Hillburn, N.Y. - The St. Thomas Aquinas College Sprint Football team allowed 21-second half points, as Cornell University rallied back to beat the host Spartans, 24-23, on Friday evening at the Torne Valley Sports Complex in the Lower Hudson Valley.
STAC slips to 1-4 overall and 1-3 within the CSFL North Division, while Cornell improves to 2-3 and 2-0.
A lively crowd was also on hand to celebrate the college's annual Homecoming, Reunion and Family Weekend.
STAC HIGHLIGHTS AND GAME NOTES
- Jayden Bennermon led the Spartans' offense with eight receptions totaling 115 yards and two scores. His longest catch went for 33 yards. Bennermon also had one rushing attempt, which went for 22 yards.
- Additionally, Savion Williams scored a touchdown for the Spartans, while making nine catches for 71 yards.
- Starting quarterback Ryan Kenny completed 27 of 43 passes, for 282 yards, while throwing three touchdowns and three interceptions. Kenny also ran 15 times for 26 yards.
- On the defensive side of the ball, Ethan Hence recorded 10 tackles (3 solo, 7 assist), with two going for losses totalling 11 yards. Meanwhile, teammate JoJo Miranda made 9 stops (6 solo, 3 assist) and grabbed an interception.
- Big Red QBs Evan Nicholas and Max Spero were picked off three seperate times, with the aformentioned Miranda grabbing one ball and Esmond Oldums and Brayan Anaman each getting a hold of Cornell passes.
- Kicker Jeremy Schucker hit a 24-yard field goal and was successful on two of his three extra point attempts.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Quarter
- Cornell (3-0) - Kicker Stephen Cisz 38-Yard Field Goal Good.
- STAC (3-3) - Kicker Jeremy Schucker 24-Yard Field Goal Good.
Second Quarter
- STAC (10-3) - Wide Receiver Jayden Bennermon 17-Yard TD Pass from Quarterback Ryan Kenny (Jeremy Schucker Kick Good).
Third Quarter
- STAC (17-3) - Wide Receiver Jayden Bennermon 33-Yard TD Pass from Quarterback Ryan Kenny (Jeremy Schucker Kick Good).
- Cornell (17-11) - Wide Receiver Colin Boyle 21-Yard TD Pass from Quarterback Evan Nicholas (Evan Nicholas 2-Point Conversion Rush Good).
- Cornell (18-17) - Quarterback Evan Nicholas 5-Yard TD Run (Stephen Cisz Kick Good).
Fourth Quarter
- STAC (23-18) - Wide Receiver Savion Williams 1-Yard TD Pass from Quarterback Ryan Kenny (Jeremy Schucker Kick Blocked).
- Cornell (24-23) - Quarterback Evan Nicholas 3-Yard TD Run (Evan Nicholas 2-Point Conversion Rush Failed).
UP NEXT
STAC closes out its 2024 road schedule, facing Chestnut Hill College on Saturday, October 26. Kickoff between the Spartans and Griffins is set for 6:00 p.m. at A.A. Garthwaite Stadium in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.