Cortland defeated Brockport 20-10 to successfully open the 2005 Red Dragon season. The win avenged two consecutive losses to the Golden Eagles and put Cortland firmly on the map as an Upstate New York powerhouse.
The Red Dragon victory was more dominant than the final score indicated. Cortland effectively controlled the offensive and defensive lines, building a 14-3 half-time advantage into a 20-3 lead late in the fourth quarter. Brockport scored its only touchdown with a few seconds left on the game clock. Cortland outrushed Brockport 174-54 and delivered 6 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a fumble recovery on defense.
It took a 62 yard Brockport punt, followed by a long punt return after Cortland failed to drive, to get Brockport the first lead. Adam Lanctot of the Golden Eagles kicked a 37 yard field goal to put Brockport ahead early 3-0, despite not having a first down. The Red Dragons immediately answered as the game moved into the second quarter. Cortland started from its own 30 and proceded to march the field behind a mix of pass and run. Twice Red Dragon quarterback Alex Smith completed clutch passes - a 15 yarder to Anthony Morat on third and 11, and a 14 yard strike to Stan Cadet. The long 70 yard drive ended when running back Matt Rickert pounded the ball into the end zone on 1st and goal from the 2 yard line. By now it was apparent the Cortland offensive line had a clear advantage over the Brockport front.
Brockport's Brian Wise is tackled in the backfield. Counterpart Matt Rickert had huge lanes to run through.
Rickert crashes into the endzone to give Cortland a 7-3 lead. Brockport's A.J. Covella barely gets his pass over charging Adam Haas.
Brockport's Brian Wise returned the ensuing kickoff 42 yards to the Cortland 40, but the Golden Eagles could not move the ball forward. Tailback Dan Lopez was stopped for no gain, Quarterback A.J. Covella converted a 1 yard pass to Lopez, and then Covella was sacked on third down by Rich DeJesus and Adam Haas. A great punt pinned Cortland at their own 5 yard line. The Brockport defense held, and got the ball back at the Cortland 46 yard line. But again the Red Dragon defense stuffed Brockport cold. On fourth and 1 from the Cortland 37, Josh Jablonski and Michael Connolly wrapped up tailback Brian Wise in the backfield.
The teams traded punts, then Matt Rickert showed his speed as the 210 pound tailback bounced outside right, and chugged his way for a 57 yard touchdown. This gave Cortland a 14-3 advantage headed into half-time.
Rickert turns the corner and races for a 57 yard touchdown run to put Cortland up 14-3. Rickert gained 136 rushing yards on the afternoon.
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Rich DeJesus sacks Covella, and then is in on another sack involving Josh Jablonski.
After the half the Brockport defense did a better job containing Cortland's running game. But the Red Dragons still managed two more scoring drives, each ending with Derek Ziders field goals. A.J. Covella and the Brockport offense were completely shut out until Covella found Mike Bond in the end zone with a few seconds left in the game.
The Cortland defense hasn't looked this strong since the 2002 ECAC championship team. The pass rush looked fierce, and the Brockport running game was constantly met behind the line of scrimmage. Offensively Cortland controlled the tempo thanks to the offensive line, and the running of Rickert. Quarterback Alex Smith was cool in the pocket, made good decisions the entire game, and showed a strong accurate arm when called upon to throw. It was an impressive win over a perennially strong Brockport team, and gives Cortland positive momentum headed into the NJAC season opener next Saturday at College of New Jersey.
Cooperstown tailback Brendan Hill will join a young Cortland State backfield this season. With Steve Davis graduated, Hill will have a chance to immediately compete for playing time. The Cooperstown tailback rushed for 3807 yards in 4 high school seasons and scored 45 touchdowns.
For more information read the full article online from The Cooperstown Town Crier.
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