In the 64th annual Cortaca Jug game, the nationally 15th-ranked Cortland Red Dragons secured a 38-28 victory over the 14th-ranked Ithaca Bombers before 7,800 fans at Bertino Field at Butterfield Stadium.
The win marked redemption for Cortland after a challenging defeat in Yankee Stadium last season. The team now shifts its focus to the upcoming playoff clash with #14 ranked Endicott, which is set for this Saturday at 12 PM.
Cortland’s offense rose to the occasion as they scored on six of eight possessions, accumulating 512 total yards. The Red Dragons did not punt throughout the entire game, maintaining a time of possession exceeding 40 minutes. Both Cortland and Ithaca boasted equally strong passing attacks, but the Red Dragons dominated the rushing game, amassing 223 total yards.
Cortland’s junior quarterback, Zac Boyes, played a significant role in the win, completing 24-of-32 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns and running 15 times for 125 yards. Boyes managed to tie the school record for career touchdown passes with 59.
Junior Jaden AlfanoStJohn added to the rushing effort, finishing with 91 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Ashton Capone also secured a crucial touchdown on a fourth and goal in the second quarter.
Cortland was also able to rely on a strong receiving duo led by senior JJ Lapp and senior Cole Burgess, who hauled in a combined 16 catches in the game. Burgess concluded with nine catches for 89 yards, while Lapp contributed seven receptions for 114 yards. Lapp was able to set a new school record during the game for the most career receiving yards at 2,730.
Defensively, junior Jaden Martinez and junior Jack Winey made impacts, with Martinez making 10 tackles and forcing a fumble, while Winey recorded eight tackles. Cortland’s defense held strong against Ithaca’s quarterback Colin Schumm, despite the unique play calls being thrown at them.
With the Cortaca Jug victory still resonating, Cortland faces a challenging playoff matchup against #14 ranked Endicott this weekend. The game, set for this Saturday at 12 PM in Beverly, Mass., features Cortland’s high-powered offense against Endicott’s formidable defense.
Endicott, currently ranking 7th in the nation for least total defensive yards allowed, allowing 214.9 yards per game, presents yet another test for Cortland. Their offense has also excelled at ball security, ranking second in the country in least total turnovers, with just three fumbles and one interception on the season. Cortland’s offense, which has scored at least 35 points in all 10 games, faces a significant challenge.
The Red Dragons, seeking to surpass the second-round playoff hurdle since 2008, must see the clash against Endicott as a huge oppurtunity to make their presence felt in the country.
As the Red Dragons celebrate the Cortaca Jug victory, attention quickly turns to the upcoming NCAA playoff clash with Endicott. Saturday’s game is a chance for Cortland to showcase their offensive dominance on the national stage. Cortland’s victory against Ithaca will serve as motivation as they enter this pivotal postseason chapter.