ALFRED, NY – A hard-fought battle between the Alfred University football team and Alfred State College ended in a 14-12 victory for the Pioneers on Saturday afternoon at Yunevich Stadium. The annual rivalry matchup awarded Alfred State two points toward the Alfred Cup standings.
Prior to kickoff, Alfred University Athletics recognized 14 graduating seniors from the football program. During halftime, the department also celebrated the Alfred University Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026, featuring four student-athlete inductees, one coach, a Silver Saxon and one Team of Distinction. This year's class includes
Chelsea (Hall) Muller '14,
Sean Locker '15, PhD '21,
David Luke '15,
Nicole (Maher) Cuomo '16,
Dave Murray,
Joe Kovacs '70 and the 1985-86 men's basketball team.
"Today, and the season so far in general, has not lived up to the standards and expectations that we set for ourselves here at Alfred University," Head Coach
Bob Rankl said. "That being said, our guys played hard for four quarters and never quit, and we had an opportunity to win that football game. I especially want to thank our seniors, who have given so much to this program over the last four years. We have a great group of kids here and we will rally and prepare for our final game of the season against Morrisville."
Alfred State opened the scoring early in the first quarter with a 15-yard rushing touchdown. The Saxons' defense responded by forcing a turnover on downs at the AU 32-yard line. Alfred University's defensive unit continued to make plays in the second quarter, as
Ryan Waddell (Windsor, NY/Windsor Central) recorded a tackle for loss on fourth down to halt another Pioneer possession. However, Alfred State found the end zone once more in the closing minutes of the first half to take a 14-0 lead into the break.
The Saxons got on the scoreboard on their opening possession of the second half, as
Dominic Bronco (Rochester, NY/Aquinas) connected on a 38-yard field goal. Bronco added another three points on AU's next scoring drive, converting a 21-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 14-6.
With Alfred State driving in the fourth quarter,
Martin Flanders Jr. (Schuylerville, NY/Schuylerville) came up with a forced fumble and recovery, giving the Saxons possession with less than eight minutes remaining. After Alfred University turned the ball over, the defense responded once again, forcing a stop to give the offense another opportunity with just over a minute remaining.
With 40 seconds on the clock,
Matt Parker (Middletown, DE/Gilman School) connected with
Damone Allen (Buffalo, NY/St. Francis) for a touchdown, bringing the Saxons within two points at 14-12. However, Alfred University was unable to convert the ensuing two-point attempt, as the Pioneers held on for the victory.
Alfred University will close out its 2026 campaign next Saturday, traveling to face SUNY Morrisville at 1:00 PM.
--Swords Forward Saxons--
