Washington & Jefferson (2-0) vs. Waynesburg (0-2) 

When: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Where: Waynesburg, Pa.
Stadium: John F. Wiley Stadium
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m.

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The Series: In its rivalry with Waynesburg, the W&J Presidents have dominated, winning 47 of 51 all-time meetings in a series dubbed as the "PAC Backyard Brawl". The rivalry began with a W&J victory in 1897, and has been played in each season going back to 1991. Over the last 20 matchups in the series, W&J has held a near-perfect advantage, winning 19 out of 20. A 10 game W&J winning streak in the series was snapped with a Waynesburg victory in 2014, however the Red and Black started another streak that enters this season at nine games.

Notable Notes:

CHAIN MOVERS: The Red and Black offense have picked up 64 first downs in the first two weeks of the season, which leads Division III. On the flip side the Presidents' defense has held opponents to just 12 first downs, which is 15th in the nation. This was in large part due to a clutch defense that has held opponents to a third-down conversion rate (.154) that is ninth lowest in D-III.

SCOUTING WAYNESBURG: After a 2-8 campaign in 2023, the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets have gotten off to a slow start in 2024. Waynesburg fell to Case Western Reserve 41-7 in week one, and 23-10 to Westminster in week two. The Yellow Jackets have struggled in the passing game on both sides, averaging just 5.86 yards per offensive pass attempt, while allowing 9.74 yards per pass attempt defensively. Junior running back Zayne Cawley has led the Waynesburg attack, racking up 158 rushing yards on 30 attempts. Cawley led the team with 902 yards on the ground in 2023.

PAC WEEKLY HONORS: 
PAC Offensive Player of the Week
Alex Fromberg • Case Western Reserve • Senior QB
PAC Defensive Player of the Week
Robbie Labuda • Saint Vincent • Sophomore S
PAC Special Teams Player of the Week
Colton Colucci • Allegheny • Junior LB
PAC Newcomer of the Week
Aiden Fletcher • Westminster • Freshman LB

PUGH'S PERFECTION: Jake Pugh has gotten off to an excellent start to the 2024 season. The senior has guided W&J to a 2-0 start, due in large part to his effectiveness throwing the football. After a 2023 season where Pugh was the PAC's Offensive Player of the Year, Pugh was named as the conference's Offensive Player of the Week in week one. Pugh stands near the top of Division III in many passing categories, including third in passing touchdowns (8), fifth in passing yards (642), and eighth in passer rating (218.4). Pugh will look to be effective against Waynesburg once again after throwing for 355 yards and four touchdowns in 2023's regular season finale against the Yellow Jackets.