BROCKPORT, NY - The Brockport Golden Eagles got back on track in a big way today as they beat the Utica Pioneers by a score of 26-14 at Bob Boozer Field in Brockport. The Golden Eagles came into the game with a record of 3-2 after a second half collapse against Cortland. They started strong when a muffed punt set them up in prime field position, but they were only able to manage a 24-yard field goal from Nate Wigent out of the opportunity. Those were the only points of the first quarter. In the second, quarterback Jack Cheshire completed a screen pass to running back Jala Coad for a 13 yard touchdown. It was business as usual for the Brockport defense in the first half, limiting Utica to just 36 total yards and two first downs. On the offensive side, the wildcat formation was used very effectively, with Coad taking snaps. Brockport scored a 7 yard touchdown on a wildcat end-around handoff from Jala Coad to wide receiver Imhotep Cromer. The halftime score was 17-0 Brockport.
Adjustments on offense for Utica would help get them back into the game. A long drive and several deep passes would result in an 11 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sonny Badyna to wide receiver Nate Palmer. Brockport's offense struggled in the third quarter, especially in converting third down and long. Cheshire's final stat line would end up being 8 for 19, 63 yards and a touchdown. Due to strong plays on defense and some questionable calls from the officials (including a missed roughing the kicker and a false start when the defender jumped first), Utica's offense worked its way back into position. The drive was capped off with a 2 yard run for a touchdown by Sonny Badyna to make it 17-14. After a strong combined offensive and defensive effort to get back into the game, it would be mistakes on special teams that cost Utica a chance at victory. A bobbled snap by punter Maki Medici set Brockport up at the 2 yard line, which resulted in a two yard touchdown for Jala Coad out of the wildcat. Coad would complete a monster night with 184 rushing yards, 13 receiving yards, and two trips to the end zone.
Any chance of a Utica miracle was put to rest as another punt by Medici was blocked out of the back of the end zone for a safety, making it 26-14. That would hold as the final score. Sonny Badyna finished the game completing 11 passes on 30 attempts for 136 yards and throwing 3 interceptions to Brockport defenders Ben Marshall, Raylens Boutin, and Alaan Montgomery respectively. The Pioneers would only manage to rush for 54 yards total. Both teams are now 4-2 on the season. The Golden Eagles will stay at home next week as they battle Hartwick next Saturday.