BROCKPORT, N.Y. – The College at Brockport football team moved to 6-0 on the season with a dominant 48-7 win over Empire 8-foe Morrisville State. The victory was never in doubt, as the Golden Eagles scored on their first eight offensive drives between the first and third quarters (six touchdowns, two field goals).
After Morrisville received the opening kickoff, the defense got started right away, with Julius Mizro forcing a fumble deep in Mustang territory, and recovering it himself to give Brockport excellent field position to start a drive. They didn't take long to cash in, as on the third play of the drive, Joe Germinerio found DaQuan Hubbard for a 17-yard touchdown that put the Green and Gold up 7-0.
The next Morrisville drive was the same story, although this time it was Nathaniel Keith III forcing the fumble, and Jake O'Connell recovering it on the Mustang 29-yard line, setting up yet another scoring opportunity. After a quick five play drive, Germinerio did it himself this time, rushing seven yards up the middle of the field, extending the lead to 14-0.
The Mustangs managed to threaten on their ensuing drive, pushing the ball all the way to the Brockport 21-yard line, but the Golden Eagle defense was up for the challenge, forcing three straight incompletions and a turnover on downs.
The next Golden Eagle drive resulted in another touchdown, and this time it was Justin Morrison finding the end zone on a 23-yard rush, his 10th of the season. The drive was an efficient one, using eight plays to go 79 yards, putting Brockport up 21-0 with 3:36 remaining in the opening quarter.
The opening drive of the second quarter was more of the same, as the Golden Eagles scored their fourth touchdown on as many drives to take a commanding 28-0 lead. Joseph Ortiz was the recipient on this touchdown pass, catching the ball along the sideline and sneaking inside the upright for the 10-yard score.
Each Morrisville drive in the second quarter resulted in a three-and-out, as the Brockport defense was swarming, allowing just eight yards in the quarter. The half ended on two straight sacks of quarterback Brandon Gwinner, as both John Demy and Nathaniel Keith III were able to force their way past the Mustang offensive line. Brockport would add another touchdown and field goal in the quarter as well, taking a 38-0 lead into the half.
The first two drives of the second half resulted in scores for Brockport, with Germinerio running one in and Brett Renzi kicking his second field goal of the day to put the Golden Eagles at their 48-point total. The defense continued to stand tall as well, not allowing a Morrisville first down until less than three minutes left in regulation, when the Mustangs managed a scoring drive to bring the score to 48-7, which would stand as final.
Overall, Brockport outpaced Morrisville 503-168 in total yards, and converted 29 first downs to the Mustangs 11.
Germinerio was extremely efficient passing, completing 19 of 23 passes (82.6%) for 288 yards and three touchdowns. His primary targets were Hubbard (three catches, 70 yards), Tyree Brown (three catches, 69 yards), Jerry Thompson (five catches, 66 yards), and Ortiz (six catches, 63 yards).
Camron Abalos led the rushing attack with 79 yards on 17 carries, and was aided by Morrison who had 74 yards on 14 carries, and Christian Hollister. Brown, Germinerio, Dan Hogan, and Jason Hellwig all recorded carries on the day as well.
On the defensive side, Keith III led the team with six tackles, including a sack that forced a Mustang fumble. Stephane Eugene backed him up with five, while Matt Arita, Matt Szymanski, and Demy all recorded four apiece. Aaron Mayers was instrumental in the pass defense, picking off his second pass of the season in the first half.
The Golden Eagles will be back at home next weekend, as they'll square off with Hartwick College at 4 p.m. as part of homecoming weekend.
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