Oneonta, NY - SUNY Brockport improved to 3-1 (1-0 E8) with a decisive 37-11 win over Hartwick (1-3, 0-2 E8) on Saturday at Wright Stadium. After a scoreless first quarter, the Golden Eagles forced the game's defining play late in the first half and then exploded for 17 points in the third quarter on the way to victory.
The game was a defensive stalemate until 2:40 left in the 2nd quarter. Hartwick running back Akil Williams had the ball punched out by Austyn Gollnitz, and the fumble was recovered by Brockport's Ari Gefell for a touchdown.
A 7-0 lead at halftime was just the start for the Golden Eagles. On the first offensive snap of the third quarter, Zymier Jackson linked up with Nolan Slywka on a quick slant, which resulted in a 64-yard touchdown.
Christopher Bascetta would make it a 14-0 lead with the extra point, before adding three more with a field goal from 22 yards out.
On the very next offensive snap, Derrion Battle broke through the middle for a 74-yard touchdown run. Breaking multiple tackles on the play, Battle put Brockport up 24-0.
Hartwick answered with its best drive of the day, scoring and converting a 2-point attempt to make it 24-8. Brockport responded with an 8-play, 75-yard march capped by Jackson's 34-yard TD pass to Anthony Diaz.
Midway through the fourth, the Golden Eagles found the end zone one last time. Chris McGuire hit Nolan Slywka for a 25-yard TD.
While gaining 429 yards of total offense on the day, Brockport also held Hartwick to just 203 yards. The Hawks ran for only 24 yards on 25 carries, as the Golden Eagle defensive unit refused to give up any free yards.
The difference was explosive plays and run defense. Brockport had four plays over 27 yards — the 64-yard pass, 74-yard run, 34-yard pass, and 27-yard rush — while Hartwick's longest play from scrimmage was 24 yards. Brockport averaged 4.3 yards per rush and allowed just 1.0, out-rushing Hartwick 180-24 despite similar time of possession.
Week 5 will bring the Golden Eagles back home to Bob Boozer Field for another Empire 8 clash. It's the annual Courage Bowl for Camp Good Days, with Brockport welcoming St. John Fisher on Saturday, October 3rd for a 6pm kickoff.
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Top Performers:
Nolan Slywka – 5 receptions, 134 yards, and 2 TDs (64, 25)
Derrion Battle – 18 carries, 118 yards, and 1 TD (74)
Zymier Jackson – 12-for-25 passing, 224 yards, and 2 TDs
Anthony Diaz – 5 receptions, 83 yards, and 1 TD (34)
Nazhier Wilson – 8 tackles, 7 solo, and 2 tackles for loss
Austyn Gollnitz – 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble (led to TD)
Brady Winter – 7 tackles, 5 solo, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 blocked FG (1st Quarter)
