In a historic turn of events for the SUNY Cortland football team, they secured their spot in the NCAA Final Four after a resounding victory over Alma College this past Saturday.
This monumental achievement marks the first Final Four appearance in the program’s history, and the Red Dragons delivered an impressive performance that will be etched in the annals of SUNY Cortland sports history.
In a game that will be remembered as a turning point in their program’s history, the SUNY Cortland football team clinched a spot in the NCAA Final Four by defeating Alma College with a decisive 58-41 victory. This achievement marks an important milestone for a team that had never before reached the Final Four, reflecting the dedication and hard work of the players and coaching staff.
Leading the charge was quarterback Zac Boyes, who orchestrated an offensive spectacle with a staggering 400 passing yards and an impressive six touchdowns. Boyes’ precision and strategic prowess were on full display, dismantling the Alma College defense and solidifying his status as a key player in Suny Cortland’s historic journey to the Final Four.
“It’s all about us, that’s how we’ve gotten this far. Just focus on controlling what we can control and playing cortland football. We have to continue to raise the bar with our play each week and I’m excited for the guys to face another challenge.” Said Boyes.
Running back Jaden Alfanostjohn played a pivotal role in the team’s success, amassing 193 yards rushing and contributing two crucial touchdowns. Alfanostjohn’s explosive speed and elusiveness on the field left Alma College defenders in his wake, creating scoring opportunities and further propelling SUNY Cortland toward victory.
“It means everything, it’s what we work for every day of the year, all off-season, just to play in games like this. It solidifies us as the greatest team in Cortland history, and we’re not finished yet.” Said Junior defensemen, Nick Lardaro.
Wide receiver Joe Iadevaio showcased his receiving prowess, amassing 82 yards and securing three touchdowns. Iadevaio’s reliable hands and ability to find openings in the Alma College defense added a dynamic element to SUNY Cortland’s offensive strategy, making him a key player in this historic win.
Zac Boyes stated, “Everyone genuinely cares about each other. It’s a team full of best friends who all want the same goal. It’s easy to be a captain of a team of guys who share the same goal and passion for the game and each other. That’s what separates this team from the other 117 teams before us.”
On the defensive front, Nick Lardaro emerged as a force to be reckoned with, recording an outstanding four sacks, two of which resulted in forced fumbles. Lardaro’s relentless pursuit of Alma College’s quarterback disrupted their offensive rhythm and provided crucial turnovers that played a pivotal role in Suny Cortland’s victory.
“Coach preaches that playoffs consist of one-week seasons, and this is no different. We need to game-plan, study film, and prepare ourselves to play a great Randolph-Macon team.” Lardaro explained.
As SUNY Cortland football basks in the glow of their historic victory over Alma College, the journey continues. This weekend, they hit the road again and head to Virginia for a crucial semi-final game against Randolph-Macon. The Red Dragons, riding the momentum of their first-ever NCAA Final Four appearance, are looking to pull out another win and continue to make history by appearing in the Stagg Bowl.