This week your Cortland Red Dragons took the field for one of their most important and biggest games yet against Alfred. This game was so important for the Dragons because a win would secure them back to back Empire 8 regular season championships.
The thought of this achievement was on everyones mind during practice. The Dragons were focused on bringing the trophy home no matter what. Coach Fitz prepared the Dragons for war and readied the team for victory.
This trip for the Dragons was an overnight away game to Alfred which the Dragons liked, no distractions, just the team, ready to go out and fight every play to win. If they played their game no team could stand in their way to glory.
Soon it was time they arrived to Alfred’s campus locker room and it was apparent the energy seemed different in the lock room. There was a different atmosphere this time, the team was quiet but prepared everyone with the same thought and goal in mind.
The time comes and kickoff is here, the Dragons are off. Starting with defense the defense played a light’s out game all day, the offense for the Dragons started off slow at first but it was okay because they handled adversity and came back stronger, but when the offense was down the defense stepped up and took control of the game getting a lot of 3 and outs and keeping the Alfred offense on the sideline.
After half the score was 14-0 Cortland, back in the locker room the coaches sat addressed the team talking to them about more ways to succeed in the game and play to the best of their capabilities, the team was energized and ready to finish the job.
The second half began and we came out flying the dragons marched down the field and ended up kicking a field goal, 17-0. The defense stepped up for a 3 and out once again. The offense found much success through running back #8 Ashton Capone who not only scored for a touchdown, Ashton broke the rushing record that day rushing for over 240 yards in one game.
The defense was brought back out finally surrendering a touchdown to make the game 28-8. Mike Eglintine also put up a score for your Red Dragons in the red zone the pass was thrown by #17 QB Zac Boyes. The offense also ended up putting in another field goal making the score 31-8.
The scored stayed that way until the last seconds ticked off the scoreboard and the Dragons officially became back-to-back Empire 8 Champions. After the game the team truly took in the moment, staying on the field for a while to take pictures with the team and coaches. Celebrating together with the trophy in hand “it was a truly surreal feeling to be a part of it all and contribute to it” said Joe Ruggieri. Coach Fitz got a cold Gatorade shower and the team was filled with smiles. After all of the hard work the team has put in since the dead heat of August this is exactly what you play the game for. The goal from day 1 has been accomplished and your Cortland Red Dragons are officially back to back Empire 8 Champions.