<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0aZXIu_0vMe6sQh00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0aZXIu_0vMe6sQh00" width="1200" height="675" >Brockport, NY – The SUNY Brockport football team is retaining the I-90 Bowl Trophy for an eighth consecutive year after shutting out Buffalo State, 27-0. The Golden Eagles take the season opener at home in convincing fashion to begin the 2024 season 1-0.Brockport's defense had three takeaways to help keep the visiting Bengals off the scoreboard. The experienced defensive unit shutdown the opposing run game, allowing just 26 yards on 21 carries. In the passing game, junior Malik Kelly came up with a pair of interceptions from his spot in the secondary.Offensively, it was a big day for sophomore running back Isaiah Simmons. He ran for a career-high 185 yards (2nd career 100-yard game) and scored a career-best two rushing touchdowns. Simmons' big highlight was a career-long, 77-yard touchdown run. Brockport totaled 435 yards of offense (242 rush, 193 pass) and found the endzone four times (2 rush, 2 pass).Brockport received the opening kickoff, and it didn't take the offense long to light up the scoreboard. On just the second snap, Isaiah Simmons broke free for the 77-yard rushing score. After the missed point after attempt, the Green and Gold held a 6-0 lead just 46 seconds into the contest.The Bengals took their turn on offense after a strong kick return out to the 37-yard line. Quarterback Noah Kimble connected with Mikai Johnson for a 40-yard completion to get in scoring position. On third down, Malik Kelly picked off Kimble to put a halt to Buffalo State's drive.Later in the first quarter, it was Simmons once again finding the endzone for the Green and Gold. He scored from eight yards out this time around, capping off a 6-play, 42-yard drive. Sal Montaperto knocked the extra point through to give the squad a 13-0 lead going into the second quarter.After another strong stop from the Golden Eagle defense, Buffalo State was forced to punt early in the second. The pace of the game slowed down, with both teams moving the ball without scoring points. Each team missed a field goal try before the break, as the score remained 13-0 at halftime.The second half kickoff went to Buffalo State, but the Brockport defense remained solid. Brockport forced a quick punt, giving the ball right back to the offense. A healthy diet of Isaiah Simmons helped push into Bengal territory. On a fourth down play inside the redzone, quarterback Ben Gocella threw his lone interception of the game. Buffalo State's Basiaka Butcher made the play, returning the pick back 40 yards to the 46-yard line.However, the Golden Eagles defense stepped up once again to get the ball back quickly. Kimble would throw yet another interception, and it was Malik Kelly getting his second interception of the night. Both defenses stood strong the rest of the third quarter, as the score read 13-0 still heading into the fourth.Already in Bengal territory to start the fourth quarter, Brockport's offense had another opportunity to increase its lead. Ben Gocella found Daniel Manneh for a 31-yard touchdown in the opening minute of the quarter. It was Gocella's first touchdown pass of the season and Manneh's first career score as a Golden Eagle. Montaperto knocked the extra point through once again to move the score to 20-0.Staying true to its form, the Brockport defense would force another quick punt after the touchdown in the fourth. Daniel Manneh's punt return gave the Green and Gold offense the ball at midfield with 13:24 left to play.Manneh then got loose for another nice play, linking up with Gocella for a 29-yard completion. This play set Brockport up inside the 10-yard line, threatening to score again. After a penalty, Ben Gocella found Nolan Slywka for a diving catch in the corner of the endzone. Slywka's 20-yard touchdown reception and Montaperto's extra point gave Brockport a 27-0 lead.Buffalo State took over on offense in desperate need of points to stay in the game. On the first play of the drive, the Bengals fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Brockport's Jayson Thomas. Thomas secured the defense's third takeaway of the game.With time running out and a comfortable lead, the Brockport offense looked to run the ball and kill clock. Kyseem Springer made his debut in the backfield down the stretch, helping put the game away with the run game. The Golden Eagles celebrated its season opener at home with an eighth straight I-90 Bowl victory over Buffalo State.Ben Gocella went 15-for-25 in the passing game with 193 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Daniel Manneh (4 rec, 89 yards) and Nolan Slywka (6 rec, 82 yards) both snagged touchdown receptions in front of the home crowd.Ben Robinson had six tackles from his linebacker spot to lead the defense. Preseason All-American Kyle Haettich made five tackles and broke up one pass. Mike Talbert Jr. made his presence felt with four solo tackles, including 1.0 tackles for a loss, one QB hurry, and a pass deflection.Andre Marianetti recorded Brockport's lone sack to go with his three solo stops, 2.0 tackles for a loss, one pass breakup, and one QB hurry. The defense held Buffalo State to just 1.2 yards per carry in the game and just a 39.3% completion rate in the passing game. The Bengals went just 4-for-15 on third down conversions against this stout Brockport defense.The Golden Eagles now turn their attention to No. 12 Susquehanna University for a road game in week two. They look for revenge from last year's 6-5 loss to the River Hawks at home. Brockport football is back in action on Saturday, September 14th down in Selinsgrove, PA.</div></body>

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Brockport Blanks Buffalo State for 8th Straight I-90 Bowl Victory

Brockport, NY – The SUNY Brockport football team is retaining the I-90 Bowl Trophy for an eighth consecutive year after shutting out Buffalo State, 27-0. The Golden Eagles take the season opener at home in convincing fashion to begin the 2024 season 1-0. Brockport's defense had three takeaways to...

Brockport Blanks Buffalo State for 8th Straight I-90 Bowl Victory

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