Oneonta, NY – SUNY Brockport got back in the win column on Saturday, taking down Hartwick, 35-14, in Empire 8 play. Brockport improves to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the conference after the bounce back victory on the road.
Sophomore running back Gino Fontanarosa had himself a career day on offense. Gino totaled a career-high 246 rushing yards and a career-best four touchdowns on a new career-high 38 carries. Taking on the full workload this week, Fontanarosa crossed the goal line for rushing scores of 34, 2, 2, and 4 yards on the day.
Malik Kelly from the Golden Eagle secondary had a big day as well for the defense. The freshman defensive back had two interceptions, including a 65-yard pick six in the fourth quarter. Kelly also led the team with three pass breakups, while Ben Robinson had two deflections in the pass game.
Ben Marshall had the most tackles for the defensive unit for Brockport. Marshall had six solo tackles and four assisted stops for 10 total tackles. Raylens Boutin also made six solo stops, as the two each had a pass breakup as well. Kyle Haettich had 1.0 sacks, while Jordan Harris and Joseph Rodda each had 0.5 sacks.
First year Chris McGuire threw for 59 yards on 7-for-14 passing. The quarterback also used his feet for 65 rushing yards on 11 carries. Derrick Chance racked up 101 all-purpose yards from his 44 punt return yards, 40 yards rushing on two carries, and 17 receiving yards on two catches.
Chance's 44 yards on three punt returns is just some of the impact the special teams game had on Saturday. Raylens Boutin had his chance at a run back on the kickoff return unit, breaking loose for a 41-yard return. Anthony Testa makes a big play on the kickoff for the second straight week, scampering for a 40-yard return against Hartwick.
Punter Dan Giangrasso had just one punt on the day and it was a beauty. He launched his longest punt of the year with a 62-yard punt to pin Hartwick inside its own 20. Noah Panepinto made good on all five extra point opportunities in the contest.
After forcing a three-and-out on the opening possession, the Brockport defense would set the offense up with great field position early on in the first. Gino Fontanarosa would break free on the first play from scrimmage for Brockport's offense, giving the team an early 7-0 lead.
Early on in the second quarter the Hawks would get on the board. Brockport's quarterback Chris McGuire would be intercepted for a 62-yard pick six by Hartwick's Nelon Priest to tie the game up at 7-7. Before halftime, Fontanarosa would punch it in for his second touchdown of the day to give the Green and Gold a 14-7 edge at the break.
The Golden Eagle defense was fantastic against the run, keeping the opponent to -13 rushing yards and a total of just 190 yards of offense. They outgained Hartwick, 412-190, behind a season-high 353 rushing yards.
To begin the second half, Raylens Boutin would get the action going right away with his 41-yard kickoff return. This would set up Brockport's 9-play, 55-yard drive in 4:26 that was capped off by Gino's third rushing score. The squad held a 21-7 advantage over the Hartwick Hawks going into the fourth.
A 4-yard Kyle Szokoli touchdown pass to Nate Rath would help the Hawks cut into the lead, as they trailed 21-14 with 4:47 left in regulation. With 2:12 on the clock, Gino Fontanarosa crossed the goal line for his fourth time in the matchup on a 4-yard carry. His touchdown would make it a two-score game at 28-14.
With time winding down, the Hawks had to air it out on offense to try and score quickly. Malik Kelly would shut the door at any small chance of a comeback with his 65-yard pick six with just over a minute to play. Kelly's highlight play on defense secured the final, 35-14, for the Golden Eagles on the road.
Hartwick is now 2-5 overall and 0-4 in the Empire 8. The Hawks will be on the road next weekend for another E8 matchup against St. John Fisher.
The Golden Eagles are back on their home field next week for the I-90 Bowl Rivalry Game against Buffalo State. The action gets started at 12pm on Saturday, October 29th right in Brockport, NY on Bob Boozer Field.