ONEONTA, NY – The Alfred University football team celebrated their final road game of the regular season with a 51-0 win over Hartwick College on Saturday afternoon.

Chris Kelly (Lake Ronkonkoma, NY/Lake Ronkonkoma) completed 8-of-16 passes for 144 passing yards and three touchdowns. Max Freeman IV (Corning, NY/Corning-Painted Post) finished the game with a season-high 122 rushing yards to go with a pair of touchdowns. Carmine Hoag (Salamanca, NY/Salamanca) totaled a team-high 99 receiving yards along with a touchdown. Roque Santiago (Canisteo, NY/Canisteo-Greenwood) had an excellent day for the AU defense, forcing a fumble, recording an interception and blocking a field goal attempt by the Hawks.

"Today was a fun game for our team," Head Coach Bob Rankl said. "It was awesome to get a chance to watch all our backups get an opportunity to contribute on the field as well. We're looking forward to building off the momentum going into our final game of the season against Brockport. Senior Day should be an exciting one for our players."

The Saxons put together a 10-play drive in their first offensive possession, which was capped off by a 35-yard field goal by Dominic Bronco (Rochester, NY/Aquinas) for the initial lead. In their next drive, a 41-yard rushing touchdown by Freeman extended the lead for AU before going into the second quarter with a 10-0 lead. Freeman continued to dominate through the run game, scoring from the two-yard line in the early stages of the second quarter. In the next offensive drive for Alfred University, Kelly found Jonye Rosebury Jr (Tampa, FL/Tampa Bay Tech) for the six-yard score. Kelly continued to excel from the pocket, tossing a 36-yard touchdown to Dion Anderson (Buffalo, NY/St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute). A rushing touchdown by Steven Bidwell (Owego, NY/Owego Free Academy) forced the Hawks to attempt a field goal in the closing stages of the first half, which was ultimately blocked by Santiago.

The first touchdown of the second half came from a 38-yard connection from Kelly to Braden Alexander (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer). Santiago continued to have an influence on the AU defense, sacking the opposing quarterback and forcing the fumble that was recovered by Landon Spencer (Syracuse, NY/West Genesee). In the fourth quarter, Jayden Noel (Brookyn, NY/Automotive) added to the defensive success, forcing a fumble of his own that was picked up by Brady Wright (Deerfield, NY/Whitesboro). The Saxons brought out their backups in the final quarter, with Caleb Eastman (Colonie, NY/Colonie Central) launching a 55-yard passing touchdown to Hoag to extend the advantage and ultimately come away with the win.

Alfred University will next wrap up their regular season against SUNY Brockport. Prior to the game, Alfred University Athletics will celebrate the 21 members of the senior/graduating class. During halftime, AU Athletics will recognize the latest Hall of Fame class, as well presenting the 2023-24 women's tennis team with their championship rings.