BROCKPORT, N.Y. – After a thrilling win at Utica College last weekend, The College at Brockport football team returns home this weekend to host Ithaca College in an Empire 8 contest set for 1 pm on Saturday.
 
This weekend's game will be a crucial one as both teams hold a record of 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the Empire 8.  The two are currently tied for third in the conference behind Alfred University (5-0, 3-0) and St. John Fisher College (6-0, 4-0), both of whom are nationally ranked.  This season, four of Brockport's five games have been decided by seven points or less.
 
The two teams have a storied history, with this week marking the 56th anniversary of when the teams first met in 1950.  Since then, they have faced off 33 times, with Ithaca leading the series with 24 wins.  In last year's win, Jerry Thompson and Nate Wilkinson each scored two receiving touchdowns, with Wilkinson hauling in a 71-yard pass.  Jason Howard, Alex Egglinger and Austin Dean led the defense with seven tackles apiece.  Dean also led the team with five tackles for loss and one sack.
 
The Golden Eagles are coming off an exciting win at Utica last weekend.  The game was highlighted by a 100-yard pick-six by Jake O'Connell.  Midway through the fourth quarter, Brockport was holding on to a seven-point lead with the Pioneers facing first and goal from their own six-yard line. The sophomore intercepted a pass in the end zone and returned it 100-yards for his first career pick-six.  The play set a Brockport football record for longest interception returned for a touchdown, and tied the NCAA record. 
 
Brockport's offensive line earned national recognition this week for their dominating performance.  Adan Barrientos, Caleb Ferdilus, James Grennan, Mark Sanchez, Justin Torres and Mike Ambrosio were named to the D3football.com National Team of the Week after paving the way for a season-high 361-yards rushing and four rushing touchdowns. The Green and Gold tabbed 433 yards of total offense and outrushed the Pioneers 361-77, averaging 6.6 yards per play.
 
The Golden Eagles continue to stand atop seven statistical categories in the Empire 8 conference.  Brockport ranks first in completion percentage, defensive touchdowns, third down conversion percentage, punt return defense, fourth down conversion percentage, turnover margin and rushing defense.  A completion percentage of 71.8% is good for third in the nation among all Division III schools, while three defensive touchdowns and a 55.7% third down conversion percentage are both good for fourth.
 
Dan Andrews continues to climb up the national rankings, this week reaching 2nd in rushing touchdowns with 12, and 9th in rushing yards and rushing yards per game.  The senior is ranked fourth in career rushing yards among all active running backs in all divisions.
 
Ithaca has won its past two games improve to 3-2 on the season.  The Bombers posted a convincing 50-27 win at home over conference opponent Hartwick College last weekend.  Wolfgang Shafer threw for 222-yards and three touchdowns with Tristan Brown and Evan Skea each ran in two scores.  Dan Loizos led the defense with 10 tackles while Pat Minogue led with 3.5 tackles for loss, followed by Kenny Bradley with three.
 
In the Empire 8, Loizos currently ranks second with 12.0 tackles per game.  Brown's 68.4 rushing yards per game puts him at 8th.
 
The Golden Eagles will remain at home next week to host SUNY Cortland on Oct. 22 with kick off slated for 3 pm.  The 2016 Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at half time as part of the Homecoming Weekend festivities.
 
Be sure to stay up to date on all your Golden Eagle scores and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by liking the "Brockport Golden Eagles" Facebook page.

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