Jake Spalik (Johnson City, NY/ Johnson City) recorded eight catches for 116 yards to become the all-time leader in career reception yardage despite The College of Brockport football team's 42-40 loss to Buffalo State in a see-saw battle for the I-90 Bowl on Saturday afternoon in Buffalo.
Both teams struggled to get points on the board in the opening quarter. The Bengals came close to scoring early, but a field goal attempt sailed wide left. The Golden Eagles were able to get on the board first with 3:51 remaining in the quarter. Ty Stoldt (Alden, NY/Alden) capped off an 11-play, 80-yard drive with a 22-yard pass to Andrew Mrozek (Depew, NY/Lancaster) to take a 7-0 lead.
Just 1:19 into the second quarter, Buffalo State answered back with a seven yard run to tie the game 7-7. The Bengals then took the lead with 5:31 reaming in the first half. Buffalo State scored on a nine play, 76-yard drive.
With time running out and Brockport looking like it was going to head into halftime trailing, Stoldt capped off a six play, 50-yard drive with a 14-yard pass to a wide open Spalik in the back corner of the end zone to tie up the game once again. With that catch, Spalik's 2,148 total yards surpassed the previous record for career receiving yards set by Dan FIchter with 2,077 yards from 1989-91.
Brockport started out the second half on a high note. The Golden Eagles scored a touchdown just 50 seconds into the third quarter. Darryl Thompson (Rochester, NY/Marshall) caught a pass from Stoldt and ran it all the way to the end zone for the 76-yard scoring play. The Golden Eagles took a 21-14 lead off of a two play, 79-yard drive.
Once again, the Bengals had an answer and tied the game back up 3:47 later with a 46-yard touchdown pass.
The Golden Eagles, unfazed by the Bengals touchdown, regained the lead with six minutes remaining the third quarter. Tyrone Nichols (Troy, NY/Lansingburgh) pushed through the Buffalo State defense for a 10-yard run and into the end zone. The extra point was blocked giving Brockport a 27-21 advantage.
Buffalo State opened up the final quarter of the game with a touchdown, this time taking the lead by one at 28-27. The Bengals added to their lead with another touchdown at 9:12 for a 35-27 lead.
Spalik finished an 11 play, 77-yard drive with a seven yard catch from Stoldt to bring the Golden Eagles to within two points at 33-35. Brockport went for the two point play to tie the game, but Stoldt had no one to throw it to and the Golden Eagles would have to settle for six.
With time winding down in regulation, Buffalo State pushed its lead to nine with a two yard rushing touchdown but the Golden Eagles, not ready to back down, pushed the ball down the field in the final minutes of the game. Stoldt recorded his fifth touchdown of the game with a 27-yard pass to Mrozek. The five touchdowns through the air tied the school record.
Unfortunately, there was not enough time for the Golden Eagles to come back for the win and possession of the I-90 Bowl trophy. Brockport tried for an onside kick in the last minute of play, but was charged with a penalty because the ball only traveled nine yards. With possession of the ball, Buffalo State took a knee and the clock ran down.
Stoldt finished with 414 yards passing on 29-of-44 attempts with five touchdowns He also rushed for 56 yards on 14 carries. Spalik had two touchdowns and 116 yards receiving.
Mrozek was another Golden Eagle to record a milestone during the game. With 106 yards receiving, Mrozek has surpassed the 1,500-yard milestone for his career.
Nichols was the leading rusher for Brockport with 75 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown.
On defense, Colby Morabito (Rochester, NY/Hilton) finished the game with 11 tackles and one sack. Lincoln Jacobs (Brooklyn, NY/Grand Street) and Camden Palmeter (Oneonta, NY/Oneonta) each recorded a sack.