ITHACA, N.Y. — The SUNY Cortland Red Dragons maintained their lengthy unbeaten streak during Saturday’s 65th annual Cortaca Jug game, beating Ithaca College 28-17.
Cortland has now claimed two consecutive Cortaca Jug victories, bringing the series total to 43-36-3 in favor of Ithaca College. Cortland was led by a prolific rushing attack that racked up 324 yards, including 132 from senior quarterback Zac Boyes and 183 from sophomore running back Ethan Gallo.
The Bombers entered the game on a five-game win streak, having steadied themselves after an uneven start to the season. The streak was highlighted by consecutive shutouts of Union College and St. Lawrence University in the two games prior to Saturday’s Cortaca Jug game.
But Ithaca was unable to repeat that success against Cortland. The Bombers, who finished their season at 6-4, led 14-7 after the first quarter thanks to touchdowns from senior running backs Jake Williams and Jalen Leonard-Osbourne. Leonard-Osbourne finished with 176 total yards on the day, including 117 rushing yards on 13 carries to lead the Bombers.
The score was tied 14-14 at halftime, but Cortland was able to pull away during the final two quarters, seizing a 21-17 lead on a five-yard touchdown pass from Boyes to CJ Messina with 9:18 left in the third quarter. Boyes added a rushing touchdown with three minutes left in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
Cortland, last year’s defending Division III national champion, finished the 2024 regular season undefeated and ranked second in Division III. The Red Dragons haven’t lost a game since September 2023.
For Ithaca, quarterbacks Colin Shumm and Matthew Parker combined for 191 passing yards and one touchdown, while Williams led the way receiving with his lone catch of 56 yards that went for a score.
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