Cortland overcomes slow start to win sixth consecutive Empire 8 title
By: David Premyslovsky / Sports Writer
BROCKPORT, N.Y. - The Brockport Golden Eagles looked to get one step closer to their first Empire 8 crown since 2019 as they hosted the Cortland Red Dragons in one of the most anticipated Empire 8 matchups of the season. After a positive start for the Golden Eagles, in which they were able to quell the Cortland offense, the Red Dragons scored on four straight drives in the second and third quarters to pull away, ultimately winning 42-24 and clinching their spot in the NCAA playoffs.
With Brockport leading 10-7 and following five punts in a row from the two sides, Cortland gained possession at their own 49-yard line. After an incompletion and two pre-snap penalties, quarterback Mike Rescigno fired a deep ball down the left-hand side to Jacque LaPrarie for a 61-yard touchdown to give Cortland their first lead of the game and one they would never relinquish. On the ensuing Cortland drive following a defensive stand on 4th-and-2, Rescigno found Jayson Zeva over the middle for a 30-yard touchdown to completely switch momentum before halftime.
"They run a defense that forces you to take shots, and we took shots and executed today," said Mike Rescigno on what worked for the Cortland offense. "Today I got loose a little bit. As far as throwing the ball, our receivers are phenomenal athletes," added Rescigno.
On the second play from scrimmage of the third quarter, Rescigno took off running down the left side for a 60-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 28-10; Rescigno led all rushers with 196 yards.
On the ensuing Cortland drive after yet another defensive stand from the Red Dragon defense that forced five punts, Cortland drove down the field and on 4th-and-2 from the 33-yard line, Rescigno found Joe Iadevaio, who made a contested catch in the endzone to put the game out of reach at 35-10.
"When you face a good team, they're going to punish small mistakes," said Darius Cervi on what went wrong for Brockport.
Brockport was able to answer with a 5:34 drive of their own that was capped off by a four-yard rushing touchdown from Allan Paul, who scored twice on the day. Any hopes of a dramatic comeback, though, were put to rest when, with 6:45 to go in the fourth quarter, Cortland's Sonny Mayo intercepted Ben Gocella and returned it 23 yards to extend the lead back to 25 at 42-17.
Mike Rescigno finished the day 8-of-17, for 190 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Rescigno also led the ground game for Cortland with 196 yards and two touchdowns. Ethan Gallo rushed for 78 yards, Lucas Singleton had 47, Joe Iadevaio recorded 19 yards; Josh Kama had seven; and Sam Cotton gained four.
Jacque LaPrarie led all receivers with 61 yards on one reception and a touchdown; Sam Cotton caught three passes for 51 yards; Iadevaio made two catches for 43 yards and one touchdown; and Zeva had 35 yards on two catches and a touchdown.
For Brockport, Zymier Jackson finished 13-of-22 for 121 yards and a touchdown. Ben Gocella went 3-of-8 for 49 yards and an interception.
Allan Paul led the Brockport rushing attack with 70 yards and two touchdowns; Derrion Battle picked up 51 yards; and Jackson rushed for 20 yards.
Kyle Slywka had 38 receiving yards on two receptions; Anthony Diaz made four catches for 35 yards; Nathan Williams picked up 33 yards on two catches; Landen Wiley caught one ball for 28 yards; Nolan Slywka totaled 20 yards on four catches; Luis Falu brought in one ball for seven yards; Xavier Smith made one catch for six yards and a touchdown; and Derrion Battle gained three yards on one reception.
Kyle Slywka and Austyn Gollnitz both recorded an interception for the Brockport defense.
Brockport (7-2, 5-1) will travel to Utica next week to take on the Utica Pioneers (8-1, 5-1), with the winner claiming second place in the Empire 8.
When asked how Brockport can move on from the loss and prepare for Utica, Cervi emphasized staying together as a team.
"Keeping our mental [focus] up, making sure the guys are okay, and just keeping our bond," said Cervi.
Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th at 12 p.m. Pregame coverage starts at 11:30 am on 89.1 The Point.
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