Brockport, NY – The SUNY Brockport football team put together a dominant showing in the second half to defeat the University of Rochester, 42-23, in the ECAC Clayton Chapman Bowl Game.
Following the game, it was announced that Brockport's Isaiah Simmons was named the game's MVP. Simmons had 168 rushing yards on 30 carries and three rushing touchdowns. Brockport finishes the 2024 season 8-3 after the bowl game victory.
In the first quarter, it was the Green and Gold that lit up the scoreboard first. Ben Gocella connected with Brian Caldwell Jr. for a 13-yard touchdown pass to start the party. Brockport went up 7-0 early, but the visiting Yellowjackets would respond.
The rest of the first quarter and the rest of the half belonged to the U of R. Quickly after Caldwell's score, the Yellowjackets went on a 6-play, 75-yard drive to tie the game up at 7-7. They then pick Gocella off right away on the next series, which led to another score for Rochester.
The U of R entered the second quarter with a 13-7 advantage, after a missed extra point on the second touchdown. The Yellowjackets were the only team to add to the games total in the second quarter of the contest. They made good on a 21-yard field goal to secure a 16-7 halftime lead.
Brockport came out of the locker room at the half ready to play "Brockport football." It all started with a much-needed stop on defense after U of R got the ball to start the third quarter. A 3-and-out defensively set the table for the offense to get going early in the second half.
Gocella found Nolan Slywka on a quick slant, which resulted in a 41-yard gain in the passing game for the Green and Gold. A few plays later, Isaiah Simmons punched it in for a touchdown. Sal Montaperto made good on the PAT, cutting the deficit to just two points with 11:00 on the 3rd quarter clock.
The Golden Eagles went back to work defensively, getting two more quick stops in the period to seize all momentum from the Yellowjackets. This time the offense saw Gocella hit Daniel Manneh for the biggest play of the game offensively. Manneh broke loose on the play for a 69-yard touchdown to give Brockport a 21-16 lead.
Hoping to hold off Brockport on the road, Rochester was ready to answer on offense in its next drive. A healthy mix of running and passing moved the ball down the field to set up a 14-yard touchdown pass. Rochester regained the lead, 23-21, going into the fourth quarter at Bob Boozer Field.
The Golden Eagles turned it up a notch for the fourth quarter, looking to finish out the season on a high note. They would go on to outscore Rochester 21-0 in the fourth and 35-7 in the second half.
It all started with a healthy diet of Isaiah Simmons early on in the fourth frame. He capped off Brockport's next scoring drive with a 20-yard rushing score to give the team a 28-23 lead. After a defensive stop, Brockport's offense went right back to the ground game. Simmons would score another touchdown, this time on a 31-yard run to put the team up 35-23.
Rochester, now trailing by 12, resumed possession with just over three minutes left in regulation. Hoping to make something happen, the Yellowjackets took to the passing game. However, their effort to move the ball was quicky halted by the Golden Eagles defense.
Freshman Liam Nealy picked off Rochester's QB Creighton Wise and returned the ball 42-yard to the house for a pick-6 touchdown. Nealy's first career interception and score lifted the final score up to 42-23 for the Brockport win.
Ben Gocella returned from injury, throwing for 264 yards and two touchdowns on 19-for-30 passing. He found Daniel Manneh for six catches, 111 yards, and one score. Nolan Slywka got in on the action with four catches for 75 yards. Brian Caldwell Jr. had one touchdown from six receptions and 58 yards. Isaiah Simmons led the way for the rushing attack with 168 yards and three scores on the ground.
Kyle Haettich had a big day for the defense, leading the way with nine total tackles. Haettich also had 1.0 sacks, 2.0 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble. Liam Nealy made plays all day to rack up eight tackles (7 solo) to go with his 42-yard pick-6. Aidan Thomas got the start at linebacker and responded with 1.5 sacks in the contest.
The secondary also made plenty of plays in the passing game. Brockport had 12 total pass breakups, with Elijah Grooms leading the way with four. Brady Schenll (2), Jahmere Clarke (2), Chris Leahy (1), Kyle Haettich (1), Liam Nealy (1), and Mike Talbert Jr. (1) all contributed in defending passes.
Brockport wraps up the 2024 season with a win at home at Bob Boozer Field in the 2024 ECAC Clayton Chapman Bowl Game. The Golden Eagles finished the year 8-3 overall and placed second in the Empire 8 at 5-2.