Over 9,000 people crammed into Eunice Kennedy Shriver Stadium at the College at Brockport for the tenth annual Courage Bowl, but the first between St. John Fisher and the Golden Eagles.
The Cardinals entered the contest ranked seventh in the NCAA national rankings while Brockport was riding a nine-game winning streak.
Fisher drove 73 yards on just three carries on their opening drive and never looked back as they gained 404 yards on the ground in their way to a 36-20 victory.
Hilton grad Jake Brickler led the Golden Eagles with 14 tackles, including five solo. Senior Colby Morabito (Hilton) had two tackles and a pass breakup for his school-record tying 26th in his career.
Brockport was forced to play their third-string quarterback, Chase Venuto, due to an injury the previous week to Ty Stoldt and an ankle injury suffered by Wayne Bonsell on the team’s third offensive possession.
Proceeds for the event benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times, located on Keuka Lake in Branchport, NY – a camp started by Brockport alumni Wendy and Gary Mervis in honor of their daughter.
The camp provides an outlet for children in treatment for various forms of cancer. As part of the game, Camp Good Days selects boys, all of whom are campers in Camp Good Days’ programs and are dealing with cancer, to serve as Honorary Coaches, with each team. The Honorary Coaches attended a practice with their team; met their team for the pre-game meal; were in the locker room with their team; led their team on to the field; were at midfield for the coin toss; and stood with coaches on the sidelines during the game.
