26 on last second field goal; Walker overcomes turnovers in breakout game

Walker brilliant with nearly 500 total yards, 3 TD -- 4 fumbles for Swarm nearly cost them big time -- Sean Louis hurt again, leaves game in first half -- Tristan Cox developing into offensive weapon

DE'AARON WALKER. The freshman turned into a budding star after lighting up Cincinnati. Here he winds up to throw a pass that found Tony Brown for a 66 yard score.

Westlake, OH -- Freshman QB De'Aaron Walker struggled in his first 2 starts, completing less than half his passes as his team struggled to an 0-2 start. But everyone who's talked about Walker has mentioned how much potential he has, and we saw it all on display today. Walker completed 28 of 34 passes for 370 yards (a new school record) and 2 scores. He tacked on 105 rushing yards and another score on 13 attempts. Reading those stats, you might think Westlake State coasted to the win in this one.

Not the case. The Swarm fumbled a whopping 4 times, 2 from Tristan Cox, 1 from Trent Brantley, 1 from Stanley Wayne, and 1 from Walker himself. They also managed to give up 276 rushing yards on just 46 carries, for 6 yards a rush. Mike Warren II had 217 rushing yards on 29 carries, and if Ross Trail had been more aggressive throwing the ball, this is a different game.

It looked like it might be a blowout. Cincinnati needed just over 3 minutes to go up 7-0, as the Swarm defense was atrocious, giving up 5 or more yards on 13 straight plays, before Warren II ran it in from the 1. Then the offense needed Walker to bail them out with his legs on a 4th and 3 from the Cincinnati 39. They did score, with Walker keeping it on a zone read for a 7 yard score. But Grant Marquardt missed the PAT, and the Bearcats still led.

They would kick a field goal, which was matched by the Swarm to put it at 10-9 after a quarter.

After forcing a 3 and out, the Swarm had possession, and De'Aaron Walker fired a strike to Stanley Wayne up the seam. Wayne had a first down secured, but he fumbled the ball after a hard hit and all of a sudden the Bearcats had the ball back and all the momentum in the world. Luckily for the Swarm, they got one of their few stops on Warren, then Clayton Thorson sacked Ross Trail to force a 3rd and long, and ultimately a punt. The Swarm would punt as well, and Cincinnati's next drive saw them score after a facemask gave them excellent field position. However, Walker was able to find Tony Brown deep downfield to put the Swarm in field goal range. Brown was dragged down by his facemask, tacking on more yards, and Marquardt kicked a 24 yarder to cut the lead to 17-12.

Wayne fumbles

Westlake State got the ball to start the 2nd half, and Walker led a quick drive that culminated in a strike to an open Dionte Norton near the goalline. Norton was able to get in for the score, and the Swarm led by 1. They went for 2, but it failed. Still, after Ross Trail tossed up a pick to Khari Anderson (the first turnover the defense has forced in 3 games!), Trent Brantley fumbled and gave it right back.

Dionte Norton catches a TD

But the Bearcats got nothing going and Jeremy Watkins ultimately missed a 49 yard kick. Westlake State were determined to blow this game though, and Tristan Cox fumbled for the second time on the day. Cox's first fumble was recovered by the Swarm, but no such luck here. But yet again, Cincinatti got nothing and settled for a 57 yard field goal try. Not sure what they were thinking. Watkins' kick was way short, and was caught by Stanley Wayne. Rather than take a knee and start almost at midfield, Wayne ran it out, and was tackled at the Swarm 24, costing them over 20 yards of field position.

Didn't matter. Dionte Norton took an outside run for 10 yards, then on the next play, Walker showed why he's so special. The play broke down, Walker evaded 2 linement, rolled right, and right before he was hit, found a wide open Tony Brown, who had snuck behind the safeties. He threw a perfect pass that hit brown in stride for a 66 yard score, and the Swarm were up 25-19 to begin the 4th.

Dime.

Then things started to go bad. The Bearcats got another facemask call to go their way, and this time it gave them a fresh set of downs. They then faced 3 3rd downs and a 4th down, and each time converted, with fullback Dan Smith running it in on 3rd and goal from the 2. The 2 point conversion was no good however, as depth corner Bo Armstrong made what would prove to be a huge play, shoving WR Malick Mbodj out of bounds at about the 2.

Westlake State couldn't do anything though, and Cincinnati got the ball back and just force fed Mike Warren, throwing just once on their way to a long field goal drive that left just 1:13 on the clock.

Mike Warren was absolutely dominant in this one, averaging over 7 yards a rush.

Down 1, less than 90 seconds to go, no timeouts. Most true freshmen would have tried and failed to win this game. But De'Aaron Walker is not most true freshmen. He ran for 20 yards after a nice return from Dionte Norton started the Swarm off at their own 32. He then completed passes to Daniel Thompson and Stanley Wayne to put the Swarm on the edge of field goal range. The next play was a handoff to Louis Dowdell, and he was dragged down by the facemask. That put the Swarm squarely in field goal range, but Walker wanted to go for the kill. He checked out of a run at the line, and completed a pass to Calvin Foster for 12 yards. Foster might have scored if he didn't slip on the wet grass, and Walker got back to the line just in time to spike the ball with 2 seconds to go.

Cincinnati tried to ice Marquardt, but to no avail. The senior drilled a 24 yard kick as time expired to deliver the first Swarm victory of 2015.

Marquardt watches as his kick sails through the uprights to win the game.

Despite the final score, the Swarm soundly outplayed the Bearcats. The Swarm gained 583 offensive yards compared to Cincinnati's 414, and if it weren't for 5 fumbles, they likely beat this one-dimensional team by 2 or 3 scores. Tristan Cox may have fumbled twice, but he's looking like a future star. The 5'11, 214 pound back has 17 carries for 79 yards through 3 games, for a solid 4.6 average, but he's shined in the passing game. He leads the team with 20 catches for 190 yards, producing several big chain-moving grabs on 3rd down. He won't see a ton of carries this year because of Dionte Norton, but could be the lead back in 2016.

Cox models his game after Steelers tailback Le'Veon Bell.

Sean Louis got hurt again, this time tweaking his ankle on a kick return. He's listed as probable for next week.

Westlake State will stay home and play 0-3 Boise State next week. The Swarm won last year's matchup 3-0 on a last second field goal.

Photo Gallery

Had a bunch of pictures left over. I love these black jerseys, might have to have them be our big game jerseys. Changed most guys equipment too so they were all black sleeves/bands and I love the look.

Brantley sandwiched, ball pops out



Khari Anderson's pick



This David Geddis grab on 3rd down was the 3rd time the Bearcats converted in that situation on their final drive

[young22]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Boise game will probably be played and recapped tomorrow, I'll have a CAC update, full national update, and recruiting post up between that and the first MAC game (CMU and Coach Lees, gonna take Bullet down [emoji36])

[moose141]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Huge win! Good to see Walker finally show his potential on what he can do. Consistency is definitely the big thing to worry about for him now. Interesting to see how you got shredded on the run this week whereas Michigan passed all over you.

Also, LOVE the blacks unis, that jersey combo was slick.

[young22]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Huge win! Good to see Walker finally show his potential on what he can do. Consistency is definitely the big thing to worry about for him now. Interesting to see how you got shredded on the run this week whereas Michigan passed all over you.

Also, LOVE the blacks unis, that jersey combo was slick.

Walker is gonna be a stud, I have no doubt now. I don't expect 370 on 80% every week (nor do I want that, would get old quick), but he was on fire today. Off the top of my head I think like 110 yards of that came on those 2 deep shots to Brown, the broken play TD and the pass leading to FG right before the half. Cincy also has a mediocre, and more importantly, slow secondary. Brown ain't the best receiver but he's big and fast, he'll make some plays. As far as defense we are trash. Like seriously, trash. It felt like Michigan went half speed and still killed us. Cincy's QB sucks, and barely went deep at all, the 2 times he did were a pick and a dropped pick. Above average QBs and backs are gonna shred us, I'm dreading playing Ball State again this year with their run game that killed us last year.

I love this uniform combo too. Changing equipment was so worth it, we looked badass in this game. Gonna have to only bring those out for big games, I think. Black jerseys always look so nice.

Appreciate you following homie.

[SilverBullet19]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Walker had himself a game! Good win, it's nice to get one under the belt after two losses. Everything seemed to click, aside from the turnovers. Walker, Brantley and Cox all did really well. I'm amazed Marquardt made the game winner...that dude is a headcase but he really needed that one for his own self esteem lol.

I agree with Moose, black uniforms are slick...and I usually hate when teams do a blackout if it's not in their color scheme so that says a lot lol.

Enjoy your trash talk about my Chippewas while you can

[young22]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Walker had himself a game! Good win, it's nice to get one under the belt after two losses. Everything seemed to click, aside from the turnovers. Walker, Brantley and Cox all did really well. I'm amazed Marquardt made the game winner...that dude is a headcase but he really needed that one for his own self esteem lol.

I agree with Moose, black uniforms are slick...and I usually hate when teams do a blackout if it's not in their color scheme so that says a lot lol.

Enjoy your trash talk about my Chippewas while you can

Walker was obviously incredible, just needs to stop fumbling the ball. I'm surprised Marquardt actually made the kick, he's so bad lol.

Black jerseys definitely gonna be reserved for big games, I'll keep them exclusive to any rivalries that develop, CCG, bowl games. Your CMU squad is kinda talented and our defense is atrocious. I edited Poljan so his tendency is balanced as opposed to scrambler, he should play better now. You guys actually upset Michigan State 31-24, but it won't count because I tried editing my audibles and it froze the game. Had to reload, advanced week again and y'all got blown out, so sorry lol.

Thanks for checking in bro, I just played Boise and I'll play CMU this afternoon most likely.

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[young22]

Re: #SWARM - The Reboot

Y3, G4 - vs Boise State

September 27th, 2015

Boise State edge out Swarm 27-20

Walker throws late pick with chance to send game to OT -- Secondary issues, deep balls prove key

Westlake, OH -- Boise State and Westlake State was a great game last year, with a last second field goal for the Swarm securing a 3-0 win on the Smurf Turf. This year, the matchup was another good one, with a back and forth game ultimately seeing the Broncos prevail 27-20, handing Westlake State their first home loss since week 2 of last season.

The Swarm got off to a flying start, with Arnold Godfrey forcing a fumble on Boise running back Pat Tyler. Clayton Thorson was there to scoop it up, ran it back a few yards, then was tackled by the facemask, putting the Swarm at the Broncos' 22 yard line. 3 plays later, De'Aaron Walker would complete a touchdown pass to Sean Louis from 5 yards out, Louis' first TD on the year.

Louis finally makes a big play. Despite being lockdown in man coverage after he was burned by Tony Gaiter IV in Week 2, Louis has yet to pick off a pass.

After a few punts and a missed 52 yard field goal from the Broncos, Walker led a good drive, and a 25 yard completion to Calvin Foster put the Swarm on edge of the endzone. Walker ran an option keeper on 1st down, and a fumble threatened to end the drive. But Louis was there to scoop it up, and ran into the endzone from 6 yards out to put his team up 14-0.

Boise State came back, getting themselves back into the game when Eddie Jackson found Stefan Cobbs, who had gotten behind Isaac Robinson, for a 51 yard gain that set up a Robert Mahone rushing score from 3 yards out.

The next Swarm drive stalled around the 40, and on 4th and 3, De'Aaron Walker was stuffed on a zone read. Boise State did nothing with it though, and Walker led another good drive. This time, it ended it a pick, with Walker throwing a questionable 50/50 ball to Stanley Wayne. The 5'11, 170 pound wideout couldn't cut off safety Jordan Happle, who ripped the ball away for a pick.

Happle just ripped this one out of Wayne's hands.

Boise State kicked a field goal just before the half, and it was 14-10. Westlake State got the ball back to start the second half, and promptly went 3 and out after Daniel Thompson dropped a ball that would have moved the sticks.

Eddie Jackson ran for 19 yards on the first play of the ensuing Bronco drive, then found a wide open Octavius Evans downfield, he made a move to shake Isaac Robinson, and scored a 46 yard TD. Westlake State came back strong, with Tristan Cox catching a pass for 33 yards, missing a long TD by inches after being shoestring tackled. Walker ran for 15 yards a couple plays later, and the Swarm were 17 yards away from the endzone. Then Dion Barkley tried to get cute, dialing up a wildcat pass. Cox took what appeared to be a regular jet sweep, but he dropped back to throw. He looked for De'Aaron Walker in the endzone, but the QB never saw the ball, and Jordan Happle had the easiest pick he'll have all year.

No one was in sight on this long TD as Khari Anderson blew his assignment.

The Broncos went 3 and out, and then the Swarm did score, with a 17 yard catch and run from Dionte Norton. Grant Marquardt missed the PAT though, and the Swarm lead was just 3.

Pat Tyler ran for 44 yards on his team's first play after the kickoff, but the Broncos got nothing after that, and settled for a 49 yard field goal to tie it up.

No one else would score until the last 2 minutes, with Westlake State wasting a 25 yard punt return from Sean Louis by going 3 and out, Boise punting, and Grant Marquardt missing a 45 yard kick. The Swarm nearly lost the game on that long drive, with De'Aaron Walker fumbling in his own half twice, including once inside his own 15. But they did mange to recover, and would go to OT if they could stop the Broncos.

They could not. Jackson quickly led the Broncos to the Swarm 21, after he found Khalil Shakir for 20 yards on 3rd and 4 from the 41. On 1st and 10, Pat Tyler was stopped for a loss of 4, forcing Boise State to pass. The Swarm covered it perfectly, and Khari Anderson baited Jackson into throwing his way, he jumped the passing lane... and dropped an open pick. Still, it was 3rd and 20 from the 21, and if the Swarm got a stop, they'd be in good position to either send it to OT or win outright, and they still had 2 timeouts.

If Anderson picks this, the Swarm probably win.

Eddie Jackson drops back, has nothing, and Raishaun Swan is bearing down on him. But Jackson managed to break the sack, rolled right, and fied a strike to WR Cameron Thomas, who went down at the 1. Robert Mahone ran in his second score on the next play, and Boise State went up 27-20. The lead would prove insurmountable, as on the second play of the ensuing drive, De'Aaron Walker threw a pick to nickel corner Jalen Walker to ice the game. (Note: No picture of the INT as there was a flag on the play)

TOP: Jackson shoves aside Raishuan Swan
BOTTOM: Thomas catches a perfectly thrown ball at the 1

Despite the loss, there were definite positives. "De'Aaron played well. We probably score another TD in the 3rd if I don't call that wildcat pass, and then his statline suddenly looks pretty good.", said Dion Barkley postgame. "The first pick he threw wasn't horrible either, he just has to understand situations better and know his personnel. Stan [Wayne] ain't gonna catch that ball. Calvin [Foster] might, but Calvin wasn't there that play. All in all I got faith, and we should be able to beat Central Michigan next week."

Westlake State travel to Mount Pleasant where they will face off against 1-3 Central Michigan in their MAC opener.

Photo Gallery

Darnell Woods stretches out for a deflection.



Tristan Cox went over 150 all-purpose yards on just 18 touches. He's rapidly becoming a star.



Jackson dropped this one in perfectly



Sean Louis turned this fumble recovery into his 2nd TD of the game