ALFRED, NY – Defensive heroics for the Alfred University football team led to a 42-6 win over Hartwick College on Saturday afternoon from Yunevich Stadium as part of Senior Day and Hall of Fame Weekend.
Prior to the game, the Alfred University football program took some time to recognize their outgoing senior class competing in their final home games. As part of the halftime ceremony, Alfred University honored their 2023 Hall of Fame class.
Chris Kelly (Lake Ronkonkoma, NY/Sachem North) completed 11-of-15 passing for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 34 yards through the run game. Max Freeman IV (Painted Post, NY/Corning-Painted Post) finished the game with 94 rushing yards and a touchdown across 10 attempts. Luke Atlas (Wilson, NY/Wilson) had a breakout game that included 2 interceptions.
"I'm really proud of how we came out and played," Head Coach Bob Rankl said. "We had a great tribute to our seniors that put in hard work with the football program. We are excited to start preparing against a talented Brockport team next week and finishing the season on a high note."
The Saxons special teams unit stepped up in the early stages of the opening quarter, as a blocked punt by Steven Bidwell (Owego, NY/Owego Free Academy) was brought back for a touchdown to give AU the early lead. In the following drive for Hartwick, Atlas recorded his first interception of the afternoon, nearly returning it for a touchdown. The offense for AU relied on the run game often, as a 6-play drive was capped off by a 29-yard touchdown by Freeman to extend the lead to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. The Hawks drove down the field during their respective opening drive in the second quarter, but a pass in the end zone was once again picked off by Atlas for a touchback. Neither side got on the scoreboard again before halftime, as AU led by a 14-0 margin.
The offense for AU found success early in the third quarter, as Kelly connected with Dion Anderson (Buffalo, NY/St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute) for a 14-yard touchdown. The defense continued to have their way with the Hartwick offense, as Adam Mietz (Akron, NY/Akron) picked up his second interception of the fall season. The Saxons just needed five plays before Kelly found Jacob Kelsey (Hilton, NY/Hilton) in the end zone. Alfred University turned to Braden Alexander (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer) in the run game for a majority of the second half, as a 1-yard touchdown resulted in the Saxons leading 35-0. The Hawks remained aggressive in the passing game, but a miscue allowed Tony Davis (Brooklyn, NY/Midwood) to record an interception late in the third quarter.
In the opening moments of the fourth quarter, Hartwick attempted a field goal that was ultimately blocked by Keenan Ollison (Niagara Falls, NY/Canisius). The Saxons handed the ball off to Bidwell for six consecutive plays in the fourth quarter before he scored through a 3-yard touchdown. The Hawks tried to find momentum late, but the Saxons ended the game thanks to an interception from Steve Cordell Hoskins III (Buffalo, NY/St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute).
Alfred University will next conclude their regular season on the road at SUNY Brockport next Saturday at 12:00 PM.
