Football | 11/16/2024 5:46:00 PM
ALFRED, NY - Strong defense in the second half led to a 23-14 win for the Alfred University football team against Brockport on Saturday afternoon from the Yunevich Stadium.
Prior to the game, Alfred University Athletics took time to recognize their 22 senior/graduating players as part of Senior Day. At halftime, Alfred University presented the 2023-24 women's tennis team with their Championship rings and later recognized the 2024 Hall of Fame class.
That was a great way for our seniors to end the regular season and careers here at Alfred University," Head Coach
Bob Rankl said. "There were so many contributions from so many different players! I'm so proud of our players and coaching staff."
Chris Kelly (Lake Ronkonkoma, NY/Lake Ronkonkoma) led the AU offense, completing 13-of-26 pass attempts for 162 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Max Freeman IV (Painted Post, NY/Corning-Painted Post) finished the game with a team-high 72 rushing yards to go with a touchdown.
Joe Copp (Syracuse, NY/East Syracuse-Minoa) totaled 12 tackles and a forced fumble for AU.
On the second offensive possession for AU, an 11-play drive was capped by a 24-yard rushing touchdown by Freeman for the initial lead. A shutout quarter from the Saxons defense gave the team a 7-0 lead going into the second quarter. In the early stages of the second quarter, the Golden Eagles responded with the game-tying touchdown. A 31-yard rush by Kelly was followed by a pass to
Steven Bidwell (Owego, NY/Owego Free Academy) to take back the advantage. Brockport needed just two plays on their next drive to tie the game once again. AU relied on a 17-yard connection from Kelly to
Carmine Hoag (Salamanca, NY/Salamanca) to take a 20-14 lead. The Golden Eagles tried to drive down the field, but an interception by
Luke Atlas (Wilson, NY/Wilson) gave Alfred University the lead going into the break.
With neither side scoring in the third quarter,
Nicholas McLetchie-Goldman (Rexford, NY/Shenendehowa) made an impact on the defensive in the fourth quarter with an interception at midfield. Later in the quarter, AU extended their lead thanks to a field goal by
Dominic Bronco (Rochester, NY/Aquinas). With just 14 seconds remaining in the game, an interception by Malik Alexander (New York, NY/Automotive) sealed Alfred University's first victory against Brockport since the 2016 season.
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