Football | 9/4/2025 10:36:00 PM
BUFFALO, NY - The SUNY Brockport football team opened the 2025 season with a 41-0 shutout win at Buffalo State in the I-90 Rivalry Game on Thursday, September 4. The victory marked Brockport's ninth straight I-90 bowl win over Buffalo State.
Both teams squandered their opening drive, with the Golden Eagles' defense combining to force a fumble in the game's opening play, with Elijah Grooms scooping up his first career fumble recovery.
Following a Bengals three-and-out, Isaiah Simmons would lead a 10-play 60-yard touchdown drive. Simmons would punch in a 3-yard touchdown, adding two 10+ yard plays on the drive.
The Brockport offense would close the half with three touchdown drives, seeing Anthony Vino and Simmons score rushing touchdowns inside the five.
The Golden Eagle defense allowed just 82 yards in the first half, in addition to forcing three Buffalo State three-and-outs.
Receiving the second half kickoff up 21-0, the Brockport offense would get going in a hurry. Ben Gocella would connect with sophomore Nathan Williams for a 56-yard touchdown, putting the Golden Eagles ahead 28-0 with 13:21 left in the third.
The Brockport defense would improve on an excellent first half, allowing just 53 yards in the second half for 135 total yards in the contest.
Late in the third quarter, Isaiah Simmons would strike again for his third touchdown of the game, capping off an 11-play 82-yard drive. Simmons would finish with 190 all-purpose yards in a strong performance.
The lone touchdown of the fourth quarter would belong to the Brockport defense. Junior Chamarr Ware secured a scoop and score to cap off the 41-0 win for Brockport. Ware provided a elite performance, finishing with four total tackles and a tackle for loss to go with the fumble recovery touchdown.
Ben Gocella was efficient throughout, completing over 83% of his passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Anthony Vine was a perfect 4-4 passing for 27 yards with a rushing touchdown.
Nathan Williams led the receiving corps in his Brockport debut, catching four passes for 75 yards and a touchdown.
The Golden Eagles dominated the contest up front, with the defense combining for seven sacks. Brockport's offensive line did much of the same, holding Buffalo State without a sack and opening holes for the rushing attack.
Luca Friedman (6 TOT), Jayden Ferrell (2 TFL), and Chamarr Ware (TFL, FR, TD) led the defense with three solo tackles each. 11 Golden Eagles recorded multiple tackles, with the unit holding the Bengals to just 1.8 yards per play.
Up Next: Brockport will take on Hobart College in home opener action on Saturday, September 13 at 12 p.m.