BROCKPORT, N.Y. – The College at Brockport football team earned a crucial win in the Empire 8 Saturday, beating Ithaca College, 42-28, behind quarterback Joe Germinerio's 185-yards passing and Austin Dean's four and a half sacks.
The Golden Eagles improve to 4-2 on the season, and 3-1 in the Empire 8 while the Bombers fall to 3-3 overall and 3-2 in the conference.
Brockport held the advantage in total yards, reaching 413-yards to Ithaca's 253. The Golden Eagles tabbed 200 rushing yards while holding the Bomber to negative 11-yards rushing.
Ithaca controlled the first frame, jumping out to a 14-3 lead. Brett Renzi's 29-yard field goal was the lone score of quarter for Brockport.
The Golden Eagles outscored the Bombers 17-0 in the second quarter after finding the end zone on their first two possessions. Germinerio took over on Brockport's first drive, rushing for 23-yards on three carries, and tabbing the Golden Eagles first touchdown of the game. Renzi's kick attempt was good, cutting Brockport's deficit to four.
The Brockport defense came up big on the ensuing drive, forcing Ithaca to punt after just four plays.
Austin Dean recorded two sacks on Ithaca's final drive of the half. Dean tabbed a solo sack for a loss of five-yards, then teamed up with Ed Suriano for a sack of seven-yards. Ithaca's final drive saw only three plays for a loss of 19-yards including one penalty for delay of game.
The Golden Eagles took over at their own 33-yard line with just over four minutes remaining. Germinerio found Thompson again, this time for a 40-yard gain to the Ithaca 25-yard line. The offense was unable to score a touchdown, but Renzi kicked a field goal right down the middle, this time from 31-yards out, as time expired to give Brockport a 20-14 at the half.
The two teams traded touchdowns to start the third quarter. Adonis Carrasco returned Ithaca's kickoff 24-yards to set up the Golden Eagles at their own 36-yard line. Ian Gilhousen ran through the defenders for a 32-yard catch, breaking into Bomber territory. An Ithaca penalty advanced Brockport inside Ithaca's red zone. Andrews took it from there with a 16-yard run, regaining a 27-21 lead after Renzi converted the extra point.
Germinerio finished a perfect 10-for-10 on passing for 185-yards and one touchdown. He was also the teams leading rusher, tabbing 108-yards on 27 carries for two touchdowns. Andrews finished with 77-yards and two scores.
The defense was lead by Dean with seven tackles and 4.5 sacks for a loss of 31-yards. James Rupp tabbed six tackles while Sean McKean and Ryan Johnson each recorded five. Dennis Thomas III and Stanley Johnson contributed one sack each. Six Golden Eagles combined for seven tackles for a loss, reaching 51-yards.
Renzi finished a perfect four-for-four on extra point attempts and two-for-two on field goals.
The Golden Eagles will remain home next weekend for Homecoming Weekend. The Golden Eagles will host the Red Dragons of SUNY Cortland on Oct. 22 with kickoff slated for 3 pm.
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