Cortland Football put together a complete and dominant performance on Saturday against Alfred university. They won 65-12 on Grady Field to improve to 5-1 on the season and will remain undefeated in conference play, extending their conference play winning streak with a statement victory. Photo Credit: EDL Photography
From the start, Cortland controlled just about every aspect of the game. Quarterback Mike Rescingo led the offense that was nearly unstoppable, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns while throwing for 159 yards and four touchdowns. Rescingo continues to play with confidence leading this offense to an impressive 65 points. His ability to both run and pass the ball has been key to the offense. Running back Ethan Gallo added 59 yards on the ground and scored twice, including a short receiving touchdown from Rescigno. Wide receiver Jacque Laprarie made the most of his touches, with three catches for 65 yards, while also out of the backfield with 68 rushing yards.
Cortland’s offense exploded in the second quarter, scoring five touchdowns to turn a close game into a game that’s out of reach by the second quarter. By halftime, the Red Dragons led 42-3 and the stands started to empty at half. The offense was red hot all game, while they scored on almost every drive they had the ball. With a pretty even mix of running and passing Alfred’s defense was guessing all game.
On the defensive side, Cortland was just as impressive as the offense. The Red Dragons held Alfred to only 124 total yards and an impressive 10 yards on the ground all game for Alfred. Their front seven dominated the line of scrimmage, forcing multiple fumbles and pressuring the quarterback into rushed throws all game. Linebacker Dylan Kiely led the way with seven tackles and a forced fumble, while Allen Flore Jr. and Nazair Jean-Lubin both made key plays in pass coverage all game.
Special teams also contributed to the blowout. Cortland’s return units consistently set the offense up with great field position, and the kicking game remained steady, converting nearly every extra point attempt.
By the fourth quarter, Cortland’s backups were able to get valuable playing time as the starters rested. Even with the reserves in the game, the Red dragons continued to move the ball and maintain control of the clock.
The Red Dragons look to keep the momentum going into next week against St. John Fisher, another key conference opponent. With their offense firing on all cylinders defense forcing turnovers at a high rate, Cortland appears to be peaking at the right time.
Saturday’s win wasn’t just another mark in the standings, it was a message. If Cortland continues playing at this level of precision and energy, they’ll be a team no one in the Empire 8 wants to face. Looking deeper into the post season the Red Dragons are looking like a team to watch that could make a run in the Division 3 tournament and go for another national championship. The Red Dragons are carrying lots of momentum into the post season and will be an exciting team to watch in the post season.