By: Joseph Pasho
The Cortland Red Dragons remained undefeated in the Empire 8 conference with a 28-13 win over the Utica Pioneers on October 4. Quarterback Mike Rescigno was the standout player, racking up 280 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns. Key defensive plays including interceptions by Aidan Lochner and Allen Flore Jr. helped secure the victory and push the Red Dragons to a 4-1 record. Photo Credit: EDL Photography
On October 4th the Cortland Red Dragons faced off against the Utica Pioneers in an Empire 8 conference game. The game began and both teams came out with a high-level of intensity. Both teams scored in the first quarter. Cortland jumped ahead first on a 12-yard pass from quarterback Mike Rescingo to wide receiver Sam Cotton, with the extra point good for the Red Dragons. took an early 7-0 lead. But Utica took no time to answer, as Tyler Szalkowski connected with Logan Fredrick for a 17 yard touchdown pass to tie the game. That would be the closest Utica would get though. In the second quarter, Rescingo scrambled free for a 15-yard rushing touchdown to put the Red Dragons up 14-7 which would be the score heading into the half. The Red Dragons did not hold back, coming out of the half Rescingo hit Jacque Laprarie for a 41 yard pass and a clever hand off to Cotton to make it 21-7 in the Red Dragons Favor. Utica struck back late in the 3rd quarter with a 50 yard Szalkowski to Antonio Cianfarani connection. With the extra point no good the lead is cut to 21-13. Cortland sealed the win early in the fourth quarter with a 8 yard touchdown run from Rescingo to push the lead to 28-13.
The Cortland offense finished with 394 total yards on 58 plays with 210 rushing yards and 184 passing yards. Utica finished with 393 yards with only 78 on the ground and 339 through the air.
Key takes
The Standout player of the game was Cortland quarterback Mike Rescingo had 280 all purpose yards with 143 through the air and an impressive 137 yards on the ground, producing three touchdowns and one passing and two rushing. Cortland’s offense impressed with nearly 400 total yards splitting production between the rush and passing game. Looking on the other side of the ball, Line Backer Matt Lotter was making plays left and right. Lotter had 9 tackles with 2.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Also on the defensive side of the ball defensive backs Aidan Lochner and Allen Flore Jr. both getting interceptions. With this win Cortland will remain undefeated in the Empire 8 and will remain on top of the conference.
For Utica, Szalkowski finished 23 of 45 through the air with 339 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Looking Forward
Cortland did not have a game this week, but will go back into conference play and go against Alfred university on October 18th on grady field. Beginning the season, young quarterback Mike Rescingo showed struggles early in the season through the air throwing 5 interceptions against Grove City in the season opener. Rescingo now looks more comfortable in the pocket, throwing the ball with confidence and precision leading the Red Dragons to their fourth straight win. Rescingo has also added the rushing game to his play now rushing for over 100 yards for four consecutive games. If Rescingo keeps playing how he is, the Red Dragons could find themselves making another post season tournament run.