Golden Eagles defeat ranked Ithaca

After dropping both meetings between the two schools last season, including in the NCAA playoffs, Brockport's Anthony Mariani blocked a 42-yard field goal attempt in the final minute to help the Golden Eagles hang on to a 21-20 victory over previously nationally ranked Ithaca.

The Bombers took a 13-0 lead, but had what would be a crucial extra point blocked on the second touchdown, before the Golden Eagles scored on a Bob Darnley to Mike Bond 15-yard touchdown. Ithaca countered with another touchdown in the first half to lead 20-7, but Brockport came back with a 27-yard touchdown reception by Jon Brown to trail by six at halftime.

With three minutes left in the third, the Golden Eagles capped a 13 play, 87-yard drive with a two-yard run by Brown. Collin Hoffman's extra point after A.J. Covella (Spencerport) handled the low snap gave the Golden Eagles a 21-20 lead.

Brockport's defense came up with the big play the rest of the game as John Walther intercepted an Ithaca pass with ten minutes left and had a quarterback sack on third down with six minutes left on consecutive possessions. With just 1:40 left and Ithaca driving, senior linebacker Tony Peters came up with a sack on second down before Mariani got his hand on the field goal attempt with 41 seconds left to seal the victory.

Hilton graduate Terry Gilmore had four tackles at linebacker of the Brockport defense, which had four interceptions in the game. Darnley was 14-25 passing for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

The Golden Eagles will be home for the final three regular season games against nationally ranked Rowan University, the College of New Jersey and Buffalo State.