CORTLAND, N.Y. – The nationally second-ranked Cortland Red Dragons extended their winning streak with a commanding 49-0 victory over St. John Fisher on Saturday, earning their third shutout of the season. More than 5,000 fans packed the stadium for Family Weekend, cheering on the Red Dragons as they improved to 7-0 overall and 5-0 in Empire 8 play. The win marked Cortland’s 19th consecutive victory and 24th straight triumph in Empire 8 competition.
Quarterback Zac Boyes (Buffalo/Kenmore West) led a near-flawless offensive performance, completing 20 of 25 passes for 373 yards and four touchdowns. He added a rushing score, showcasing his versatility. With this game, Boyes broke the school record for career 300-yard passing games, achieving his 10th and surpassing the previous mark of nine. He also maintained his streak of 256 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, with all 153 of this season’s passes remaining flawless.
The Red Dragons wasted no time establishing control, scoring touchdowns on their first seven possessions. Jaden AlfanoStJohn (Westhampton/Westhampton Beach) was a key playmaker, finding the end zone three times. He opened the scoring with a 44-yard rushing touchdown just 1:11 into the game and later added two receiving touchdowns of 21 and 15 yards. AlfanoStJohn finished with seven receptions for 160 yards, further cementing his role as a primary offensive threat.
Cortland’s offensive arsenal also included contributions from Ethan Gallo (Slate Hill/Minisink Valley), who added a rushing touchdown, and Jayson Zeva (East Northport/St. John the Baptist), who caught a scoring pass. Fullback Garret Decker (Antwerp/Indian River) provided a highlight-reel moment with a 59-yard touchdown catch, racing the final 50 yards after the catch to cap off a three-play, 82-yard drive in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, Cortland stifled St. John Fisher, holding the Cardinals to just 154 total yards. The Red Dragons’ defense was relentless, limiting Fisher to 2.8 yards per play and preventing the Cardinals from advancing past the Cortland 49-yard line on any of their final seven drives. Defensive tackle Junius Keys (Queens/Eagle Academy) led the unit with nine tackles, while Ellis Einbinder (Brighton) added seven tackles and a 51-yard interception return that set up a scoring drive just before halftime.
Despite Fisher’s 34:30-25:30 edge in time of possession, the Cardinals struggled offensively. Ryan Whitney completed 10 of 18 passes for just 54 yards, and running back Peyton Nolan led Fisher’s rushing attack with 45 yards on 14 carries. However, Fisher’s offensive efforts were thwarted by Cortland’s disciplined defense.
Cortland finished the game with 497 total yards, including 386 through the air, while averaging 9.0 yards per play. On special teams, Mike Baloga (New Windsor/Cornwall) converted all seven of his PAT attempts and averaged 41 yards on two punts.
With this win, Cortland continues to solidify its position atop the Empire 8 standings. The Red Dragons will look to extend their winning streak when they face Hartwick on November 2.