Rochester, NY – On Saturday, the Golden Eagles fell to St. John Fisher, 31-24, in overtime in the 20^th Annual Courage Bowl. Brockport drops to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Empire 8 Conference play.
 
In the first quarter, it was Brockport that scored first to go up 7-0. Ben Gocella hit Xavier Smith for a 22-yard touchdown pass. However, St. John Fisher answered quickly to tie the score up at 7-7 early in the second.
 
Going back-and-forth in the opening half, the Golden Eagles marched down the field for another score to retake the lead. Isaiah Simmons broke loose for a 24-yard scamper, giving the Green and Gold a 14-7 lead.
 
The Cardinals would enter halftime on a high note at home in front of the Courage Bowl crowd. A touchdown in the final minute before the break, tied the score up at 14-14.
 
Brockport's Daniel Manneh then caught a 3-yard touchdown to give Brockport a 21-14 lead midway through the third quarter. St. John Fisher's offense put together a big drive to tie the game up 21-21.
 
With 1:56 left on the clock, the hosting Cardinals would take their first lead of the day with a 24-yard field goal. St. John Fisher took a 24-21 lead late in the fourth, but Brockport was ready to respond.
 
Zach McGowan came up clutch with a 34-yard field goal make as time expired to tie the score up at 24-24. It capped off a 12-play, 48-yard drive to send Courage Bowl XX into overtime.
 
Fisher took the first offensive possession in overtime, scoring on a 4-yard touchdown pass to take a 31-24 lead. Brockport had the chance to answer, but an untimely turnover would end the game. The Cardinals scooped up a fumble to secure the 31-24 win in overtime, their first Courage Bowl win since 2016.
 
Brockport's offense totaled 396 yards, including 279 yards and two touchdowns through the air by Ben Gocella. Isaiah Simmons led the rushing attack as usual, going for 113 yards and one score on the ground.
 
Nathan Williams led the receiving corp with 77 yards on five catches. Daniel Manneh had seven catches for 37 yards and a touchdown. Xavier Smith had a receiving touchdown on two catches for 30 yards.
 
Luca Friedman had a big day for the defense, leading the way with 12 total tackles (9 solo) and three quarterback hurries. Jayson Thomas and Kanye Davis teamed up for Brockport's lone sack in the game.
 
In the secondary, Liam Nealy had six solo tackles, one breakup, and a QB hurry. Elijah Grooms also had a pass breakup for the defense in the contest.
 
The Golden Eagles are on a bye in week six of the 2025 season following the loss to St. John Fisher. They will prepare for a date with Alfred State back home on Bob Boozer Field on Saturday, October 18^th at 12pm.